Editorial

Patch notes — Page 4

Hand-written analysis when we cover a patch. The Steam News feed below covers the rest of the games we track, automatically refreshed every 30 minutes.

From the editors

Editorial patch notes

Hand-written when our writers cover a patch in depth.

40 notes

patch-notesrocket-league2026-08-17T09:07:44.921Z

Rocket League Season 21 — Pursuit in Paris brings Ranked Heatseeker, Parc de Paris Arena, RLCS 2026 decals

Rocket League Season 21 (December 10, 2025 - March 11, 2026) brought Ranked Heatseeker, the Parc de Paris Arena, improved Quads matchmaking, RLCS 2026 decals, and the 'Bring the Heat' event. French-themed season with French music, French designs, and the first real-life location-based arena in the game.

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patch-notesvalorant2026-08-17T09:07:44.921Z

Valorant Episode 14 Act 1 patch notes — new agent, Sunset rework, ranked refresh

Valorant Episode 14 Act 1 launches with a new Initiator agent (Waylay), a major rework of Sunset, a fresh ranked split, and a new battle pass. Full patch notes.

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patch-notesvalorant2026-08-17T09:07:44.921Z

Valorant patch 9.07b notes — Sage wall HP buff, Ascent tweaks, Reyna flash duration fix

Valorant 9.07b shipped Aug 12 with a Sage Barrier Orb durability buff (400 → 500 HP), Ascent mid boxes repositioned for better CT-side cover, and a Reyna Leer duration fix (1.6s → 2.0s). Plus Premier Act 3 schedule and the VCT 2026 Champions ticket pre-sale.

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patch-noteswarframe2026-08-17T09:07:44.921Z

Warframe: 1999 finale patch notes — The Hex concludes, new warframe, new questline

Warframe's 1999 expansion finale wraps the Hex storyline, adds the new Cinderframe warframe, opens a new endgame zone (The Undercroft), and ships a year-end celebration event. Full patch notes.

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patch-noteswarframe2026-08-17T09:07:44.921Z

Warframe Dog Days 2026 + Amir's Shockwave Nightwave — full August event notes

Warframe's August 2026 drops include Dog Days 2026 (Aug 4), Amir's Shockwave Nightwave (Aug 12), Fables & Frontiers: Running Late (Aug 12), six new Tennogen items including the first for Oraxia and Kullervo, and the Baruuk Deluxe Shaoshi skin. Plus 5 double-Affinity weekends from Aug 6 through Sep 3.

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patch-noteswuthering-waves2026-08-17T09:07:44.921Z

Wuthering Waves 3.5 — Huanglong return, Yangyang SP debut, and the road to Mengzhou in 3.6

Wuthering Waves Version 3.5 is live (Jul 9 - Aug 20, 2026). Headline is the return to Huanglong and the debut of Yangyang SP, the first alternate-version Resonator. Plus the new Suisui 4-star, the Starpath Reverbs Resonator banner, and a setup for Version 3.6's Mengzhou reveal.

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zenless-zone-zero2026-08-17T09:07:44.921Z

Zenless Zone Zero 2.4 patch notes — WatchEye of Motorcity, new Hollow, Astra Yao rerun

ZZZ 2.4 launches August 20 with the WatchEye of Motorcity season, a new Investigation zone, the Astra Yao rerun banner, a rework of Anomaly class mechanics, and the new "Smart Bomb Bangboo" combat pet. Includes 600+ Polychrome compensation for the delay.

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patch-notesleague-of-legends2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

League of Legends patch 25.16 — Briar nerf, Smolder buff, ARAM balance pass

LoL patch 25.16 ships Aug 14. Briar E cooldown nerfed (12s → 16s), Smolder Q damage buffed, ARAM balance pass (12 champions adjusted), and a ranked decay change for high-Elo players. Worlds 2026 patch preview at the end.

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league-of-legends2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

League of Legends Patch 16.15 patch notes — Worlds prep begins

Patch 16.15 is the first Worlds prep patch. Three mid-tier junglers get buffed (Vi, Lee Sin, Viego), two top-lane bullies get nerfed (Camille, Renekton), and the new Warding system overhaul lands. Patch hits live servers August 13, 2026.

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patch-notesmarvel-rivals2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Marvel Rivals 3.5 Blade — full August 8 + August 21 follow-up patch notes

Full notes for the Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 Blade update on August 8 and the August 21 follow-up. Includes the Blade hero release, 2 team-ups removed, 2 team-ups added, ranked MMR overhaul with team-size caps by rank, automated chat moderation, and the August 21 sustain buffs.

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patch-notesmarvel-rivals2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 — full patch notes for the Blade update (August 8 + August 21 follow-up)

Full patch notes for the Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 update on August 8, including the Blade hero, team-up rework, ranked matchmaking changes, and the August 21 follow-up balance pass that buffed Blade's sustain. Includes every hero buff and nerf.

