The real test of Shadow Labyrinth lies in getting through the Great Tree, also known as the Sky-High Tree. This is one of the first objectives that involves a substantial amount of traversal. If you're used to playing Metroidvanias, you might know what to expect. There are plenty of paths that lead to secondary rooms, and even optional areas. While they're useful to gather resources, it can be easy to get lost. Moreover, the game's map can be quite obtuse, and you might miss doors and ledges that pertain to the main objective.

If you're finding it difficult to get through the Sky-high Tree areas, don't fret. Below is a step-by-step walkthrough detailing how to get through the Great Tree in Shadow Labyrinth, which culminates in a boss fight that rewards you with a key ability to continue moving forward.

How to get through the Great Tree in Shadow Labyrinth

You'll get access to the Great Tree area after defeating Orange G-HOST: Garbage Talos and obtaining the GAIA form thanks to the G-Phase Shift. Confusing nouns aside, the starting segments of the area are fairly linear. The key here is learning enemy patterns, as you'll encounter quite a few new foes while heading east.

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Shadow Labyrinth can be tough, and your HP Tank is an invaluable tool. On paper, it's similar to the Flask of Crimson Tears in Elden Ring, with the big difference being that using it restores the entirety of your health bar. It's great--the problem, however, is that for a long while, you only have access to one HP Tank.

As you traverse through the second main area of the game, which tasks you with reaching the top of the Sky-high Tree, you can come across an additional HP Tank. This, however, can be easily missed if you're rushing through things. If you're wondering how to get a second HP tank in Shadow Labyrinth, make sure to read the steps below promptly so you don't have to waste time backtracking later on.

How to get a second HP Tank in Shadow Labyrinth

The location of the second HP tank in Shadow Labyrinth is in the forest area as you're making your way through the Great Tree (also referred to as Sky-High Tree). We have a dedicated guide with a Great Tree walkthrough in case you need some guidance, as it's easy to get lost.

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RDS Game Traveler Deluxe Switch Pro Controller Case (Zelda)

$20 | Compatible with Switch 2 Pro Controller

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RDS Game Traveler Deluxe Switch Pro Controller Case (Black)

$20

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If you dropped $85 on the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and would like to keep it looking fresh, you may want to pick up a dedicated travel case. There's actually an officially licensed controller case made by RDS Industries that popped up on Amazon shortly before the Switch 2's launch. Available in a Zelda-themed edition or standard black, the RDS Game Traveler Deluxe Controller Case is up for grabs for $20 at Amazon.

The hardshell carrying case is compatible with both generations of the Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Con with grip attachments. You can also use it with a bunch of different third-party controllers; we highlighted some notable gamepads we've tested with the case at the bottom of this story.

RDS Game Traveler Deluxe Switch Pro Controller Case (Zelda) $20 | Compatible with Switch 2 Pro Controller

The Zelda branding on this case is subtle enough that Switch users who don't even like the series would probably be fine with it. A round metal emblem with the game's logo is affixed on the center of the top cover. It also has a gold zipper pull with the Tears of the Kingdom logo. The promotional images don't do a great job of displaying the colors. After receiving the case recently, I can confirm that it's forest green, similar to Link's iconic tunic.

The case was designed for the original Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Cons with a grip attached. That said, the recessed bottom mold also fits the Switch 2 Pro Controller just about perfectly, and the Joy-Con 2 Controllers with the standard or Charging Grip attached are supported, too. The elastic band that secures the controller in place opens the door for a wide array of third-party controllers.

The case also has slots for two Joy-Con below the Pro Controller. This slot only supports original Switch Joy-Con, as the Switch 2 Joy-Con are too large.

An open mesh compartment can be used to store small accessories such as charging cables and Joy-Con straps.

See at Amazon RDS Game Traveler Deluxe Switch Pro Controller Case (Black) $20

If you aren't a Zelda fan, the case is also available in black/gray. This version trades the Zelda emblem and zipper for the red Nintendo Switch logo.

