Get the newest Twitch Drop on October 13th by watching 4 hours of Twitch streams during the launch of Patch 12.1.5!Watch any eligible World of Warcraft stream on Twitch.tv from 13 October at 16:00 BST until 3 November at 16:00 GMT to claim the Cuddly Gold-Colored Grrgle Housing decor item.

Eligibility
To participate, you must link your Twitch account by visiting https://account.battle.net/connections. If you have changed your password or made any changes to your Twitch or Battle.net account, you will have to relink your accounts. When you relink, there will be a 7-day cooldown before you can relink a new Twitch account. After you’ve claimed your rewards on Twitch, please make sure you’re logging into the Battle.net region you’d like to receive the drop(s) on, as the first region you log into will be where your items will be delivered. It can take up to 24 hours to receive your reward(s) in-game after claiming. Read our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

How do I Earn Twitch Drops?
Start Time: 13 October 18:00 BST
End Time: 3 November 18:00 GMT

Watch 4 hours of eligible World of Warcraft content while these Twitch Drops are active on any channel to earn the Cuddly Gold-Colored Grrgle Housing decor item.

Players who have claimed this new item from the Twitch Drop will also be able to visit Dennia Silvertongue in Silvermoon City to purchase more copies of this adorable item. Additional copies can also be purchased from Tuuran in Stormwind and Gabbi in Orgrimmar (near the Trading Post).

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I link my battle.net and Twitch accounts?
A. Sign into your Battle.net account at https://account.battle.net/connections and click the Connect link for Twitch, then follow the instructions to sign in and link your Twitch account to Battle.net.

Q. What devices can I use to earn and claim drops?
A. You can earn and claim drops using your PC/Mac web browser or on the Twitch app for Android or iOS. Twitch apps on game consoles, smart TVs, and other TV apps do not support drops.

Q. Do I need to watch the same channel the entire time to earn my drops?
A. You can earn progress towards a drop on any eligible channel in the World of Warcraft category on Twitch. You can, for example, watch half an hour on one channel and then switch to another channel without losing your progress. You cannot earn progress faster by watching more than one channel at a time.

Q. Will I receive my drop rewards in-game automatically?
A. To receive your rewards, you must claim the drop on the channel you’re watching or in the Drops Inventory menu on Twitch.

Q. Do Twitch Drop rewards expire?
A. Earned Twitch Drop rewards will expire seven (7) days after they’ve been claimed if a Battle.net account has not been linked.

Q. As a streamer, how do I get Twitch Drops on my channel?
A. All you need to do is ensure your Twitch and Battle.net accounts are linked and that you’ve opted into Drops (see Drops Streamer Home).

Q. What regions are eligible for these Twitch Drops?
A. Participating regions include North America, Latin America, Europe, The Middle East, Africa, Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Blizzard has the right to change, pause, or cancel this Twitch Drop and its terms if it cannot run as planned for any reason, including but not limited to technical issues or unexpected factors beyond Blizzard’s control.

*Not available in World of Warcraft Classic® games. Requires World of Warcraft® Subscription or Game Time. Use and placement of decor items is limited to the Housing feature, which requires access to World of Warcraft®: Midnight.

The Ice Staff has arrived in Black Ops 6 Zombies following the release of The Tomb map. So, here’s how you can craft this iconic weapon and progress the main story easter egg.

The Season 2 update for BO6 brings a brand-new map for Zombies fans to check out. Named The Tomb, the map is set in the remains of an ancient burial ground and features a series of dungeons and catacombs to explore. Its main story easter egg is tied to the Ice Staff Wonder Weapon, which can be used to freeze enemies and then disintegrate them with another shot.

With this in mind, here’s how you can get the Ice Staff on The Tomb in Black Ops 6 Zombies.

Defeat the Mimic and obtain the Monocle

To get the Monocle, you’ll need to defeat a Shock Mimic enemy that spawns during Round 8. After defeating it, it’ll drop the Monocle.