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patch-notesmarvel-rivals2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Marvel Rivals Season 3 Empire of Eternal Night — full patch notes

Marvel Rivals Season 3 "Empire of Eternal Night" launches with two new heroes (Doctor Doom and Clea), a new 6v6 mode (Doom's Domain), a new map (Castle Doom), and a new ranked tier. Full patch notes.

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patch-notes2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Marvel Snap August 2026 hotfix — Sandman nerf, Agent 13 buff, the meta shift explained

Second Dinner shipped a balance hotfix on August 2 with changes to Sandman, Agent 13, and three underused cards. The patch opens the meta after the Loki nerf, with the Bounce, Move, and Sandman-Onslaught archetypes all viable for the first time since 2025. This article breaks down every change and the new tier list.

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marvel-snap2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Marvel Snap August 3 balance patch: full breakdown

Marvel Snap August 3 balance patch nerfs the dominant Sandman + Lockjaw decks, buffs Zabu and Darkhawk, and adds a new Spotlight Cache. The last balance pass before the Fractured Frontier season launches Aug 4.

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patch-notesmarvel-snap2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Marvel Snap August 3 balance patch — Hawkeye + Hulkbuster + Vision buffed, Captain Marvel nerfed

Marvel Snap's August 3 OTA patch is a buff-heavy update ahead of the August 8 full patch. Hawkeye +1 Power on the On Reveal, Hulkbuster +1 Power, Vision +1 Power, Captain Marvel moved to a different slot (5/6 -> 4/5). Plus Absorbing Man gets +2 Power. Smaller meta shifts than July's patch but a solid set of buffs.

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overwatch-22026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Overwatch 2 Season 18 patch notes (August 26, 2026)

OW2 Season 18 launches August 26 with Wuyang, the new Payload Race mode, Stadium Quick Play with crossplay, Hero Progression 2.0, and the biggest balance patch of 2026 (Roadhog rework, 60+ new perks, 8 hero updates).

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patch-notesoverwatch2026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Overwatch 2 Season 18 Stadium overhaul — full patch notes

Overwatch 2 Season 18 overhauls the Stadium mode, introduces hero bans to ranked, and adds a new Healer meta. Full patch notes for the most ambitious gameplay change since the Stadium mode launch.

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path-of-exile-22026-08-17T09:07:44.920Z

Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 'Return of the Ancients' patch notes

PoE2's 0.5.0 'Return of the Ancients' patch brings the Huntress class, Smith of Kitava ascendancy, a full endgame overhaul, and the Runes of Aldur league. The final Early Access league before 1.0.

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diablo-immortal2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Diablo Immortal Season 15 patch notes — Bone Prison raid, monetization rollback, 2 new Helliquary bosses

Diablo Immortal's Season 15 "Bone Prison" launches August 18 with the first 12-player raid (Cathedral of Bones), 2 new Helliquary bosses (Lilith and Diablo), and a sweeping monetization rollback — the Legendary Crate system is being removed entirely. Plus a new zone (The Dry Steppes) and full cross-progression parity between mobile and PC.

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patch-notesdota-22026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Dota 2 Patch 7.39c — the meta stabilizes ahead of TI qualifiers

Dota 2 Patch 7.39c is a balance pass ahead of the TI 2026 qualifiers. The patch targets the most overperforming heroes and items, with a focus on stabilizing the meta for competitive play.

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patch-notes2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Dota 2 7.39d patch notes — neutral item rework, Aghanim's Shard drop rate, and 14 hero changes

Dota 2 7.39d is a small-to-medium balance patch focused on the new neutral item drop rates. The big change: Tier 4 and 5 neutral items now have a 35% combined drop rate after the 30-minute mark (was 18%). 14 heroes get targeted buffs and nerfs, mostly in the mid-tier competitive scene.

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fortnite2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 hotfix — map changes, weapon nerfs, and the new live event countdown

Fortnite 34.20 lands with a small map rework, three weapon nerfs (including the controversial Drum Gun), and the start of the live event countdown. Here's what changes and how to prep.

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patch-notesfortnite2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 patch notes — new map, new weapons, ranked refresh

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 ships a new map focused on a post-apocalyptic wasteland theme, four new weapons (including the railgun rework), a new mobility item, and a major ranked refresh. Full patch notes.

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fortnite2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 'Shaken' launch recap

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 'Shaken' launched July 30 with a new island location, Spider-Man collaboration, and the end of Chapter 7 Season 3 'Runners' on August 19. The new season is rumored to be a 1-month mini-season.

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fragpunk2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

FragPunk July 2026 patch 1.4 notes: Shard Card rework

FragPunk's 1.4 patch is a Shard Card system rework. 20 cards rebalanced, 5 new cards, and a veto system that lets teams block 1 card per round.