RDS Industries' controller carrying cases are built with the same ballistic nylon material as its popular line of console cases. The manufacturer has already launched five different styles of Switch 2 console travel bags in its Game Traveler Deluxe line, including a Mario Kart World-themed hardshell carrying case:

RDS Game Traveler Deluxe Switch 2 Console Cases:

• Mario Kart World Deluxe Carrying Case -- $25
• Deluxe Carrying Case (Black) -- $20
• Deep Carrying Case (Black) -- $30
• Large Carrying Case (Black) -- $40
• Crossbody Vertical Bag (Black) -- $30
• Crossbody Horizontal Bag (Black) -- $30

See at Amazon Switch Pro Controllers & Joy-ConSwitch 2 Pro Controller | Switch Pro Controller

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Mini PCs have become increasingly popular over the past few years. And while Apple's Mac Mini continues to be the foremost example of a mainstream desktop computer in a compact case, there are a bunch of impressive Windows-based mini PCs that share the same general form factor (roughly 5 x 5 inches). They can fit on even the most cramped desk, have the added benefit of portability, and perhaps most importantly, many mini PCs are available for bargain prices.

And in the wake of Prime Day, some of Amazon's best-selling mini PCs from popular brands like Kamrui, GMKtec, and Beelink are on sale for even lower prices than usual. We've rounded up our 10 favorite mini PC deals for all shoppers as well as one Prime-exclusive deal. All of the models in this roundup have built-in Wi-Fi, LAN ports, Bluetooth, and support at least two monitors.

See 10 Best Mini PC Deals at Amazon

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Earlier this week, video game venture capitalist firm Konvoy shared its predictions about Grand Theft Auto 6. Perhaps the most eye-catching part of that projection was the notion that GTA 6 will clear will reach $7.6 billion in revenue in only 60 days. Now, a video game analyst has suggested that those sky-high numbers may not be a realistic prediction of the game's performance.

Daniel Ahmad--the director of research and insights at Niko Partners--shared his assessment of Konvoy's predictions and noted that, "it's an aggressive forecast for the first 60 days." Ahmad added that Konvoy's numbers suggest that just under 65% of users who have either Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5 would need to purchase the game in that timeframe.

Ahmad also pointed out that Grand Theft Auto 5 sold 32.5 million copies in its first three months in 2013 when Xbox 360 and PS3 had an install base of around 166 million users. That's just under 20% of players who had either console.

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In case you've been wondering, Ubisoft is indeed working on a new entry in its long-running Ghost Recon series. The news, which had been heavily rumored for a while now, was confirmed by Ubisoft president Yves Guillemot in what sounds like a heated shareholder meeting last week.

First reported by Game File, the confirmation of the the untitled Ghost Recon game came from a question about Ubisoft's history with live-service titles. Touting the company's success with Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, Guillemot added, "In addition to the flagship game that I just mentioned, our objective is to also make strong progress in the growing market, generally speaking, by continuing to enhance our current experiences that we offer--and capitalizing on upcoming launches, such as The Division and Ghost Recon."

Later on, Ubisoft's CFO Frederick Duguet specifically called out the upcoming Ghost Recon title as one of the company's "first-person-shooter-type games," seemingly also confirming that the next entry will be an FPS. Though multiple titles in the franchise have offered first-person perspectives, the Ghost Recon games have largely been presented as third-person shooters since 2006's Advanced Warfighter, making this a significant shift for the series.

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One of the most important NPC Sims you're likely to encounter during your time in Innisgreen in The Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature is Mother Nature. If you want one of your Sims to become a fairy, they'll have to go through her to do so. Mother Nature is one half of the mythical PlantSim couple that rules over Innisgreen--the other half being Fable questgiver Spruce Almighty, though they're currently not on speaking terms with each other.