Activision

Shoot the Dark Aether lanterns

Head towards the Tombs area and look for a purple lantern. This can spawn at multiple locations within the room and you’ll have to shoot it and guide it towards the bull mural on the wall. Doing so will light up a series of Roman numerals on the mural.

Activision

Complete the Roman numeral puzzles

You’ll now have to shoot in the Roman symbols in numerical order (1 to 10) which will create a constellation on the wall. This will also trigger a lockdown event and waves of enemies will spawn in the area. Fend them off and you’ll receive The Staff part of the weapon in the end.

Activision

For the second Roman numeral puzzle, go to the Neolithic Catacombs area and shoot the Dark Aether lanterns until another mural wall lights up. Complete the Roman numeral puzzle in the same fashion as the first one to trigger a lockdown event. In the end, you’ll get the Head Piece part of the Ice Staff.

Related

How to complete the Black Ops 6 Zombies The Tomb main story Easter egg

Pack-a-Punch location in Black Ops 6 Zombies The Tomb

How to get Gold Armor in Black Ops 6 Zombies The Tomb

Activision

Craft the Ice Staff at the Dark Aether Nexus

Activision

For the final step, you’ll need to back to the Dark Aether Nexus. Move towards the center of the altar and interact with it. The Ice Staff will now begin taking shape but you’ll have to defend it from waves of enemies in another lockdown event. This event is trickier than the previous ones so make sure to Pack-A-Punch your weapons before starting it. Once it’s finished, you can pick up the Ice Staff and use it to freeze enemies.

Before jumping into the map, make sure to check out the best class setups and Pack-A-Punch weapons for Black Ops 6 Zombies.

Blizzard has updated the Official 12.1.5 Patch Notes, which includes a new buff to Preservation Evoker and a bug fix for Murder Row. Official 12.1.5 Patch Notes

Last week, Blizzard released their Official 12.1.5 Patch Notes. This includes details of the upcoming features and changes ahead of the official launch on October 13th for NA and October 14th for EU. The Patch Notes have now been updated with the following:

Classes

Evoker
Preservation
Flameshaper
Developers’ notes: We recently fixed Consume Flame to not double dip with healing increases, which resulted in a fairly significant decrease to Flameshaper's throughput. We're offsetting the bug fix by increasing Consume Flame's healing.

Consume Flame healing increased by 20%.

Dungeons

Murder Row
Fixed an issue where Zaen Bladesorrow's Murder in a Row could incorrectly assign a player's safe spot to a barrel they were not hiding behind.

Housing

Stairwells will now export all stairwell rooms that are vertically connected to it. If you have a stairwell that is four units tall they will all be included. Importing this blueprint will connect it to an existing room from your choice of the bottom or top floor of the blueprint, if it does not collide with other rooms in your house.

Black Ops 6 Season 2 brings a brand-new Marksman Rifle to the game called the TR2. The weapon combines precision and power, making it well worth your time. So, here’s how you can unlock it.

The seasonal update for Black Ops 6 and Warzone adds four new guns to the armory, with each weapon belonging to a different class. For Marksman Rifle enthusiasts, the new TR2 is a tempting option as it offers excellent handling and respectable damage coupled with a great fire rate.

If you enjoy darting around the map and downing enemies with pinpoint shots, the TR2 might just become your weapon of choice. On that note, here’s to unlock it in multiplayer and Warzone.

How to unlock the TR2 in Warzone & BO6

To unlock the TR2, you’ll need to complete the Shadow Hunt event that will run from February 13 to February 20. During this event, you’ll have to complete a set of challenges that will see you earn seven rewards, including the Marksman Rifle. The Binary Trigger Fire Mod for Tanto .22 will also be on offer as part of the event.

Activision

The official set of challenges is yet to be confirmed but we’ll be sure to update this page once they’re revealed.

The weapon itself comes with best-in-class handling and is well-suited for fast-moving players confident in their aim. Being a semi-automatic weapon, it can let off shots quickly while packing a punch at medium and long ranges.

