Splitgate 2 reveals an open beta and an unlimited number of maps.

      1047 Games

      If you haven’t yet experienced Splitgate 2, you’ll have the opportunity next month when its open beta launches. This beta commences on May 22 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, along with PS4 and Xbox One, all featuring full crossplay support, ensuring a vibrant player base. Developer 1047 Games has not disclosed the duration of the beta, but they have hinted at some exciting new content.

      The open beta will include new weapons, increasing the total number available in-game to over 25 different options. Additionally, new game modes are set to join the beta, such as Takedown from the original game. This mode involves an elimination-style match where you must eliminate the entire opposing team before they can respawn, often leading to an intense hide-and-seek scenario towards the end, with the last surviving player trying to survive long enough for reinforcements to appear.

      Now for the most thrilling part: 1047 states there will be more than 15 traditional maps, but the trailer replaces that number with the term “infinite.” This suggests a custom map editor could be part of the open beta, allowing for countless community-created maps. Other franchises have consistently shown that a dedicated community with the right resources can elevate a game to new heights.

      Splitgate can be best characterized as a blend of Halo and Portal, delivering the wild experience one would expect. Even in its early phases, Splitgate 2 made a strong impression on players, addressing many issues that affected its predecessor and creating a more cohesive gaming experience.

      If you miss the beta, there's no need to worry. The game is scheduled for an official release later this year and will be free-to-play, meaning you can enjoy it without spending any money, though a battle pass and cosmetic purchases are likely to be available.

      Frostpunk 2’s beta provides an intense glimpse of stressful city-building

      Typically, I find playing city-building or civilization games to be a relaxing endeavor. There’s a unique pleasure in efficiently managing something I’ve created in Cities: Skylines 2 or Mini Motorways. I relish spending countless hours constructing a functional world, only occasionally facing high-pressure situations. However, Frostpunk 2 from 11 bit Studios flips that on its head. My time spent in its beta was filled with stress as I constantly faced tough decisions to maintain a society formed in a frozen post-apocalyptic landscape.

      Throughout the 300 in-game weeks offered in Frostpunk 2’s Utopia Builder mode beta, I was perpetually confronted with the looming dangers of scarce resources and multiple political factions competing for my influence, all while attempting to grow a civilization. While this experience was highly stressful, I was captivated by the brief time I spent with Frostpunk 2.

      Stay frosty

      While the original Frostpunk focused on rebuilding a single settlement, 11 bit Studios has indicated that this sequel is about guiding that established settlement into a prosperous civilization. The world of Frostpunk remains unforgiving; it continues to be a post-apocalyptic realm filled with severe cold and limited resources. The mode I played, Utopia Builder, allows players to build freely without following a predetermined storyline; therefore, this beta aims to showcase most of Frostpunk 2’s gameplay mechanics -- and it does so in an impressive way. At its core, players must develop their city while generating income and ensuring enough heat, shelter, and food to reduce mortality rates.

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      All photo-op locations in Spider-Man 2

      Get me pictures of Spider-Man! Actually, in Spider-Man 2, you don’t need to take any pictures of either Spider-Man. As established in the first game, Peter has moved on from his role as a photographer for the Bugle to focus entirely on science (when not saving the day, of course). When his scientific endeavors fall short of paying the bills, he returns to his freelance photography job to make ends meet by visiting key locations around the map to take photos for sale. These camera icons will be among the most frequent markers you encounter on your map as you play, and while each completion rewards just two City Tokens, capturing the perfect shot only takes a few seconds. Let’s explore the city to uncover all the photo-op spots in Spider-Man 2.

      All photo-op locations

      Photo-ops will appear on the map in groups as you progress through the game, ultimately totaling 23 distinct locations that you must stop to photograph to complete the quest. To capture the perfect shot, swipe down on the touchpad to access your camera app when close to the target area and look for the subject you need to capture. The target will usually be quite apparent, be it mascots, a piece of art, or even entire buildings. The camera itself assists you as well. If you are within range, it will indicate whether the subject is in view, obscured, or in focus. Once the ring turns green, that shot will