Highlights

• Reflecting on Kevin Williamson’s interview, Scream 7 may take a new, unique direction with fresh characters and plot twists.
• With Williamson’s involvement, fans can expect Scream 7 to push boundaries and deliver unexpected surprises in the slasher genre.
• Williamson’s extensive knowledge of the franchise and horror genre could make Scream 7 a memorable and thrilling addition to the series.

There are more questions than answers about what Scream 7 will be like, from whether Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) will be killed to Gale Weathers’ potential storyline if Courtney Cox returns. But now that horror fans know that Kevin Williamson will direct Scream 7, it’s a good time to reflect on his history with the slasher franchise and what audiences can expect from his creative involvement.

After new Ghostface killers with new motives began a killing spree in Woodsboro, California in Scream (2022), the Core Four headed to New York City to find their college experience interrupted by more bloodshed in Scream 6. Now that fans have watched two recent movies that continue the legacy of what began back in 1996, it’s interesting to think about what Scream 7 could look like based on a memorable Kevin Williamson interview.

In January 2023, Kevin Williamson was interviewed by SYFY WIRE and Williamson said he was impressed by Scream 6. He explained:

“It doesn’t feel like ‘Part 6,’ it feels like you’re watching this big, huge, fresh reinvention. I love, love, love, love it. I’ve watched the movie with a big smile on my face. I think it’s everything and more. And going to New York was awesome. The movie feels new, it feels fresh, it feels like a new movie.”

Since the writer/producer/director said that Scream 6 was a “fresh reinvention,” it’s possible that Kevin Williamson’s involvement in Scream 7 means the horror sequel will explore a brand new direction. After the ending of Scream 6, which sees The Core Four and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) in a good place after beating yet another Ghostface, it definitely feels like it’s time for a unique perspective on the slasher franchise.

While Scream 7‘s plot details remain mysterious and Neve Campbell is the only returning cast member as of now, the fact that Williamson liked how different Scream 6 was could suggest a few things about Scream 7. Fans can possibly expect new characters, a memorable opening kill sequence, and perhaps a new twist on Ghostface. At this point, the sky is the limit and there could be a handful of Ghostface killers or even just one, which would be quite the departure.

Although Kevin Williamson, who directed Teaching Mrs. Tingle in the 1990s, isn’t a writer on Scream 7, he has been creatively involved with many Scream movies. It’s possible that since he has been a huge part of the slasher franchise since the beginning, he has shared his opinion on at least a few plot points. If he liked that Scream 6 felt like a creative departure, then it’s possible to assume that he and the others involved with Scream 7 want the same thing for the next installment.

Williamson also told SYFY WIRE that he was a fan of Radio Silence, who made Scream (2022) and Scream 6. He said:

“Radio Silence is amazing, they’re the perfect people to take the torch. I love Scream
VI
. It’s really good. It’s great. There’s no way around it. I’m very happy with how it turned out … I really do have all that enthusiasm for it. I’m really excited.”

What Scream Movies Did Kevin Williamson Work On?

Kevin Williamson wrote three Scream movies: the first Scream movie, Scream 2 which was released in 1997, and Scream 4 which was released in 2011. He was an executive producer on Scream 2, Scream (2022), and Scream 6, and a producer on Scream 3 and Scream 4.

Since he was heavily involved with every Scream movie in some way, Williamson is of course familiar with Scream‘s many Ghostface killers, the new and legacy characters in each film, and the most compelling twists and turns. This puts him in a unique and important position since he can use his knowledge of the franchise and his expertise with the horror genre to direct a memorable and surprising Scream 7.

Kevin Williamson decided to be involved with Scream (2022) after turning it down, which also proves that he might be interested in ensuring that Scream 7 feels like something that the franchise hasn’t done before. In 2021, he told Independent.co.uk that he and the late, legendary horror director Wes Craven had a conversation about having another writer take it on. He said:

“We were saying it’s maybe time to pass the baton, and have a younger, fresher writer who’s closer to a teenager write these stories.”

He added:

“I said no five times. And then, finally, I woke up one day and said: ‘Um, can I be a part of it?’ I didn’t want it to happen without me.”

Connecting a MacBook Pro to an external monitor can transform any workspace from cramped to expansive, offering a visual clarity and workspace scale that’s hard to beat. For creators, professionals, and everyday users alike, the right monitor for a MacBook Pro is an extension of the screen and a gateway to enhanced productivity and immersive entertainment. With a bunch of options available, finding the ideal match can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to help find the perfect display, ensuring there’s a top-notch option for every type of MacBook user.

Choosing the Best Monitor for MacBook Pro

When selecting a monitor for a MacBook Pro, consider the following essentials:

• Resolution and Color Accuracy: Crisp visuals and true-to-life colors are paramount for creative work and entertainment.
• Connectivity Options: Ensure compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C for seamless integration with MacBook Pro.
• Ergonomic Design: Look for adjustable stands and eye-care technology to enhance comfort during prolonged use.

Beyond selecting the best monitor for a MacBook Pro, considering the right accessories can significantly enhance the overall computer experience. A keyboard and mouse can make using a MacBook Pro much more comfortable, especially during longer sessions.

Game Rant’s Best Monitors for MacBook Pro in 2024

For MacBook Pro users who are looking for an excellent all-around monitor, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is an excellent choice. This monitor is jam-packed with exciting features, stunning visuals, and support for multiple color spaces with accurate calibration. Besides just being able to run this display off one cable, this monitor also acts as a USB-C hub with an impressive number of ports to improve the somewhat lackluster I/O of the MacBook Pro unless users are using a MacBook Pro Max version.

Gamers might be disappointed to see the 60Hz max refresh rate, but the gorgeous image quality that the U2723QE produces more than makes up for it, especially if people don’t plan on gaming heavily. This 4K IPS panel produces incredibly accurate colors across multiple color spaces, including sRGB, Rec. 709, and DCI-P3, making it excellent for video editing and graphic design work.

This monitor is not as seamless as the Apple Studio Display, but for a non-Apple product, it gets pretty close. The single cable connection has a power delivery of 90 watts, which is not ideal for the newest MacBook Pros, but it will still keep them charged while plugged into the U2723Q. The USB-C hub on the U2723QE features so many excellent ports, like four USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, a RJ45 ethernet port, and two USB-C ports on the front. That offers much more variety than the three Thunderbolt ports on the Apple Studio Display.

The Alienware AW3423DW stands as a pinnacle in the realm of curved monitors, perfectly suited for MacBook Pro users seeking to elevate their viewing and gaming experience. With its 34-inch QD-OLED display and 1800R curvature, this monitor not only wraps the user’s visual field in stunningly vivid colors and deep contrasts but also ensures that every detail is sharply rendered thanks to its 3440×1440 resolution. The unparalleled 0.1ms GtG response time and a high refresh rate of 175Hz make motion blur a thing of the past, allowing for seamless viewing of high-speed content and gaming.