Here’s what the devs had to say about the rifle in an official blog post: “Its rapid re-centering speed encourages quick follow up shots without losing sight of your target, eliminating unarmored enemies in three-to-four shots out to 100 meters. Whether you opt for a long-range Optic to engage enemies at a distance or prefer a closer fight, the TR2’s ease of use promises a good outcome in the hands of a trained Operator.”

Related

How to unlock Tempus Torrent in Warzone 2 & Modern Warfare 2 Season 2 Reloaded

How to unlock the Groza Assault Rifle in Black Ops Cold War Season 2

How to unlock Tempus Razorback Assault Rifle in Warzone 2 & Modern Warfare 2 Season 5

For all its merits, the TR2 has a base magazine size of 20 rounds which will run dry quickly in Warzone. So, it’s best to use an Extended Magazine for the battle royale mode.

While you wait for the Shadow Hunt event, make sure to unlock the new PPSh-41 SMG and the Cypher 091 AR.

A new fall-themed mount has been added to the in-game shop, and this adorable Whoofle Bramblewing is sure to captivate.An adorable face, autumn leaves, and a brand-new mount trailer - this little guy has it all! The new mount is the standard price of $25 USD, but the in-game shop may be having loading issues. If you're determined to buy him right now, you can find him on the web-based shop here:

Whoofle Bramblewing Mount

Swoop over the treetops or scamper across the countryside in the saddle of Whoofle Bramblewing*. With bright eyes, ruffled feathers, and keen curiosity, this inquisitive owl eagerly seeks out hidden wonders and untrodden paths wherever they may lead.

Visit the Shop

This mount is shared across all present and future characters in modern World of Warcraft® (currently Midnight™) and automatically scales to each character's fastest riding skill. If an adventurer isn't ready to take to the skies yet, Whoofle Bramblewing serves as a wise, watchful ground mount until the time comes to spread their wings.

Purchase Whoofle Bramblewing today through the in-game Shop or at Battle.net. Some restrictions apply, so visit the shop for full details.

*Not available in World of Warcraft Classic® games and requires a World of Warcraft® subscription or Game Time.

Four new shop bundles have been released on the Battle.net shop, and what better way to celebrate spooky season than with some bewitching sets!The Hexed Witchwick Collection is an overarching bundle for $50 USD that purchases all four bundles in one go, but each collection (Autumnal, Blushing, Wintry, and Moonlit) can also each be purchased for $25 each. All bundles come with a complete ensemble, as well as a matching witch's broom mount.

Hexed Witchwick Collection

Autumnal Witchwick Ensemble & Mount

Blushing Witchwick Ensemble & Mount

Wintry Witchwick Ensemble & Mount

Moonlit Witchwick Ensemble & Mount

Something wickedly stylish is stirring in Azeroth. Four bewitching bundles are in the Hexed Witchwick Collection*, each pairing a spellbinding transmog ensemble with its own enchanted mount. Summon your favorite bundle on its own or toss them all into your cauldron and claim the complete collection.

If a little Witchwick magic is already tucked away in your in-game Collection, the price will automatically adjust so you only pay for the bundle items you haven’t yet claimed.

Left to Right : Blushing Witchwick, Autumnal Witchwick, Wintry Witchwick, and Moonlit Witchwick

Get the Collection

The cauldron has conjured up these individual bundles:

Blushing Witchwick Pack
Blushing Witchwick Ensemble and Blushing Witchwick's Rider

Autumnal Witchwick Pack
Autumnal Witchwick Ensemble and Autumnal Witchwick's Rider

Wintry Witchwick Pack
Wintry Witchwick Ensemble and Wintry Witchwick's Rider

Moonlit Witchwick Pack
Moonlit Witchwick Ensemble and Moonlit Witchwick's Rider

Uncover the Transmog pieces waiting in the shadows of each Witchwick Ensemble. The Witchwick Cat and Jack hats each include a “Flowing” option, so you can decide whether to keep your hair tucked away or let it fly free:

Witchwick Cat Hat

Witchwick Flowing Cat Hat

Witchwick Jack Hat

Witchwick Flowing Jack Hat

Witchwick Shoulderpads

Witchwick Shouldergourds

Witchwick Chestpiece

Witchwick Gloves

Witchwick Belt

Witchwick Skirt

Witchwick Boots

Witchwick’s Rider mounts are shared across all present and future WoW® Modern characters, matching the fastest riding skill each character has mastered. For those not yet ready to take to the skies, these enchanted brooms will glide across the ground instead.

