Power Up Guides

Category: Guides

  • Persona 5 Royal: How to Increase Knowledge

    Knowledge is one of the five social stats in Persona 5 Royal, and it quietly controls a lot of your freedom. Higher Knowledge helps during classroom questions and exams, unlocks certain Confidants, and opens up a few dialogue checks that lead to better rewards.

    If you plan your days with intention, you can raise Knowledge quickly without sacrificing progress elsewhere. This guide covers every reliable source of Knowledge in P5R and how to stack bonuses for faster gains.

    Knowledge ranks and why they matter

    Knowledge rises through five ranks across the school year. You will feel the impact at specific moments: classroom questions, midterms and finals, and conversations that require a smart reply. Some Confidants will not start until you reach a certain Knowledge rank, and a few scenes play out differently when you are better studied. Because exam periods offer large lumps of Knowledge when you perform well, building the stat early pays off for the rest of the run.

    Key takeaway: aim to have your Knowledge comfortably leveled before each exam block, not after it.

    Everyday sources of Knowledge

    Persona 5 Royal gives you many small, repeatable ways to get smarter. The trick is noticing which ones cost time and which ones are free.

    Classroom answers. On many school days, you will be asked a question. Answer correctly for a quick Knowledge bump. This does not consume any extra time, so it is pure value. Keep an eye out for multi-part questions that continue after lunch.

    Exams. Midterms and finals appear several times across the year. Performing well gives a big chunk of Knowledge. If you place near the top, you also gain social benefits with classmates and a bit of extra attention. More on preparing for exams below.

    Crossword puzzles at Leblanc. From time to time, a crossword appears on the table in Café Leblanc at night. Solving a crossword grants Knowledge and does not consume your evening. Always check the table before heading out or going to bed.

    TV quiz show. The TV in Leblanc occasionally runs a quiz segment at night. Answering correctly awards Knowledge for no time cost. If you can spare the moment, flip it on.

    Study sessions. You can study at several locations. Each consumes a time block, but they differ in bonuses, which is where planning matters.

    Best places to study and when

    You have three main study hubs throughout the year. Choosing the right one for the day’s weather and your current progress will stretch your gains.

    Shujin Academy Library. A solid early option. The atmosphere can be noisy at first, which slightly reduces the benefit, but things improve as the school year settles down. Studying here on rainy days yields extra Knowledge. If you are still in the first months and need safe, predictable growth, the library works well.

    Shibuya Diner. Order food and hit the books. This is one of the best places to grind Knowledge because you can sometimes pick up a second social stat depending on what you order, and rainy days increase your Knowledge here too. If you are aiming to double-dip and build another stat alongside Knowledge, the diner is ideal.

    Café Leblanc. Once your schedule opens up for nights, studying in the booth at Leblanc is convenient. It is not the highest-yield study spot compared to rainy diner sessions, but it is close to several free Knowledge checks like the crossword and TV quiz, which you can chain in the same evening.

    Tip: when it rains, prioritize studying at either the library or the diner. The weather bonus is one of the best multipliers you get in daily life.

    Books, DVDs, and games that increase Knowledge

    Reading and media are consistent ways to boost Knowledge, and they are flexible enough to slot into otherwise awkward time windows.

    Books. Visit the Shibuya bookstore early and the Shinjuku bookstore once it opens later. Many titles add Knowledge directly, and others improve how you study. The Speed Reader book is especially valuable because it lets you finish other books faster, multiplying all reading gains for the rest of the game. You can also borrow books from the school library for free.

    Where to read. Trains are perfect for squeezing in progress without spending a time block. At school, certain events can give you free time in class to read. At night, you can read in your room if nothing else is pressing. Pair reading nights with crossword and TV checks for compact progress.

    DVDs. Renting DVDs grants social stat gains after each episode. Pick Knowledge-focused shows when you plan a short, at-home evening. Make sure you have a TV and player set up in your room.