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genshin-impact2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Genshin Impact 5.0 'Flowers Resplendent' patch notes

Genshin Impact 5.0 launches August 28 with the Natlan region, Mualani + Kachina + Kinich, 4th anniversary rewards, Capturing Radiance gacha, World Level 9, and Sanctifying Elixir. The biggest patch of 2026.

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hearthstone2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Hearthstone 'Whispers of the Old Gods' expansion: full breakdown (Aug 26)

Hearthstone 'Whispers of the Old Gods' expansion launches August 26 with 135 new cards, the Corruption keyword, the Old Gods neutral minion cycle, 110 free packs, and the Twist mode return. The most-anticipated Hearthstone expansion since Murder at Castle Nathria (2022).

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patch-noteshonkai-star-rail2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

Honkai Star Rail 4.4 — Fate collaboration breakdown (Rin Tohsaka, Gilgamesh, Himeko Nova, Kafka rerun)

Honkai Star Rail Version 4.4 is live (July 15 - Aug 25, 2026). Headline is the Fate collaboration with Rin Tohsaka, Gilgamesh, and Himeko Nova. Plus multiple 5-star reruns (Sparxie, Permansor Terrae, Evernight, Cerydra, Anaxa, Aventurine). Banner phases, new mechanics, and the meta impact.

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league-of-legends2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

League of Legends Patch 25.16: Worlds calibration begins

The 25.16 patch is the first balance pass focused on the Worlds 2026 meta. Three mid-lane mages return to the spotlight, jungle clears get a small QoL buff, and the new ranked-decay grace period is finally live.

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league-of-legends2026-08-17T09:07:44.919Z

League of Legends Patch 25.17: Season 3 launch with Doom Bots

LoL's Season 3 begins August 27 with the return of Doom Bots, the Xin Zhao visual update, Vayne and Sett in the jungle, and the new seasonal Battle Pass. Patch 25.17 is the second-to-last major patch before Worlds 2026.

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patch-notesapex-legends2026-08-17T09:07:44.918Z

Apex Legends Season 24 Takeover — Ash + Ballistic rework, helmet removal, new Mythic armor

Apex Legends Season 24: Takeover drops a major Ash + Ballistic rework, removes all standard helmets, adds a new Mythic armor system, and launches the Creator Commissioner event. R-99 returns to floor loot, Peacekeeper enters the Care Package. Full breakdown of the meta shifts.

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apex-legends2026-08-17T09:07:44.918Z

Apex Legends Season 30 'Marked' patch notes: full breakdown

Apex Legends Season 30 'Marked' launches August 4 with a complete Bloodhound rework, World’s Edge map rework with 3 new POIs, Corrupted Attachments, energy weapon overhaul, and the end of Switch support. The biggest Apex season since Season 16 (Vantage).

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patch-notescounter-strike-22026-08-17T09:07:44.918Z

Counter-Strike 2 July 2026 update — Cache returns to Active Duty, Premier Season 5, C4 explosion rework

CS2's July 8, 2026 update added Cache to the Active Duty Map Pool, removed Overpass, launched Premier Season 5, and reworked the C4 explosion model. New weapon collections (Spy Tech + Arabesque), new sticker collections, and a Source 2 engine update. Plus the Cologne 2026 Major shop and sticker pricing tools.

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patch-notescounter-strike-22026-08-17T09:07:44.918Z

CS2 Operation Breakthrough patch notes — new Premier mode, three new maps, weapon changes

CS2's Operation Breakthrough ships the new Premier map-pick mode, three new competitive maps (Ravine, Calavera, Cobblestone reworked), and a balance pass on the M4A1-S and the AK-47. Here's the full patch breakdown.

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counter-strike-22026-08-17T09:07:44.918Z

CS2 Premier Season 5 + Cache rework — August 3, 2026 patch notes

Valve dropped a ~10GB CS2 update on August 3, 2026, officially launching Premier Season 5 and shipping the Cache rework plus new scripting API for map creators. Full breakdown of every change.

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deadlock2026-08-17T09:07:44.918Z

Deadlock August 2026 update: 6 new heroes drip-fed, community voting, Hideout pre-game lobby

The August 18 Deadlock update adds 6 new heroes drip-fed over 2 weeks, community voting on release order, the Hideout pre-game lobby, and the long-awaited profile page. The biggest content drop since the August 2024 reveal.

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deep-rock-galactic-survivor2026-08-17T09:07:44.918Z

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor update 1.0 'The Hollows'

DRG Survivor 1.0 launches August 18 with the new Hollows biome, 4 new classes, and the deep-rock season pass. The full release leaves Early Access after 18 months.

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delta-force2026-08-17T09:07:44.918Z

Delta Force August 2026 Warfare patch notes

Delta Force's August Warfare patch reworks the Layton Grove map, buffs 4 underused weapons, and adds a new 64-player "Rush" mode for Layton Grove.