Conjure an enchanting new look, summon your trusty broom, and sweep off into spellbound skies in search of mischief. Certain restrictions apply. Visit shop.battle.net for more information.

*Not available in World of Warcraft Classic® games and requires a World of Warcraft® subscription or Game Time.

There’s no shortage of versatile AR options in Black Ops 6 but the Cypher 091, released as part of Season 2, could trump them all.

The latest content update for B06 and Warzone introduces four new weapons to the fray along with a selection of multiplayer maps. The weapons on offer include the classic PPSh-41 SMG and a brand-new Assault Rifle called the Cypher 091. Rated highly due to its excellent range and handling, the weapon could be the XM4 replacement players are looking for.

If you’re looking to try it out for yourself, here’s how to unlock the Cypher 091 in multiplayer and Warzone.

How to unlock Cypher 091 in Warzone & BO6

To unlock the Cypher 091, you’ll need to complete Page 8 of the Season 2 Battle Pass. The weapon is an HVT tier reward so you’ll have to gather enough tokens to unlock all the rewards on Page 8 before finally using a token to claim the Assault Rifle.

Activision

The weapon is completely free to unlock so there’s no need to purchase the premium BP track. There’s also a special weapon blueprint on Page 11 of the Battle Pass if you don’t want to spend time leveling it up.

No matter which route you opt for, unlocking the weapon is going to be a long grind. To speed things up, make sure to use any Double XP Tokens in your inventory, and also check out our guide on how to earn XP quickly.

The AR itself looks to be worth the hassle offering excellent balance across all fronts. Its reload speed is also quicker than many other weapons in its class.

All things point toward the Cypher 091 being a jack-of-all-trades, including its description by the devs in the official blog: “For versatility, few weapons outshine the Cypher 091. With excellent range, handling, and mobility, the weapon performs well in a variety of engagements. With clear front-mounted iron sights, minimal muzzle smoke, and controllable recoil, this AR makes for easy target acquisition even without an attached Optic.”

Related

Best Cypher 091 loadout in Black Ops 6

Best Cypher 091 loadout in Warzone

How to unlock C58 Assault Rifle in Warzone & Cold War

After unlocking the AR, make sure to check out where it lands on Warzone and Black Ops 6 Assault Rifle meta.

Quote:Remuxing does not significantly compress your files or change their codecs. An HEVC video remains HEVC after remuxing. Simply renaming a file extension does not remux it.

• Create a test folder with copies of two or three videos.
  
• Make sure your node can read the media and write to the cache and destination.
  
• Provide enough cache space for the files being processed concurrently.
  
• Keep backups: Tdarr can replace source files depending on your library settings.
  

1. Open Libraries in Tdarr and create a library pointing to your test folder.
   
2. Configure a writable Transcode Cache directory.
   
3. Review output and source-replacement settings so you know where completed files will go.
   
4. Open Transcode Options and select the Classic Plugin stack configuration.
   
5. Remove default encoding and cleanup plugins from this test stack. Use only the remux plugin below.
   

1. Scan the test library to discover your files.
   
2. Enable one CPU transcode worker on the node for the initial test. Remux jobs also use Tdarr's transcode queue; a GPU is unnecessary for stream copying.
   
3. Allow the queued files to process, then inspect their job reports.
   
4. Check that the FFmpeg command uses -c copy or equivalent per-stream copy options rather than video/audio encoders.
   
5. Review completed output or staging items according to your library configuration.
   

• Confirm the target container and expected video/audio codecs.
  
• Compare duration, resolution, audio channels, and track counts.
  
• Test seeking, audio synchronization, alternate audio, and subtitles.
  
• Check chapters and language/default-track flags if you use them.
  
• For HDR or Dolby Vision, verify metadata and playback separately. Container support alone does not guarantee correct playback.
  