    Video games. Console games can raise social stats after you clear their required sessions. If you already have a system in your room, consider rotating a Knowledge-boosting title into your week when you want variety.

    Exam strategy for big Knowledge gains

    Exams occur several times across the school calendar, including spring midterms, summer finals, autumn midterms, and winter finals in Royal’s expanded third semester. They award some of the largest Knowledge boosts outside of time-free activities, so plan around them.

    Collect correct classroom answers. Throughout the months before each exam block, correct daily answers add up. This background progress helps you reach higher score thresholds.

    Study with friends. In the days leading up to exams, you will get texts from classmates inviting you to study together. These sessions give Knowledge and also raise Confidant points, which is extremely efficient. Accept at least a couple of these invitations each exam period.

    Use rainy days. If the pre-exam period includes rain, shift that day’s after-school or evening block to the library or diner for the weather bonus.

    Keep your schedule light near exam week. Do your dungeon runs and busy Confidant days earlier in the month so you can pivot into reading, crosswords, and group study right before tests. The concentration of study actions seems small, but it nudges your score high enough to hit the better reward tier.

    Free and low-cost Knowledge you should never skip

    These add up over the year and do not disrupt your calendar.

    Sunday juice at Shibuya Underground Walkway. Each Sunday, a vendor sells a health drink that raises a social stat. It does not take time, and Knowledge is one of the potential stats. Even when the juice lands on another stat, the value is still strong for the price.

    Crosswords and TV quizzes at Leblanc. It bears repeating because it is easy to forget after a busy day. Check the table for a crossword, then the TV. Both are quick, free Knowledge.

    Classroom answers. Always answer. If you are unsure, pay attention to context clues. If you miss one, the world does not end, but the habit of answering correctly inflates your Knowledge over months.

    Stacking bonuses for faster growth

    A little planning turns average study nights into great ones.

    Weather first. If it is raining, put Knowledge on the menu. Library or diner will both outperform a normal day’s study.

    Chain free actions. A perfect evening looks like this: solve the crossword, answer the TV quiz if it is on, then study at Leblanc or head to the diner. You leave the night with multiple Knowledge gains in a single block.

    Read to amplify all future gains. Prioritize finishing books that unlock faster reading or better study outcomes. Each completed reading tool compresses the time it takes to clear the rest of your Knowledge books.

    Say yes to study texts. When friends text about studying before exams, accept. You get Knowledge plus relationship progress without dungeon fatigue.

    Sample weekly routine that prioritizes Knowledge

    Use this as a flexible template you adjust around Palaces, Mementos, and Confidant availability.

    Monday. After school, check weather. If rainy, hit the library. If not, advance an important Confidant. At night, check Leblanc for a crossword and TV quiz, then read or study.

    Tuesday. Diner study session after school, especially if you want to pair Knowledge with another stat from your order. Night for reading or a DVD episode.

    Wednesday. Confidant or training day. Night study at Leblanc to keep the Knowledge rhythm.

    Thursday. If rain shows up, pivot to the diner or library for the bonus. Otherwise, progress a Palace or run Mementos. Night for crossword and reading.

    Friday. Accept a study invite if one arrives. If not, use the diner to finish out the school week with Knowledge.

    Saturday. Balance errands and a book session. Night for DVDs or console games that build Knowledge.

    Sunday. Grab the Underground Walkway juice first. If it boosts Knowledge, great. If not, you still gained value without time cost. Spend the rest of the day on Confidants or reading, depending on upcoming exams.

    Common pitfalls that slow Knowledge growth

    Skipping rainy study days. Those bonuses are too strong to ignore. If rain appears, adjust plans to study.

    Forgetting Leblanc freebies. Crosswords and TV quizzes feel small, but across a semester they push you over important thresholds.

    Delaying book progression. Waiting too long to pick up and finish Speed Reader slows every other reading plan. Grab it as soon as Shinjuku is available.