While it may be a little bit sad to see these magical beings experiencing marital difficulties, the good news is that it means that Mother Nature is single. And it will come to absolutely no one's surprise that Sims 4 players would like to get a little bit closer to Ms. Nature. Which begs an extremely important question:

Can your Sims romance Mother Nature?Yes, your Sims CAN make out with Mother Nature.

Yes! There are a small handful of significant limits to how you can interact with her, but Mother Nature is available for most romantic interactions with other Sims. Specifically, Mother Nature cannot get married, move into your Sim's household, or get pregnant, unless you use cheats or mods to make them happen. Pretty much anything else is fair game, though you may have to deal with a little bit of UI weirdness along the way. Mother Nature is open to romance with any gender.

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Donkey Kong Bananza is now available, and it appears to be a hit for the Nintendo Switch 2. But longtime fans of other Nintendo platformers like Mario Odyssey may have noticed that something feels ... a little off? Out of place? You can't quite put your finger on it, but something is wrong when you put your fingers on it. It's the jump button.

For DK Bananza, the jump button has been uncharacteristically mapped to the A button by default on the Switch 2, as opposed to the more traditional B button. This is mainly so that the face buttons map to the directions DK punches: X button for upward, Y button for forward, B button for downward. It makes enough sense. But going back to the days of the Super Nintendo, the jump button has almost always been on the bottom of the "diamond" shape of face buttons. So if you just want jumping to feel normal again, there is a way to do that.

From the start menu, go to the fourth menu in a row--Options, with a gear icon--and scroll down to the "DK's Action Buttons" submenu. There you have the option to switch the B/A functions from "Punch downward / Jump" to "Jump / Punch downward." It's not full button mapping but it shows Nintendo recognized that some players might feel more at home with the traditional jump button placement. The downside is that the punch directions no longer correspond to their placements on the face buttons.

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From Software is working on a multiplatform title that is in "advanced stages of production," according to a new report, and it is so far along it could be released next year.

That's according to MP1st, which reportedly learned the game's internal codename and states that, unless the game is delayed, it is on track for 2026.

No other details about the game are known aside from its reported codename: FMC. While that doesn't seem like much, as noted by mp1st, the codename may give fans an idea of what could be coming next. The codenames for previous Dark Souls games and the more recent Armored Core 6 both featured the letter "F" as part of their internal codenames, while games like Elden Ring used the codename GR. From Software's latest game, the standalone multiplayer spin-off Elden Ring: Nightreign, used the internal codename CL.

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Donkey Kong Bananza has arrived, and while the main draw here is a rock-solid adventure featuring the greatest of apes, fans are also finding that the game's art mode is a blast of fun. Essentially a user-friendly version of Blender, players are able to sculpt in 3D, producing incredible works of art--or pure nightmare fuel--that have been chiseled to perfection.

This is meant to be a creative diversion from DK's new adventure, and some of the creations that people have gleefully uploaded to their social media accounts are best described as creative or cursed--sometimes, both--and they're all excellent.

Some of the creations glimpsed below include Five Nights at Freddy's fanart, an unflattering portrait of US VP JD Vance, and a version of DK that can see into the very depths of your soul. All of them look like they could easily replace the Mona Lisa at The Louvre, and at the very least, they deserve their own wing at that art museum.

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Superman 5-Film Steelbook Collection with Library Case (4K Blu-ray)

Releases September 2 exclusively at Amazon

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Everyone has their favorite Superman, and for many fans of the iconic comic book character, it's still hard to beat Christopher Reeve's take on the Man of Steel. The movie legend left his mark on the franchise across four films, and if you want to revisit them, Amazon is releasing a new--and exclusive--5-Film Steelbook Library Case Box Set on September 2.

Preorders haven't opened at the time of writing (July 18), but it should be available soon. We'd recommend checking the Amazon store page frequently, if interested. We'll update this article once it's available to purchase, but keep in mind that it will likely sell out fast.