Despite its numerous accolades, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Some have mentioned noise concerns, which might distract in a quiet environment. Additionally, its premium price and limited adjustability could be limiting factors for some. However, for those in pursuit of visual excellence and who are willing to fine-tune settings for the perfect setup, the Alienware AW3423DW offers a gaming and multimedia experience that’s hard to beat, making it the top choice for users looking to complement their MacBook Pro with an exceptional curved monitor.

The Sony INZONE M9 emerges as a top contender for MacBook Pro users seeking a 4K monitor that doesn’t skimp on performance. With its 27-inch 4K IPS display, rapid 1ms GTG response time, and high 144Hz refresh rate, this monitor is a game-changer, especially when combined with Nvidia G-Sync and HDR10 support. It’s the perfect blend of size and functionality, offering exceptional visuals for gaming and movies alike, which is why it’s the best 4K monitor for MacBook Pro enthusiasts.

Even though this is a top 4K monitor, some things must be considered before purchasing. Potential drawbacks include concerns over its value proposition and varying experiences with brightness and color accuracy. A bit of calibration might be necessary to achieve the best color performance. Nonetheless, for those willing to invest in the Sony INZONE M9, it stands out for its comprehensive features and performance, making it an excellent choice for MacBook Pro users demanding a high-quality 4K experience.

The GIGABYTE M32U stands out as the ideal companion for MacBook Pro users looking for a mid-range monitor that has high-end features. Its 31.5-inch SuperSpeed IPS panel delivers stunning 4K visuals at a 144Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for everything from professional creative work to high-octane gaming. Its support for FreeSync and VESA HDR400 ensures that users get high-resolution and smooth dynamic images, which is why it’s the best mid-range choice for MacBook Pro users.

Despite its robust offerings, potential buyers should consider a few aspects. While offering great value, its price point might be a tad high for those on a strict budget. Although impressive, the 1ms MPRT response time and VESA HDR400 may not fully satisfy the expectations of users seeking the pinnacle of gaming monitor technology. However, its versatile port selection, including USB-C, aligns perfectly with the MacBook Pro’s connectivity, making the GIGABYTE M32U an unbeatable option in the mid-range category for those looking to enhance their MacBook setup.

For many in the creative industry, the go-to platform is macOS. Even though Apple has diversified into more niches, it still produces some of the most reliable premium products for content creators. The Apple Studio Display is perfect for pro-level creators who love the look of Apple displays and want to edit on one of the highest-caliber monitors currently available.

One thing to consider before purchasing is the kind of room people plan to use this monitor in. The Apple Studio Display has two finishes: standard glass and matte. While both offer excellent performance for users who aren’t in a light-controlled room, the standard finish can lead to glare when there’s too much sunlight.

Of course, this industry-leading monitor isn’t super affordable, but it more than makes up for its hefty price tag with some of the best color performance from a monitor. With a 5K resolution on a 27-inch screen, this monitor is incredibly sharp even when zoomed in or sitting close to the screen. At 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 space and support for a ton of color spaces, this monitor is a fantastic display to use for guaranteed accurate colors no matter the project. However, this monitor might be a bit overkill for most users who aren’t designers or pro-level creators.

Ultra-wide monitors are an excellent way to get the space and multitasking ability that dual monitor setups allow in one display. While there are many excellent options to choose from, the LG 40WP95C monitor is one of the best choices. MacBook Pro users can get the tremendous power of this monitor via a single cable setup that will also charge the laptop. The 96 watts of power delivery can even charge the latest M3 MacBook Pro while running the display.

This monitor uses a fairly unique resolution with a height similar to a typical 4K monitor but a width that provides 33% more space. Despite the bigger size, this monitor is tack sharp, although the curve makes some text hard to read when it falls right into the curve’s apex. However, that slight flaw is easily overlooked once users get into their work.

Color-wise, the 40WPC95C has a pretty wide color gamut with 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of the sRGB space coverage. Plus, this monitor comes out of the box with impressive color accuracy, but the contrast leaves a bit to be desired. When viewing darker scenes in a dim room, they read more as gray instead of black.

While certainly not the cheapest monitor available, the Dell S2721QS is an ideal blend of an affordable price tag and features that will keep any MacBook Pro user happy. With 96 watts of power delivered over a single cable, this monitor is an excellent option for MacBook Pro users with a tighter budget.

Using a 4K IPS display, the S2721QS is gorgeous, but accuracy falls a bit short when it comes to color. With a delta-E of 2.65 in the sRGB color space, this monitor is undoubtedly nothing to spit at, but it is not the most vibrant. Users looking for a more colorful display should check out the Lenovo ThinkVision S28u. However, these monitors are getting harder to find because of their age.

One of the main advantages of picking up the S2721QS is access to Dell’s Display Manager utility, which does work for Macs on Apple’s SOC. This lets users quickly adjust settings like brightness and contrast and set up zones to make multi-window tasks much easier to set up without having to use the OSD. This is quite nice because instead of the much simpler joystick control, Dell has opted to use four buttons on the bottom side of the bezel, which makes them pretty hard to navigate until people get used to them.

Finding the Ideal Monitor for a MacBook Pro

The journey to selecting the perfect monitor for a MacBook Pro hinges on understanding key factors that impact the viewing experience and productivity. Let’s delve into the essentials that make a monitor stand out for MacBook Pro users.

Resolution and Color Accuracy

For MacBook Pro users, a monitor that mirrors or surpasses the laptop’s own display quality is crucial. High resolution and exceptional color accuracy are essential for professionals in creative fields, ensuring that the visuals on the external monitor are as vibrant and detailed as on the MacBook Pro itself.

Connectivity Options

The right connectivity options facilitate seamless integration with the MacBook Pro. Monitors featuring Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C ports offer a direct plug-and-play experience with fast data transfer rates, making them an ideal choice for MacBook Pro users seeking efficiency and minimal cable clutter.

Ergonomic Design

Ergonomics plays a significant role in setting up a comfortable workspace. Monitors with adjustable stands, tilt, swivel, and height adjustment features allow users to customize their setup for optimal comfort during long hours of work, enhancing productivity and reducing strain.

FAQ

Q: Is refresh rate important for a MacBook Pro monitor?

For general use, a standard refresh rate of 60Hz is sufficient, but higher refresh rates are beneficial for gaming and high-speed video editing.

Q: Can I use any monitor with my MacBook Pro?

Yes, most modern monitors are compatible with MacBook Pros, especially those with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 connections for easy connectivity.

Q: Do I need a 4K monitor for my MacBook Pro?