    Treating exam prep as optional. The points from strong exam results are some of the largest single Knowledge boosts you will see, and they come with social benefits. A light prep run before each exam pays for itself.

    Quick answers to frequent questions

    Does difficulty affect Knowledge gain? No. Pick the combat difficulty you enjoy. Social stat growth works the same.

    Do Knowledge ranks carry into New Game Plus? Yes, social stats carry over, which makes it easier to explore different Confidants and routes next run.

    Which Confidants need Knowledge to start? Several early and midgame Confidants ask for a certain Knowledge rank before they will hang out. Raising Knowledge steadily ensures you do not get blocked when you meet them.

    Building Knowledge in Persona 5 Royal is about rhythm. Sprinkle in free bumps from crosswords and TV, lean into rainy-day study sessions, keep a book in rotation, and accept study invites before exams. Do that, and you will glide into the higher ranks in time for the game’s biggest checks.

  • How to Start the Operator Thogar Fight in World of Warcraft

    Operator Thogar is one of the most memorable bosses in the Blackrock Foundry raid, mainly because of the trains barreling through the room mid-fight. While the mechanics are hectic, actually starting the fight can sometimes be confusing, especially if you’re coming back at higher levels to solo the encounter.

    This guide covers everything you need to know about how to start the Operator Thogar fight and what to do if the encounter doesn’t trigger properly.

    Where to Find Operator Thogar

    Operator Thogar is located in the Blackrock Foundry raid in Gorgrond, Draenor. After you’ve cleared the lower wings of the raid, make your way to the Slagworks wing. Thogar’s room is a massive railway station with several train tracks running through it, which is a clue to what you’ll face once the fight starts.

    When you enter the room, you’ll see multiple NPCs and orcs milling around the platforms. Thogar himself stands at the far end, near the center of the tracks.

    How to Start the Fight Normally

    The encounter doesn’t start automatically when you walk into the room. Instead, you need to pull Operator Thogar directly. This can be done by either:

    • Attacking Thogar himself where he’s standing, or
    • Aggroing him by getting close enough if you’re in range.

    Once he’s engaged, he’ll leap onto the train tracks, and the fight begins. Waves of adds and trains will start cycling in as part of the mechanics.

    Soloing the Encounter

    If you’re farming Blackrock Foundry solo at a higher level, the start works exactly the same. Simply run up and tag Thogar to pull him. Sometimes the room can feel like it’s empty, but you need to be sure you’re targeting Operator Thogar and not just his guards.

    When soloing, you’ll likely burst him down quickly, but be aware that trains still come in even if your DPS is high. Watch for the rails lighting up, which signals an incoming train, so you don’t get instantly killed by standing in the wrong spot.

    If the Encounter Doesn’t Start

    Some players run into the issue where Operator Thogar doesn’t engage properly. If this happens:

    • Make sure you are pulling Thogar himself, not just the nearby mobs. Killing his guards without pulling him won’t trigger the fight.
    • If he doesn’t move or the event seems stuck, you may need to reset the instance. Leave the raid, right-click your character portrait, and choose “Reset All Instances.” Then re-enter and try again.
    • If you’ve already killed him in your lockout, he won’t respawn until the weekly reset, so check your raid progression.

    Tips for First-Time Raiders

    Back when Blackrock Foundry was current content, Operator Thogar was considered one of the most chaotic fights because of the trains. Even though you may be overgeared now, it’s still worth noting:

    • The rails glow red just before a train arrives.
    • Staying grouped up made dodging easier during progression.
    • The fight was a heavy test of awareness and positioning rather than just raw DPS.

    Today, most of that challenge is gone, but it’s still one of the coolest encounters to revisit.

  • How Do You Get to the Last Boss in Blackrock Foundry?

    Blackrock Foundry is one of the most iconic raids from World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor. It features 10 bosses split across multiple wings, all leading up to the final encounter with Blackhand, the Warlord of the Blackrock clan.