• Keep MKV if it already works on your player.
  
• Extract subtitles to external files before removing their embedded tracks.
  
• Use a separate configured step to convert text subtitles to an MP4-supported format.
  
• Convert unsupported audio if your player requires it. That adds audio transcoding to the workflow.
  

Quote:Before enabling force_conform, read the removal rules and confirm that you are willing to lose those streams.

WoW: Forever's beta level cap is now raised to 30, and everyone wants to try it - so we're helping with that opportunity! We're giving away even more Skyborne Epic Packs in our latest sweepstakes. This time, there are 45 Skyborne Epic Packs up for grabs, which lets even more people try out WoW: Forever during the last stretch of beta and beyond!

To enter for a chance to win, simply comment below on this article with what class you'll get to level 30 first in WoW: Forever! The official release date for Forever is November 4th, but from now until October 21st, players can test out the Beta and see what's in store on official release.

45 total winners will be selected and contacted by Monday, October 12th. Good luck!

The Prizes

Grand Prize (x45):

Everyone is a Grand Prize winner in this sweepstakes, and with 45 Skyborne Epic Packs to go out, each winner will receive access to the WoW: Forever beta until its conclusion on October 21, in-game goodies like mounts, transmog, and toys, early name reservation for Forever's launch, 30 days of WoW game time, housing decor, and of course, unlock the new Skyborne race!

Winners will be selected by random drawing from all eligible entries received.

One (1) entry per person, regardless of entry method. Multiple comments or entries will not increase your odds of winning.

The Sweepstakes begins at the publishing of this post on October 7th, 2026 and ends at 11:59:59 PM PT on October 11th, 2026. Entries received outside the Sweepstakes Period will not be eligible.

To enter through this article, your entry must be submitted in the comment section below and contain a valid response. Comments on other Wowhead posts or social media will not count as entries.

Comments removed for spam or violations of Wowhead's site rules will not be eligible for entry and may be subject to normal site moderation.

Potential winners will be contacted by October 12th, 2026 and will have three (3) days to respond and satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements.

Winners may need to confirm their age, location, and eligibility before receiving a prize. Anyone who is ineligible or can't legally receive a prize will be disqualified, and a new winner will be randomly drawn.

Legal Disclaimers, Eligibility Addendum and Official Rules

Black Ops 6 Season 2 brings multiple new weapons for players to unlock and use across multiplayer and Warzone, including the classic PPSh-41.

The fast-firing SMG has appeared in several CoD titles and it’s returning to dominate the close-range meta once again. Aside from multiplayer and the battle royale mode, the weapon is likely to be effective in Zombies as well, making it a must-try.

With this in mind, here’s how you can unlock the PPSh-41 SMG in Black Ops 6 Season 2 and Warzone.

How to unlock the PPSh-41 SMG in BO6 & Warzone

The PPSh-41 can be unlocked by completing Page 6 in the Warzone and Black Ops 6 Season 2 Battle Pass. It’s completely free to unlock so you don’t need to purchase the premium track. In case you’re unable to unlock the weapon before the Battle Pass expiry date, you’ll be able to get it through the Armory.

Activision

You’ll have to grind through many daily and weekly changes to gather enough XP for the weapon. To help speed things up, make sure to check out our guide on how to earn XP quickly.

The World War II era SMG is well worth the grind as it can melt through enemies at close range without breaking a sweat. You’ll have to contend with its high recoil, although the kick can be improved by using the right attachments. It’s also best to equip it with an Extended Magazine as the 32-round base mag size will run dry quickly.

While the PPSh-41 shines in close-quarters combat, its long-range capabilities are limited. So, you’ll have to pair it with a Sniper or an AR for larger multiplayer maps and Warzone.

Related

How to unlock PPSH-41 in Warzone & Cold War

How to unlock Feng 82 in Black Ops 6 and Warzone

Best PPSh-41 loadout in Black Ops 6

After unlocking the weapon, make sure to check out where it lands on the Warzone and Black Ops 6 SMG meta.