While not necessary, a 4K monitor can greatly enhance your visual experience, especially for creative work or high-definition content.

• 

  Bosch: Legacy

  Release Date:

  2022-05-06

  Creator:

  Michael Connelly, Tom Bernardo, Eric Overmyer

  Cast:

  Titus Welliver, Madison Lintz, Mimi Rogers

  Seasons:

  2

  Streaming Service(s):

  Prime Video

Highlights

• Bosch: Legacy Season 3 is based on Connelly’s “Desert Star” and “The Black Ice” novels.
• Renee Ballard works alongside Harry Bosch in the Desert Star novel, but changes could be made in the television adaptation.
• Welliver, Rogers, and Lintz were confirmed for Season 3, with other returning cast members likely.

The first two seasons of Bosch: Legacy were a big success on Amazon Freevee, with a third season already announced before Season 2 aired. Filming is now underway for the highly anticipated new season, with fans eager to find out new plot details and news on which characters will be returning.

Plot details haven’t been released yet and the creative team behind the show have been tight-lipped about which actors have signed on for the upcoming season. However, it has been revealed that Bosch: Legacy Season 3 will be based on Michael Connelly’s 2022 novel, Desert Star, and his 1993 novel, The Black Ice.

What books will Bosch: Legacy Season 3 be based on?

It has been confirmed that Bosch: Legacy Season 3 will be based on Michael Connelly’s 2022 novel, Desert Star and his 1993 novel, The Black Ice. Connelly announced the news on his Instagram page:

Hard to believe, but we started production today on the 10th season of the Harry Bosch story. Season 3 of Bosch: Legacy is underway. Based on Desert Star (2022)

The plot of the Desert Star novel sees LAPD detective Renée Ballard enter the story, after it was announced her character would star in one of two Bosch: Legacy spin-offs, as she teams up with Harry Bosch to hunt a killer of an entire family who Bosch considered to be his “white whale.”

Ballard had previously quit the force a year previously, but the chief of police tells her she can essentially write her own ticket within the department, so she takes her badge back and rebuilds the cold case unit at the elite Robbery-Homicide Division. Ballard offers Bosch the opportunity to come and work with her as a volunteer investigator in the new Open-Unsolved Unit, where he can pursue his “white whale” with the resources of the LAPD at his disposal.

It’s unclear how much of this story will be changed when it is adapted onto the screen. Like with most series in the Bosch universe, there are things that are shifted around to fit the television story that differ from the books, while still respecting Michael Connelly’s initial vision.

It’s also not been confirmed if Renee Ballard will make her debut in the Bosch universe in Bosch: Legacy season 3, before she embarks on her own show, with the recent announcement that Maggie Q has signed on to play her. In previous seasons of the show, the character of Honey Chandler has replaced certain characters from the books, with the story remaining the same.

Bosch: Legacy season 3 will also use aspects of Michael Connelly’s book, The Black Ice, for the upcoming storyline. The plot of that book sees Harry Bosch making some dangerous connections, with a string of murders that stem from Hollywood Boulevard’s drug business, with Bosch risking becoming a victim himself.

Who is returning for Bosch: Legacy Season 3?

Titus Welliver is officially returning to Bosch: Legacy season 3 as Harry Bosch, with Michael Connelly also confirming in an Instagram post that Mimi Rogers and Madison Lintz would return as Honey Chandler and Maddie Bosch respectively, with some interesting storylines coming their way:

…a lot of new stuff for Maddie Bosch and Money Chandler. It’s going to be the best season yet, because this cast and crew, the writers and directors, everybody involved in this little village we call a TV show, raises the bar every time.

There hasn’t been confirmation on whether Stephen A. Chang and Denise G. Sanchez would return as Maurice ‘Mo’ Bassi and Reina Vasquez respectively, but after appearing in the first two seasons, it is highly likely they will be back. As for other returning cast members, Scott Klace has appeared in every season of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy thus far, so it’s likely he will make some recurring appearances in season 3 as Sgt John Mankiewicz.

At the end of Bosch: Legacy season 2, there were a few plot threads that were set up which point towards more returning characters in season 3. Maurice ‘Mo’ Bassi was being forced to work with Agent William Baron to bring down Bosch and Chandler after the initial honey trap set up by Jade Quinn. This could see Anthony Michael Hall return as Baron, though the actor is also working on Reacher: season 3, so it’s unclear if he’ll be working on both Prime Video series as both are currently filming.

The Bosch: Legacy season 2 cliffhanger saw Maddie Bosch answering her father’s phone, and accepting a collect call from a prisoner at Wasco St Prison called Preston Borders, who claims he killed Kurt Dockweiler on Harry Bosch’s orders, so it’s likely Chris Browning will reprise his role as Borders in Bosch: Legacy season 3.

Highlights

• Chromebooks are evolving into gaming machines, with options for cloud gaming and local gaming on models with higher specs.
• NVIDIA GeForce Now is ideal for existing PC game owners, while Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna offer console-like experiences.
• Local gaming, enabled by Steam on Chrome OS, is still in development but shows promise for mid-range Chromebooks for less performance-heavy games.

Chromebooks have come a long way since they were first released in 2011. They are no longer just those little rinky dink laptops exclusively used in middle school. Nowadays, Chromebooks are becoming more viable for everyday use, whether for a lightweight laptop that can handle productivity tasks or even some gaming.

That’s right, gaming is actually an option on some Chromebooks and, thanks to some clever developers, gamers aren’t even limited to Google Play Store games anymore.

What Does Gaming Look Like On A Chromebook?

Currently, the two main methods of gaming on Chromebooks are using cloud gaming services, like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud gaming, and Amazon Luna, or gamers can play local games with compatible Chromebooks using Steam. Of course, gamers still have access to Google Play Store games, but for gamers looking to play more mainstream triple AAA or console titles, local and cloud gaming will be the best two methods.

Both cloud and local gaming on Chromebooks are still in their infancy, so there is a fair amount of growing pains for both options. However, the point they have gotten to recently is quite impressive. While a Chromebook will probably not be suitable as a primary gaming device yet, that possibility is probably not too far off.

Cloud Gaming

For the majority of Chromebook gamers, cloud gaming is going to yield the best results. For the smoothest gaming experience, gamers must have a reliable, reasonably fast internet connection. Cloud gaming options have become quite the trend these days, and it doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon. The three main options for cloud gaming on Chromebooks are NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox cloud gaming, and Amazon Luna. All three of these perform exceptionally well and have pretty impressive libraries to start gaming with.

NVIDIA GeForce Now

NVIDIA GeForce Now will be the best option for gamers with a PC game library. Games already owned on Steam, Ubisoft Connect, or Epic can be played on a Chromebook using GeForce Now without downloading anything for the games on the Chromebook itself. There is also a selection of free games users can play by just having a subscription to the service. Unfortunately, not all Steam games are supported by GeForce Now, but the mainstays like Fortnite and Apex Legends are available.