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apex-legends2026-08-17T09:07:44.917Z

Apex Legends Season 23: From the Ashes

Respawn's mid-year season drop. New legend, new map, ranked rework that finally brings the algorithm into the cross-progression era. The Newcastle-Horizon TTK rebalance is the most-requested community change of the past two seasons.

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apex-legends2026-08-17T09:07:44.917Z

Apex Legends Season 24.1 patch notes — Conduit balance pass, World's Edge rework, and the Catalyst buff

Apex 24.1 is a mid-Season-24 patch with a Conduit balance pass, a World's Edge rework, a Catalyst buff, and a new ranked reward track. Here's what changes and how to adapt your play.

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From Steam

Live Steam news

88 items

Marvel Snap

MARVEL SNAP DLC is here just in time for Deckbuilders Fest

That's right, MARVEL SNAP is participating in the Steam Deckbuilders Fest from May 4-11. To celebrate, we're launching new bundles and featuring content from the MARVEL SNAP Content Creator program the whole week! Whether you're just getting started or looking to supercharge a specific playstyle, there's a bundle built for you. If this IS your first time here, welcome! Here's the TLDR: The game is

SD_Brady · 2026-05-04via Steam News

Fall Guys

Fall Forever Update

The new ‘Fall Forever’ Update invites Beans on an endless exploration of the Blunderdome with a brand new Mode! In ‘Explore’ Mode an infinite expanse of Levels is waiting for you to enjoy. Play as long as you want to and then collect your rewards…. The Fall Forever Update is out now! https://cdn2.unrealengine.com/cmp-10-9keyart-16x9-pg-4-3840x2160-28f8b8d2edcb.png?resize=1&w=1288 New Fame Pass Let

scott.alexanderblows · 2024-05-07via Steam News

Old School RuneScape

Old School RuneScape player hits 99 fishing by just catching shrimp and anchovies. Jagex approves

After spending two years and three months catching solely anchovies and shrimp, Old School RuneScape player 'Bosby' has hit 99 fishing. Read the full story on PCGamesN: Old School RuneScape player hits 99 fishing by just catching shrimp and anchovies. Jagex approves

[email protected] · 2026-08-11via Steam News

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

[Dev Letter] Adjustment to the Map Selection System(NA, SA, EU, RU, Console)

Read the full announcement here!

[****] UZI · 2026-08-11via Steam News

War Thunder

Unplanned Technical Maintenance

Dear players.The game may not be available at the moment as we are experiencing some technical issues on our servers. We are endeavouring to fix these issues as quickly as possible.Thank you for your understanding.

magazine2 · 2026-08-11via Steam News

Warframe

Lifting together: How Warframe became one of the world's best multiplayer games

Warframe has become one of the biggest multiplayer games of all time, and in 2026, it's innovating in a way that no other online title is. Read the full story on PCGamesN: Lifting together: How Warframe became one of the world's best multiplayer games

[email protected] · 2026-08-11via Steam News

Delta Force

G.T.I. Security | Notice of penalties for violations

Hello Operators, The Delta Force security team is committed to maintaining a fair gaming experience,and will impose appropriate restrictions on those found to be cheating or in breach of our terms of service. As developers, we understand the importance of ensuring a safe and fun environment for Delta Force players. As such, we adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone found to be in violation o

JZ-DFSecurityTeam · 2026-08-10via Steam News

Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals hits the Ozempic, comes back 40 GB lighter

Incredible news, folks: Marvel Rivals has completely repackaged its assets. No, not those assets . Last Friday, the internet's most erogenous shooter announced that it was slimming down. As part of an "Optimized texture resource compression strategy across all platforms," Marvel Rivals now comes in about 40 GB lighter on PC than it did before... Read more.

Joshua Wolens · 2026-08-10via Steam News

Team Fortress 2

CLTF2 Halloween Cup

{STEAM_CLAN_LOC_IMAGE}/554111/8636d1221f9d795f26154af1c638033f7923b09f.png (Image credit: MetalCloud) CLTF2 is announcing their Halloween Cup, a new event to help get ready for Halloween! This time around players can expect Highlander 9v9 action but with the twist of playing on Halloween themed maps! Sign-ups for the Halloween Cup are already open and run until the 6th of September. The first set

erics · 2026-08-10via Steam News

Team Fortress 2

CLTF2 Halloween Cup

(Image credit: MetalCloud ) CLTF2 is announcing their Halloween Cup, a new event to help get ready for Halloween! This time around players can expect Highlander 9v9 action but with the twist of playing on Halloween themed maps! Sign-ups for the Halloween Cup are already open and run until the 6th of September. The first set of matches will be generated shortly after sign-ups close. All regions an.

Steam · 2026-08-10via Steam News

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