    Reaching him can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with how the raid is structured, especially if you’re going back to solo it for transmog or achievements. This guide will walk you through exactly how to reach the last boss in Blackrock Foundry.

    Where the Raid Entrance Is Located

    The entrance to Blackrock Foundry is in Gorgrond, in the northern part of the map. The coordinates are roughly 51, 29, inside a large foundry building. When you zone in, you’ll appear in the raid’s hub area, where you can move into the different wings.

    How the Raid Wings Work

    Blackrock Foundry is divided into three major wings before the final fight. You cannot skip directly to Blackhand; instead, you need to clear all the bosses from these sections first. The wings are:

    • The Slagworks
    • The Black Forge
    • The Iron Assembly

    Each wing contains a set of bosses, and once all of them are defeated, the path to Blackhand will open.

    Boss Order Requirements

    You don’t need to do the wings in any specific order. The important part is that all three wings must be fully cleared. Here’s a breakdown:

    • Slagworks bosses: Gruul, Oregorger
    • Black Forge bosses: Hans’gar & Franzok, Flamebender Ka’graz, Kromog
    • Iron Assembly bosses: Beastlord Darmac, Operator Thogar, The Iron Maidens

    After these 9 bosses are down, you’ll have unlocked access to Blackhand.

    How to Reach Blackhand’s Lair

    Once all three wings are complete, return to the central hub area of the raid (where you first entered). You’ll find a new passage has opened, leading into The Crucible, which is Blackhand’s chamber.

    This path takes you down into a massive arena where Blackhand awaits. If you’re running the raid on Mythic difficulty, you’ll also unlock special mechanics and achievements tied to that version, but the unlock process is the same.

    Soloing Tip

    If you’re running Blackrock Foundry alone for transmog, it’s worth knowing that the layout is pretty sprawling. Use a mount where possible, and remember that killing the bosses in any order works. You don’t need to full-clear trash mobs unless they’re directly blocking a boss chamber.

    Common Confusion: Why Can’t I Get to Blackhand?

    If you can’t access the final room, it usually means you missed a boss in one of the wings. Double-check your raid info tab or retrace your steps. The most commonly overlooked fights are:

    • Iron Maidens, since they’re on a ship you need to board.
    • Oregorger, because you have to go further into the Slagworks than many players realize.

    Once those are down, Blackhand will always be available.

  • The Sims 4: All 22 Fish Types and How to Collect Them

    Catching 20 fish types for the collection means you’ll need to know where each one can be found and, in some cases, what bait to use. Below is the full list of base game fish, with location details, bait suggestions, and tips to help you complete the collection.

    Common Fish

    Goldfish

    • Where: Most ponds and rivers in Willow Creek and Oasis Springs.
    • Bait: None needed.
    • Tip: One of the easiest fish to catch, often appears early.

    Minnow

    • Where: Found in almost all starter fishing spots.
    • Bait: None required.
    • Tip: Good to use as bait later for larger fish.

    Perch

    • Where: Willow Creek rivers and Magnolia Blossom Park pond.
    • Bait: None needed.
    • Tip: A steady early-game catch.

    Trout

    • Where: Rivers in Willow Creek and Granite Falls (if you own Outdoor Retreat).
    • Bait: None required.
    • Tip: Useful as bait for larger species.

    Guppy

    • Where: Found in nearly all fishing locations, especially ponds.
    • Bait: None required.
    • Tip: Another reliable bait fish.

    Bass

    • Where: Willow Creek and Oasis Springs rivers.
    • Bait: Use smaller fish like Minnows.
    • Tip: Often caught while leveling up early fishing skill.

    Uncommon Fish

    Catfish

    • Where: Willow Creek rivers, Sylvan Glade pond.
    • Bait: Frog or smaller fish.
    • Tip: Shows up more often at night.

    Koi

    • Where: Sylvan Glade pond.
    • Bait: Medium-sized fish like Bass or Perch.
    • Tip: A beautiful but sometimes elusive catch.