There are three tiers of GeForce Now subscriptions, There’s a free tier that limits playtime to an hour. “Priority” allows users to connect to a premium gaming PC as their server and offers six hours of playtime at 1080p. The final tier gets gamers access to a PC running an RTX 4080 and eight hours of playtime at 4K. For gamers just looking to try it out, a month’s subscription to the priority tier will give a more fair take on the service than the free tier.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming is directed towards Xbox gamers who already have a console and prefer to play console games. Unlike NVIDIA GeForce Now, which connects gamers to gaming PCs in remote locations, Xbox Cloud Gaming uses the player’s home Xbox console to act as the server.

For Xbox Cloud Gaming, there are no tiers; it is included with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. So, gamers who are already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass should definitely give this a try, and for those who don’t have it, the first month is just $1. Plus, with the cost subscription, there are a ton of free games unlocked to stream, like Forza Horizon, Halo, and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Amazon Luna

The third and relative newcomer to the list is Amazon Luna. Like GeForce Now, Amazon Luna uses PCs connected to their services, so gamers don’t need any physical hardware besides the Chromebook. However, they still do need a pretty strong internet connection.

Because Luna sits in the middle between Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now, it finds itself in a pretty exciting position. It’s not really meant for console gamers who already have a gaming console, nor is it really meant for PC gamers who already have a massive library of games. Luna is more geared towards gamers just getting into gaming or picking it up after a hiatus. There is a rotating lineup of games that can be played for free, and during Amazon Prime Days, there are many excellent deals for Luna users that make it easy to pick up a ton of games for cheap.

Best Chromebooks For Cloud Gaming

• 

  Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip

  ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip is engineered with a striking aesthetic and powerful components for non-stop cloud gaming. The Gorgeous 144 Hz Full HD display and anti-ghosting keyboard make any game a joy to play on this Chromebook. The 2-in-1 display allows gamers to play in a traditional laptop form, as well as a tent mode that allows gamers to immerse themselves in a game with a controller or separate mouse and keyboard.

• 

  Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

  ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is a budget-friendly option for gamers that provides Core i3 from the 12th gen series, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage. The laptop features a 14-inch display with a Full HD resolution to make visuals detailed and crisper and is ideal for both cloud gaming and browser/Android games.

• 

  ASUS Cloud Gaming Chromebook CX55 Flip 2

  With ASUS Cloud Gaming Chromebook CX55 Flip 2, users will get a touchscreen feature to quickly get their job done. The Chromebook boasts a 15.6″ screen with a high refresh rate of 144Hz for excellent fluidity in gameplay. The system is powered by Core i5 1135G7 and 8GB RAM to make sure users don’t lag behind in performance.

Local Gaming

Local gaming has been the most exciting development over the last couple of years for Chromebooks. Before recently, gamers were stuck with Google Play Store games if they wanted to play games locally and not rely on an internet connection.

But now, with the Steam Chrome OS app in beta, gamers can finally access their Steam libraries on Chromebooks. Unfortunately, Steam on Chrome OS is only available on a few higher-end models, like the Asus Vibe CX55. As a good rule of thumb, if the Chromebook is using an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor and has at least 8GB of RAM, it should be able to run Steam and some games, but that is also subject to change as Steam on Chrome OS reaches further steps of development.

With it being super early on, not every game runs as it would on Windows computers as on Chrome OS. Still, these gaming-focused Chromebooks handle quite well with less performance-dependent games like DOOM, Hollow Knight, and PayDay 2.

Best Chromebooks For Local Gaming

• 

  ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip AS562T

  $695 $700 Save $5

  The Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip has an excellent edition that brings a fantastic display with a 144Hz refresh rate for superfluid gaming and comes with plenty of storage space and 16GB of RAM. Users will get a flippable design and three months of Geforce Now for absolutely free. The laptop has an 11th gen Core i5 CPU, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth support.

• 

  Acer Chromebook 516 GE

  $479 $649 Save $170

  Designed specifically for gaming on Chromebook and equipped with everything gamers need to get into cloud gaming, it’s now possible to fully enjoy high-FPS gameplay. It has a high-speed refresh rate of up to 120Hz and high bandwidth with a built-in RJ-45 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet (2.5GbE) LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E support. Take full advantage of the crisp and clear frame rate.
   

The Future of Chromebook Gaming

While it is hard to predict what will happen with gaming on Chromebooks in the future, it is currently an inspiring time. Adding more platforms for gamers to play on, especially considering that this makes games more accessible, is a very exciting time for the community as a whole.

Chromebooks sit where macOS computers sat for gaming before Apple’s release of the M1 chips. However, Chromebooks are making up ground quickly, with a list of supported games growing by the day and cloud gaming making that list even longer. It is hard to say precisely when Chromebooks will be seen in the PC gaming community as an entirely viable option, but if they continue down this path they are on now, it is probably not too far off.

Pacific Drive functions a little differently from other games in its genre; be it its complicated save system or the fact that your only companion is your car. The game also throws several game mechanics at you. However, it does so in a way you are never overwhelmed.

After learning how to siphon fuel for your car on a prior mission. Your journey in Pacific Drive will take you to Oppy’s Auto Shop. Here, you’ll learn about your backpack, healing mechanism, and HUD. Some players may find themselves stuck in this area, as things aren’t clearly marked. Fear not, as the guide below addresses any questions you may have about this tutorial.

Turn on the Power

Upon entering Oppy’s Auto Shop, the first objective is to activate the power, as the shop is unusable without electricity. The breaker switch is conveniently located next to a door, just below the red light bulb.

Once the switch is flipped, the entire auto shop will be filled with light and the garage door will begin to open. This is the door from where you can bring the car inside the shop. However, only do so once the game tells you to, as sometimes doing things out of order can trigger a bug.

Find and Wear The Backpack

After turning on the lights, your next objective is to locate and equip the backpack. It can be found on the first desk as you enter the room. Utilize your designated interact button, typically set as the ‘F’ key.

The backpack is a must-have item in Pacific Drive, as it enables you to carry multiple objects. Without it, you can only hold one item at a time. This allows you to carry various items such as a medkit, prybar, and important resources like duct tape, glass shards, and more.

Equip on the Mechanic’s Eye

The following task is to equip the Mechanic’s Eye, which looks like a VR headset. This device is valuable as it activates the HUD and can also be employed to scan the environment, including your car. It can be easily overlooked as it is situated in the darker section of the room, hanging in the air via some wires near the right wall.