Superman Five-Film Collector's Edition Superman 5-Film Steelbook Collection with Library Case (4K Blu-ray) Releases September 2 exclusively at Amazon

This looks like a modified reprint of the previously released steelbook variant of the 85th Anniversary Superman 5-Film Collection. And while that one did include a few physical extras, the fact that this one only appears to include the movies and steelbook cases should help keep the price down.

For this release, you're getting each film in 4K--as well as standard Blu-ray and Movies Anywhere digital copies--in four steelbook cases that come packaged inside of a collector's tin. Here's a look at all of the films you're getting here:

• Superman (1978)
• Superman 2
• Superman 2: The Richard Donner Cut
• Superman 3
• Superman 4: The Quest for Peace

This is just the latest Amazon-exclusive steelbook collection with a Library case. It's starting to become a trend. In June, Amazon launched the 007: Sean Connery 6-Film Steelbook Collection. Earlier this month, the retailer revealed A Nightmare on Elm Street 7-Film Steelbook Collection.

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One thing to note here is that you're getting two versions of Superman 2 in this collection. There's a long story here that boils down to creative differences and concerns over the budget, which eventually resulted in Superman director Richard Donner being removed from the sequel and replaced with Richard Lester. Donner's version was released decades later, and it's generally considered to be the best version of Superman 2 as it adds more nuance and substance to the story.

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Surprise face: Emoji Game has joined a handful of other puzzle games on Apple News+, a subscription service featuring access to different newspapers and magazines. But membership also offers a handful of games to play on iOS, such as Crossword Mini and Sudoku.

Apple announced yesterday that Emoji Game is now available for Apple News+ subscribers in the US and Canada. So far, the puzzle title only supports English as players use emoji to finish phrases with short clues. For example, there is a mystery two-word phrase with "departure" as the clue (which can be expanded, though it costs a move). The solution requires dragging over the sunrise and clock emoji for "early," followed by car and keys emoji for "start." These emoji also have to be selected from a larger group, too.

The Emoji Game is now available as part of an Apple News+ subscription, joining other puzzle titles like Crossword Mini and Quartiles.

"Emoji Game is the perfect addition to the Apple News+ suite of word and number puzzles, turning the emoji we use every day into a brainteaser that's approachable and fun," said Apple News editor-in-chief Lauren Kern.

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Valve's ubiquitous PC gaming storefront, Steam, may soon experience a purging of its adult content after a significant change to its guidelines this week.

In a quiet update to its terms, Valve has now provided that, "Content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors and related card networks and banks, or internet network providers. In particular, certain kinds of adult-only content" should not be published on Steam.

The move, which invites banks and similar institutions to exercise an unprecedented degree of power in the kind of content that goes up on Steam, seems to have been made to appease the payment processors that work with Valve. This tactic, while relatively new to games, has been used in the past to go after porn and sex work sites like OnlyFans.

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Microsoft has made a major change to what you can buy on your Xbox or through the Windows web store. As of today, July 18, Microsoft is no longer offering movies or TV shows to buy or rent.

Anything you previously bought can still be viewed through the Movies & TV app, but Microsoft has removed the ability to purchase anything more. US members can sign up for Movies Anywhere to continue watching "select" purchased content elsewhere.

If this news is upsetting and you want a refund, that's not possible, as Microsoft said its terms specify that movies and TV shows are not eligible for refunds.

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Destiny 2's The Edge of Fate expansion is finally here, and it brings a host of new content to the space shooter. From new Exotics, to a limited-time event on Kepler and a brand-new weapons and gear system, Bungie has reworked many aspects of the game. With all of that to explore, it can be easy to find yourself distracted from the main campaign, but we've got all of the missions and how long it'll take you to complete them right here.

Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate all quests list

Here are all of the missions in The Edge of Fate:

• The Invitation
• Transient
• Saturnism
• Gouge
• Fallow
• Nostos
• Commencement
• Morphology
• Charge
• Disruption
• Calculus
• Quarantine
• Criticality
• The Message

How long to beat The Edge of Fate

With fourteen main campaign missions to complete, you can expect The Edge of Fate to take around 8-10 hours to complete on Normal difficulty, or 10-12 hours on Legendary difficulty. It's worth bearing in mind that Legendary difficulty should see you finishing the campaign around Power level 100, which is the requirement for Saturday's The Desert Perpetual raid race.

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Almost two years ago, Nintendo stated that Mario Kart Tour wouldn't be receiving new content going forward. But that has apparently changed, as the app will see a special event next week to celebrate Mario Kart World coming out on Switch 2.

On X, the official Mario Kart Tour account posted about the special campaign that will see Mario and Luigi in mechanic outfits. In addition, four new karts are coming to the app when the event goes live on July 23. It's set to run for two weeks, ending August 6.

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The newest set of Sea of Thieves Twitch Drops are available now, allowing players to score special rewards by linking their Sea of Thieves and Twitch accounts.

This newest batch of Twitch Drops became available today, July 18, and will remain available to claim through July 25. If you're unfamiliar with how Twitch Drops works, it's pretty straightforward:

• Step 1: Link your gamer ID to your Twitch account
• Step 2: Watch one of the official Sea of Thieves partnered Twitch streams for the designated amount of time.
• Step 3: Your Twitch Drop will be available to claim within 24 hours.

Twitch Drops

This week's Twitch Drops include eight items in all. These include the following:

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In 2012, Lollipop Chainsaw introduced players to Juliet Starling, a zombie-hunting cheerleader who used a chainsaw and other over-the-top weapons to destroy the so-called walking dead. Aside from the modern remaster, Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, that was released in 2024, there hasn't been much happening with the franchise. Now, Lollipop Chainsaw is poised for a comeback with "new projects" thanks to a deal between Dragami Games and Nada Holdings.

The two companies jointly announced that they plan to "jointly launch multiple new projects" based on Lollipop Chainsaw. Neither Dragami nor Nada offered any details about what those projects might entail, but a new game or a potential film adaptation could be among the options explored.

Dragami Games president and CEO Shohei Sato thanked Lollipop Chainsaw fans for their support and praised Nada for giving the company a chance to revisit the franchise.

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FBC: Firebreak has been out for around a month, and Remedy Entertainment has revealed how it plans to draw more players in ahead of the game's first big update in September. While Steam only counts for a portion of the game's audience--it's also available through the Epic Games Store, as well as on Xbox Series X|S and PS5--the numbers haven't been too encouraging lately. The game peaked with 1,992 players on launch day, and since then, those numbers have fallen to well under 100 concurrent players on average.

In a blog post, Remedy says that one of the issues it looks to address is the opening of the game, as that crucial first hour has become a point of criticism amongst the playerbase. "We've seen many players come into the game and leave within the first hour. And that's because our first hour can be frustrating; you feel ineffective and confused as to what to do. This needs to be improved," Remedy explained.

The company says that it plans to improve the narrative onboarding experience by placing an introductory video into the game and improving the tutorial section with better pop-up tips. In effect, this should help players figure out "where they are, who they are, and what they are trying to achieve" as members of Firebreak.

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Netflix plans to "ramp up" its investment in gaming after the company previously pulled back from its grand ambitions in the AAA space and shut down a studio from Halo veteran Joe Staten.

As part of Netflix's latest earnings briefing, co-CEO, president, and director Greg Peters commented on Netflix's vision for gaming, saying Netflix's investment thus far has been relatively small in comparison to the money it puts into film, TV, and live sports programming. The opportunity to grow is significant, he said.

"We look at the near-term monetization opportunity with games very similar to how we've looked at other new content categories. You can think in scripted or film or on and on. And that's essentially, if we deliver more value to our offering, we get increased user acquisition, we get increased retention, we get increased willingness to pay," he said. "So it drives all of the sort of core fundamentals of our business."

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