Heal Yourself With Aid Station

At this stage in Pacific Drive, your health is likely low from the damage incurred during your previous encounter with anomalies. Therefore, your immediate objective is to heal yourself using the first aid station. This time, the game clearly marks the location, so locating it should pose no difficulty. Head towards it, press the interact button, and your HP should be restored to 100%.

Once that’s completed, the next mission in Pacific Drive is to repair the car. Although it’s a lengthy task, it’s also very straightforward, as the game practically hand-holds you the entire way. Now is the time to bring the car inside the garage.

In a corner of the room, you’ll find a Jukebox tucked away. Consider turning it on and selecting a channel to enjoy some tunes while fixing your car.

Highlights

• League of Legends fans rejoice as the fighting game, now called 2XKO, is expected to launch in 2025 after playtests in 2024.
• Play as your favorite champions like Darius and Yasuo in the 2v2 tag-team fighting game, replicating their abilities and moves.
• Sign up for at-home playtesting on the official 2XKO website to get a sneak peek at the game before its official release.

The League of Legends fighting game has been re-revealed with a brand-new title, 2XKO, with the developers providing fans with a potential release window for next year. This League of Legends-branded fighting game was first revealed in 2019 as Project L, alongside Legends of Runeterra and the animated Arcane series as a way to expand the IP into different genres and mediums. Among the projects in development at Riot Games, Project L has had a somewhat rocky production.

The game formerly known as Project L was a League of Legends 2v2 tag-team based fighting game, similar to other tag fighters like Marvel vs. Capcom, Dragon Ball FighterZ, or BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle. Players could form a team of some of their favorite champions, like Darius, Yasuo, Jinx, and more. After years of anticipation and sporadic updates, Riot Games released a new trailer showing off some of its playable roster and what to expect for the game’s future.

This new trailer starts with the game’s former title being slashed away by Yasuo, changing it from Project L to 2XKO. This is followed by a brief gameplay showcase of 2XKO‘s roster, which consists of popular League of Legends champions like Ahri, Darius, Yasuo, and the aforementioned Ekko. 2XKO replicates the abilities and move sets of the champions and translates them into a fighting game setting. For example, Ekko can make temporal clones of himself to avoid attacks while Ahri has her signature energy orb projectiles.

When is League of Legends Fighting Game 2XKO launching?

In a follow-up video with Riot Games executive producer, Tom Cannon, he reveals a number of details regarding the upcoming fighting game. He reveals that 2XKO will be receiving a number of different playtests in order to refine and provide more feedback in 2024. Hands-on playtests will be available for fans to try out, starting at EVO Japan 2024 in April, with it also being available at smaller scale FGC events. Cannon also promises play-at-home testing will start sometime before the end of 2024, along with a projected launch window of 2025, aiming to release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Players who wish to be a part of the online at-home play tests can sign up on the official 2XKO website. Cannon notes that fans will need to sign up specifically for play tests to be considered for them, even if they have already registered their email. Many fans found the new name, 2XKO, to be rather bland and confusing, questioning how the title is indicative of the League of Legends brand. Some even joked the title sounded more like a Kpop group than an actual game. Despite that, some fans are eager to hear more news and try the hands-on demos to play as their favorite champions after this long wait.

Pokemon GO has an immense pool of in-game and in-person events. Multiple events happen prominently, and this June 2023, some of the much-awaited Raid Events are returning. The Lake Guardians, Azelf, Uxie, and Mesprit return as 5-Star Raid Bosses in the game. These 5-Star Raids started on June 1, 10:00 AM Local Time, and are set to end on June 15, 10:00 AM Local Time.

The Legendary Raid Bosses are region-specific, so it is extremely hard for Pokemon GO players to get all of them. Uxie will appear as a 5-Star Raid Boss in the Asia-Pacific region; similarly, Mesprit will only appear in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. And, Azelf will spawn as a 5-Star Raid Boss in the Americas and Greenland. That said, this guide provides all the info required to defeat these bosses.

RELATED: Pokemon GO Confirms June 2023 Community Day Pokemon

Pokemon GO: Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie Raid Weaknesses & Resistances

Legendary monsters already show immense power, and when they become Raid Bosses, the power level increases even further. It is next to impossible for solo players to defeat a Legendary Raid Boss, so the best strategy would be to band together with other trainers. Winning against such Legendaries requires extensive type-battle knowledge and strong counters.

Since all three featured Legendaries, Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie, are Psychic-types, they are weak and resistant to attacks of identical types. The Legendaries are weak against Dark, Bug, and Ghost-type moves in Pokemon GO. That said, they can easily resist attacks of Fighting and Psychic-type attributes.

One needs to use the Same Type Attack Damage (STAB) effect in the game. Among the various move types in Pokemon GO, some are of STAB potential. When a Pokemon’s innate type and its attack type are identical, they inflict boosted damage when using that specific attack. So using Fighting and Psychic-type counters that excel in the same type of attacks would inflict increased damage to the Raid Bosses.

Pokemon GO: Best Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie Raid Counters

Trainers need to select counters that align with the weaknesses and avoid the ones that are resisted. While there are numerous monsters with such typing in the platform, here are some of the most powerful ones that work the best:

Counters for Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie Raids

Mega and Shadow Counters for Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie Raids

Pokemon GO: How to Catch Shiny Azelf, Shiny Mesprit, and Shiny Uxie

One should also utilize the Weather Boost effect in Pokemon GO. Every monster in the game gets a power and spawn boost in certain weather conditions, and all three Legendaries, Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie, are boosted by Windy weather. Players just need to keep participating in Raid locations with such weather conditions. It can significantly boost the chances of a Shiny spawn.

But defeating the Raid Bosses doesn’t ensure a Shiny encounter. Instead, players may consecutively defeat these bosses and encounter a random Pocket Monster. Stock up on Raid Passes and Poke Balls and participate in as many Raids as possible to catch up with their shiny rates.

Pokemon GO is available to play on Android and iOS devices.

MORE: Best Water-Types In Pokemon GO

Minecraft has been around for so long that it is available on almost every device you can think of. Like Skyrim, there are memes about the game. Keeping this in mind, it should not be surprising that Minecraft is also available on Chromebooks.

If you have a Chromebook laying around, you can use it to play Minecraft. There are three different ways to install the game on your device, and if you want to learn more about it, read on.

Installing Minecraft on Chromebooks

There are three ways you can go about installing Minecraft on your Chromebook:

Install the Official Game from the Google Play Store

You can install Minecraft: Bedrock Edition directly from the Google Play Store. What is interesting about this port is that it comes with crossplay functionality.

It is worth noting that Minecraft: Bedrock Edition will set you back by $20, but if you own the Android port, which costs $7, you can pay an additional $13 to get the Chromebook port. On the flip side, if you do not own the game on an Android device, you will not pay for it separately after purchasing it on a Chromebook.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition is compatible with all Chromebooks after 2020.

To install Minecraft, make sure your Chromebook is up-to-date by following these steps:

1. Access Settings.
2. Click on About ChromeOS on the left pane.
3. Click the Check for updates button.
4. Restart your Chromebook for the changes to take effect.

Install the Java Edition

While you can install Minecraft: Java Edition on a Chromebook, it is a bit time-consuming. That being said, here is what you need to do to install Minecraft: Java Edition:

1. Set up Linux on Chromebook by selecting Settings > Advanced > Developers.
2. Select Turn On next to Linux development environment.
3. Follow the instructions to complete the setup process.
4. Once the process is complete, you will be greeted by a Debian 11 environment where you can run Linux commands, customize your shell, and more.
5. Download Minecraft.debfrom the Minecraft website.
6. Move the file to Linux Files under My Files.
7. Access the Terminal app and type the following commands to install the necessary packages to run the game:

• sudo apt-get install default-jdk
• sudo apt-get install libsecret-1-0

8. Double-click

Minecraft.deb
and then click Install.

9. Once the installation is complete, press the search key and type

Minecraft
to launch the game.

10. Enter your Mojang account credentials to start playing.

Minecraft: Java Edition is compatible with all Chromebooks after 2019.

Play the Classic Edition on the Chrome Browser

If you do not want to cough up the dough to play Minecraft on your Chromebook, you can always play it for free by visiting this site. The good news is Mojang Studios released this port on the web, so you can play it on any Chromebook, even those with restrictions, without breaking a sweat.

The Unfound Tomb of Qualopec (Bronze)

Finish the Peru chapter.

Unlocked at the end of level 4 after you defeat Larson.

Look Over Us Kindly, Tihocan (Bronze)

Finish the Greece chapter.

Unlocked after defeating Pierre.

Little Vacation Riot’s Over (Bronze)

Finish the Egypt chapter.

Unlocked after defeating Larson for a second time.

The Cataclysm of Atlantis (Bronze)

Finish the Atlantis Chapter.

Completed after reaching the room with the altar where Natla placed the Scion.

Codex of Peru (Bronze)

Find all the secrets in Peru.

There are 14 secrets to discover.

Codex of Greece (Bronze)

Find all the secrets in Greece.

There are 15 secrets to discover.

Codex of Egypt (Bronze)

Find all the secrets in Egypt.

There are seven secrets to discover.

Codex of Atlantis (Bronze)

Find all the secrets in Atlantis.

There are nine secrets to discover.

Not So Late for the Prize Giving! (Bronze)

Defeat Pierre.

Use the large stone blocks as cover. You can jump over them to shoot Pierre.

Pain in Your Brain! (Bronze)

Defeat Larson

Unlocks after you defeat Larson for the final time.

It’s Personal Now! (Bronze)

Defeat Cowboy

He has a lot of health and does a lot more damage compared to the other bosses until this point.

Yes, I’m Firing at You! (Bronze)

Defeat Skater enemy

Defeating him gets you your Uzis.

Cheese! (Bronze)

Defeat the Bald enemy.

He’s the boss in the trench coat found at the end of Natla’s Mines. Make sure to kill him with a shotgun for the secret achievement.

Kind of Evolution on Steroids (Bronze)

Defeat Natla’s new breed.

Keep kiting him by running around in circles. Make sure to keep your distance.

Yes, I Can! (Bronze)

Defeat the third Ruler of Atlantis.

Save your health. Natla needs to be killed twice. Make sure to kill her with the Magnums for the secret achievement.

Welcome to My Home! (Bronze)

Complete all the exercises in Lara’s Home.

Wait for Lara to finish giving you instructions before completing the tutorial. Do not forget to spend time in the swimming pool for the last exercise.

Do Uzi This One? (Bronze)

Get hidden Uzis in Egypt.

Found in the Sanctuary of the Scion. Climb the Sphynx’s head and head to the left side to find a pair of Uzis on top of an invisible floor.

Shell Sucker! (Bronze)

Defeat a Bald enemy using a shotgun.

Make sure to get your shotgun at the start of the Lost Valley. It’s below the rope bridge on the left side of your spawn.

Bullseye! (Bronze)

Swan-dive into a hole with water surrounded by fire.

In the Great Pyramid level, jump across the pit with the pendulum axe using the crumbling platform. Then dive into the pit from the other side.

Leave Them Sucking Wind (Bronze)

Defeat every possible enemy in one playthrough.

There are a total of 294 enemies you need to kill for this achievement.

Secret Door (Bronze)

It’s not the right time to be here. There’s a door for you.

In the Atlantis room with the Scion holder, jump to the boss platform and interact with the red square tile in the wall to open a secret door.

You Corner Bug! (Bronze)

Get the unreachable medipack in Palace Midas.

It can only be obtained by exploiting a class Tomb Raider 1 bug. While facing the levers, notice the tall pillar on the left. Walk to its edge, shift the camera so that you’re looking at the corner of the pillar, and hold jump until you fly to the top of the pillar.

Curses, Like Chickens, Come Home to Roost (Bronze)

Finish Natla with her own production guns.

Kill her with the Magnums.

Au Revoir! (Bronze)

Make Pierre go away using magnums.

Use the Photo Mode to find where Pierre is and make sure not to get too close until you get the Magnums.

Midas’ Touch (Bronze)

Become golden Lara.

Jump on the hand of the broken Midas statue to die.

I Only Play for Sport! (Silver)

Finish the game in less than 5 hours.

Requires a couple of re-runs so that you don’t fall for traps or waste time with the puzzles.

Deadline (Bronze)

Find all 36 ways to die.

Die at the hands of every boss, weapon, enemy, terrain, and trap.

Raid Not Kill (Bronze)

Do not hurt the T-Rex.

Complete the T-Rex level without firing at him once.

T-Rextinct (Bronze)

Defeat the T-Rex.

Make a save file for Lost Valley, so that you can kill him for the second achievement.

Pharming Health (Bronze)

Collect all medipacks in a single level.

The easiest level to do this is the first Caves level, which contains seven medipacks.

Clever Girl (Bronze)

Don’t let the velociraptors bite you in Peru.

Stay away from the velociraptors in the third and fourth levels.

Mummy, I’m Scared! (Bronze)

Make one of Qualopec’s guardians fall down.

At the end of the Qualopec Tomb level, shoot the mummy that keeps staring at you.

After Us the Deluge! (Bronze)

Make all shuttered floor panels crash in a single playthrough.

Stand on every weak floor panel to make it crash.

So Salacia (Bronze)

Come out of the water on your last breath in Neptune’s room.

Dive into the pool and wait until you lose 25 percent of your health before surfacing.

I Am No Heracles (Bronze)

Climb upside unharmed before the boulder ends its way into Atlas’ room.

Run towards the incoming boulder and quickly climb a part of the wall on your left. Save before attempting this.

You Are Really Loki (Bronze)

Don’t let thunder hit you in Thor’s room.

Keep hugging the walls. Turn right as soon as the lightning starts striking and then jump over the arch. Do the same thing in reverse on your way out.

Dionysius’ Wisdom (Bronze)

Let only one sword hurt you in Damocles’ room.

Hold the walk button to take one step at a time.

Hardy Raider (Silver)

Beat the game without using any medipacks.

Can be unlocked by starting a new game and using cheats to skip levels. Get it before it’s fixed.

Tempered Lara (Bronze)

Catch fire and put it out with water.

During the Midas Palace trials, get burned by the pillars before jumping into the water.

Hard Boiled (Bronze)

Beat the game using only Lara’s guns.

You can still pick up other weapons without losing the achievement.

Tomb Cleaner (Bronze)

Take every collectible item in a single playthrough.

There are a total of 357 items, one of which is stuck inside a wall in Atlantis right now.

Play It Like You Did on a Console in 1996 (Bronze)

Save 86 times or less in a single playthrough.

It needs to be done in the normal mode, not the new game plus.

Shelley’s Encore (Bronze)

Make Lara scream twice while falling.

Jump off the platform at the start of the Great Pyramid level.

The Apex Predator (Bronze)

Defeat a wolf while you are both in the air.

Jump behind while firing to kill wolves in midair. They can be found easily in the first four levels.

Pet This Cat (Bronze)

Do a handstand on the Sphinx’s face.

In the Sanctuary of the Scion level, run-jump to grab the platform on the back of the sphinx’s head. Then hold the action and up buttons at the same time.

Dances With Wolves (Bronze)

Gather 11 wolves in front of 4 Toltec warriors.

You need to lure all the wolves in the first area of City Vilcabamba and bring them to the second area with the temple. Make sure to have large medkits.

Ave, Lara! (Bronze)

Stand in the emperor’s box and sentence 10 animals in the arena to death.

Done in the Colosseum, you do not need to kill all 10 animals in the pit at once. The lion does not count.

Only the Brave Deserve The Fair (Bronze)

Swan-dive to the floor from a maximum height to stay alive.

In Croft Manor, swan-dive from the top of the stairs onto the right-most crate which is next to the stairwell.

Lethal and Loaded (Bronze)

Find the shotgun before collecting any cogs.

Head left from the start of Lost Valley and cross the rope bridge before dropping to your right to find the shotgun.

Exaggerated Threat (Bronze)

Defuse all swords in Damocles without being hurt.

Keep looking at the ceiling in the Damocles room while walking one square at a time. There are 19 swords you need to trigger.

On Incredible Tales (Bronze)

Let centaurs live in Greece.

Do not fire at the two centaurs when you encounter them.

Kong’s Fate (Bronze)

Make the gorilla from the arena die at the highest point possible.

Progress through the Colosseum until you complete the timed door puzzle. Then head to the top of the rocks and wait for the gorilla to come to you.

Enter the Crocodile (Bronze)

Take 6 items underwater in one breath.

Best done in the underwater corridor/room of the Obelisk of Khamoon. You can get all six items inside but will need a medkit to heal because there’s no way to replenish your breath.

Be like Prince (Bronze)

Don’t get hurt by your doppelganger.

Make sure not to lock onto the doppelganger after killing the alien in the Atlantis level. The trophy unlocks after the doppelganger falls through the trap door.

Consolidate the Material (Bronze)

Beat the game on New Game+.

NG+ unlocks only if you beat the game without cheats.

Thor’s Mercy (Bronze)

Let the block fall on your head in Thor’s room.

While doing the Thor hammer trial, you need to jump to the spot where one of the two blocks drop. You might need to save your game beforehand to confirm the location.

I’m Not Falling for This Trick (Bronze)

Take a secret in Natla’s Mines without stepping on the trap slide.

Do running jumps to not trigger the slide animation in Natla’s Mines secret area.

Watch Your Step (Bronze)

Where the pyramid meets the water, step on only one square surface.

You need to reach the end of the room by touching only one pyramid block. Jump on the black pillar and slide to the pyramid block. Quickly jump to the end of the room before you get killed by a boulder.

Feast Your Eyes on This! (Bronze)

Take a close look at tons of gold.

Turn right from the ballroom twice to find a chest of gold. Just look at it to unlock the trophy.

May They Rest in Ukhu Pacha (Bronze)

Take a close look at two Incan mummies.

The first mummy is in the Caves’ room with the two bridges. The second one is in the Qualopec Tomb room where you need to use levers to move the blocks.

Circus of Vilcabamba (Bronze)

Look at the bears standing on their hind legs.

There are three bears in total: one in the first level, and two in the second.

Why Did It Have to Be Snakes (Bronze)

Take a close look at the snakes.

Head left at the start of City of Vilcabamba, dive into the square pool, and go left. When you surface, look at the four snake statues.

Kon-Tiqsi-Wiraqucha (Bronze)

Go in to get the gold idol and exit through the same window.

After getting the gold idol, push the block near the ledge and then jump to it from atop. This obviously means that when you come into the room for the first time, you need to leave the first floor panel intact.

It’s About Time (Bronze)

Take a close look at all the ancient devices.

There are two devices: one (calendar on the wall) in the Caves and the second (sundial) in Palace Midas’ garden.

QTN (Bronze)

Stand on the thrones of all three rulers.

There are three throne seats at the end of the Atlantis level. Sit on the edges of each of them.

There’s So Much to Remember Here (Bronze)

Open Photo Mode.

Push both analog sticks to enter the photo mode of Tomb Raider 1 Remastered.

Like Dorothy (Bronze)

Use a level skip cheat code.

Make sure to start a new game afterward.

Featuring Lara Croft (Platinum)

Collect all trophies/achievements in the base game

Only for the PS4 version.

Tanks are more diverse than ever in World of Warcraft Classic: Season of Discovery, with no less than 6 of the 9 available classes able to fulfill the role. Rogues, Warlocks, and Shamans now have the ability to Tank thanks to new Tanking SoD Runes, while Paladins, Warriors, and Druids all get new Runes that improve their ability to maintain Threat and take hits.

Though every Tank in WoW SoD is able to take on endgame group content, some are much better at maintaining Threat, come with better party utility, or outright take less damage. This guide to the best Tanks in SoD ranked places each Tank class based on its strengths and weaknesses in endgame PvE content – most importantly, each Tank class’ ability to keep enemy aggro.

Updated February 24, 2024 by Erik Petrovich: WoW Season of Discovery is meant to be a constantly changing experience with new, revamped content to change how players experience the original World of Warcraft. At launch, the best SoD Tanks were the ones with the most complete toolkits at level 25, or the ones with the best Runes – including the newly Tank-capable Rogue and Shaman classes, plus Runes to enable Paladins to Tank much better. Similarly, with the release of Phase Two, new Runes and a new level cap of 40 has shaken up the vanilla WoW meta once again. This guide to the best WoW SoD Tanks has been updated and refreshed to account for Phase Two changes, and will continue to be updated as future Season of Discovery phases release to change things up more.

Rogue

New Rogue Tank Tools Aren’t Up To Snuff

Rogues are new to Tanking in SoD, and the relatively few players who have attempted to tank as a Rogue have generally found it to be a rewarding playstyle. Rogue Tanks don’t have to sacrifice hardly any DPS, making it easy to maintain Threat once established on a single target, but they lack two important things: the ability to tab between targets effectively, and any AoE Threat generation abilities.

Rogues lose all their current Combo Points if they tab to a new target, which Tanks have to do quite often to maintain Threat. With the new Phase Two ability Redirect trained, Rogues can swap their Combo points to a new target once every minute – but that’s not often enough to be that helpful, and oftentimes, it’s better to just Mutilate a new target to get two Combo points and deal damage at the same time.

Additionally, the Shuriken Toss Rune was added in Phase Two to try to mitigate Rogues’ lack of AoE threat generating abilities. On activation, you will launch an array of Shuriken at enemies nearby, causing a small amount of damage and generating threat. The thing is, it costs a lot of Energy, and deals a miniscule amount of damage. It’s more effective to tab-target and Mutilate than to use Shuriken Toss, as it stands.

For now, Rogues stand at the bottom of the best SoD Tanks tier list. In future phases and updates, one can only hope the Rogue Tank toolkit expands to match the effectiveness of other new Tank specs (Warlock and Shaman).

Druid

Difficult To Manage Threat, But Improving

Guardian Druids are the Tanking spec for the class, and true to its jack-of-all-trades nature, it’s not quite the best Tank in WoW SoD. Tank Druids can have a hard time maintaining threat on enemies, especially with many of their most useful abilities locked at high levels or behind lengthy Rune questlines.

With Phase Two, Guardian Druids got some much-needed Runes, but they weren’t very powerful. With hotfixes, the Druid Tank build is looking to be in a better place for the rest of the Phase, but it could still use some buffs to its core abilities (like Swipe).

Shaman

A Great Phase One Tank, Less So In Phase Two

Shaman Tanks didn’t really exist in vanilla WoW, though the class could fulfill the role in a well-put-together group. With the new Runes in SoD, Shaman Tanks have gone from a niche off-meta spec to one of the best Tanks of the first Phase.

Phase One Runes like Molten Blast and Way of Earth help the class maintain Threat better than almost any other, for both single and AoE targets. In Phase Two, Shaman Tanks got the powerful Maelstrom Weapon Rune, as well as the Spirit of the Alpha ability that can almost entirely eliminate the Shaman’s slightly less reliable Threat generation.

Another benefit of Shaman Tanks is that they can use Totems, which can be the source of some seriously powerful party buffs like Windfury.

But Shaman Tanks lack self-sustain, and don’t have defensive cooldowns on the same level as those of Warriors, Warlocks, and Paladins at Level 40. In the second SoD Phase, Shamans aren’t quite as high-tier Tanks as they were before, but they are still more than competent and a great addition to any group comp.

Warlock

Warlock Tanks Continue To Impress

Warlocks, like Rogues and Shamans, are now able to Tank effectively in the Season of Discovery. Also like Rogues, the Rune that enables this build, Metamorphosis, is a bit out-of-the-way. Instead of being locked behind a reputation grind, though, Metamorphosis is locked behind a lengthy, cross-continental questline.

Once unlocked, though, Warlocks may be surprised to find just how effective the new Tank playstyle is. Their ability to pull enemies effectively, hold threat, and maintain higher-than-average DPS across multiple types of fights makes them extremely good.

Where Warlocks stumble in Phase Two a little bit is just in comparison to Warrior and Paladin Tanks. Despite a massive Armor increase, and other buffs that help let Warlocks avoid taking lethal damage with every hit, Warriors and Paladins are just more effective at the job because of their more effective Threat and Defensive abilities.

Warrior

At Level 40, Warrior Tanks Are Back

Warriors have always been pretty good, if not arguably the best, Tanks in WoW Classic, and they are certainly up there in the Season of Discovery Tank rankings too. In Phase One, Warriors have most of their Tanking toolkit, as well as some handy Runes that give Protection Warriors some handy boosts.

Protection Warriors had some issues with AoE Tanking, but this weakness is shored up by the Furious Thunder Rune. Devastate is a great debuff for party DPS, while Warbringer is one of the best Warrior Runes available in SoD, period. As it stands in Phase Two, with much more of the Warriors’ trainable abilities and Talents unlocked, Warriors are amazing Tanks because of their high DPS, threat management, and defensive capabilities.

Warriors lack the party buff utility that Paladins bring to the table, though Phase Two has helped them out a little in that regard. Runes like Rallying Cry are incredibly useful for helping Healers right before party-wide attacks, and Intervene can mean all the difference in avoiding a wipe because a mob decided to run towards your backline.

Ultimately, between Warriors and Paladins, it’s difficult to choose the best SoD Tank Phase Two offers. But in the end, Paladins’ expanded toolkit and extremely party-friendly base abilities make them the best Tank in most content.

Paladin

Self-Sustain, Threat Management, & Plenty To Love

In WoW Classic Paladins are good tanks, but not quite as good as Warriors, and that’s thanks mostly to its lack of a direct Taunt. Other than that, Paladins and Warriors were both good Tank choices for endgame PvE content. With the Season of Discovery, Paladins get Hand of Reckoning, shoring up this weakness and transforming Paladins into the best Tank for SoD.

Paladins bring party and raid-wide Auras and a suite of buffs that suit different class’ needs. Their single-target DPS in the Tank role is nothing to sneer at, especially with a two-handed weapon equipped instead of a shield and 1h, and their ability to generate AoE threat is unmatched with the new Divine Storm Rune (plus Consecration).

Phase Two made Paladin Tanks even more powerful with abilities like the Guarded by the Light Rune, which greatly increases mana regeneration in combat. Plus, their party utility is even better now with the Enhanced Blessings skill book, which doubles the length of Blessing buffs and halves their mana cost.

Paladins bring a lot that other Tanks don’t have, including interrupts, AoE damage, self-healing, single-target burst, party mana regeneration, and a lot more. Their large range of abilities and vastly buffed spells make them a first choice for endgame PvE content.