    Tilapia

    • Where: Oasis Springs ponds and rivers.
    • Bait: None required.
    • Tip: Easy to find once you fish in desert areas.

    Swordfish

    • Where: Oasis Springs and Forgotten Grotto.
    • Bait: Fresh bait like small fish.
    • Tip: Requires higher fishing skill to appear consistently.

    Salmon

    • Where: Sylvan Glade and Willow Creek rivers.
    • Bait: Medium-sized fish.
    • Tip: Larger, valuable fish that appear with more skill.

    Red-Tailed Black Shark

    • Where: Sylvan Glade pond.
    • Bait: Small fish like Minnows or Frogs.
    • Tip: Looks exotic, great for display in an aquarium.

    Walleye

    • Where: Willow Creek rivers, especially at night.
    • Bait: Frogs or smaller fish.
    • Tip: Timing is key—fish in late evening or nighttime.

    Rare Fish

    Angelfish

    • Where: Willow Creek rivers, Oasis Springs parks, Sylvan Glade.
    • Bait: Fresh produce such as Apples or Onions.
    • Tip: Essential if you’re into Ambrosia crafting later.

    Sturgeon

    • Where: Willow Creek river and Sylvan Glade.
    • Bait: Larger fish like Bass.
    • Tip: Very rare—requires higher fishing skill.

    Treefish

    • Where: Sylvan Glade pond.
    • Bait: Use smaller fish like Bass or Catfish.
    • Tip: One of the hardest to find in the game.

    Anglerfish

    • Where: Forgotten Grotto, only at night.
    • Bait: Medium to large fish.
    • Tip: Night fishing is non-negotiable here.

    Batfish

    • Where: Forgotten Grotto.
    • Bait: Frogs or insects.
    • Tip: Another rare grotto-exclusive catch.

    Wolf Eel

    • Where: Forgotten Grotto deep pools.
    • Bait: Small fish.
    • Tip: Patience required; keep returning to the grotto.

    Rainbowfish

    • Where: Forgotten Grotto and Sylvan Glade.
    • Bait: Small fish or frogs.
    • Tip: Can take multiple tries, but worth it for its vibrant look.

    Piranha

    • Where: Oasis Springs ponds and Sylvan Glade.
    • Bait: Raw meat or frogs.
    • Tip: High-level fishing skill makes them show up more often.

    Trout (Mountain Version)

    • Where: Forgotten Grotto and Willow Creek rivers.
    • Bait: None required.
    • Tip: Sometimes confused with the regular Trout, but still a unique catch.

    Best Route to 20 Unique Fish

    If you want to be efficient:

    1. Start in Willow Creek to gather common types like Minnow, Guppy, Perch, and Bass.
    2. Head to Oasis Springs for Tilapia, Catfish, and Desert species.
    3. Unlock Sylvan Glade early for Koi, Treefish, and other rarer catches.
    4. Push your Sim’s Handiness skill to 10 so you can explore the Forgotten Grotto, where many rare fish live.

    By following this route, you’ll naturally end up with over 20 different species before long.

  • How to Collect 20 Different Fish Types in The Sims 4

    Fishing in The Sims 4 is one of those activities that can be both relaxing and surprisingly rewarding. Beyond just catching dinner or selling your haul for Simoleons, there’s an actual collection to complete.

    The base game includes 22 different types of fish, and one of the common collection goals is to catch at least 20 unique species. This can sound daunting at first, but with the right approach you can build up your collection much faster.

    How the Fishing System Works

    Fishing in The Sims 4 is tied to your Sim’s Fishing Skill, which levels up as you spend more time at fishing spots. Higher skill levels let you catch rarer fish, use bait more effectively, and even unlock special interactions like “Examine Water” to figure out what’s swimming beneath the surface.

    Fish availability depends on:

    • Location: Different worlds and neighborhoods have unique fish spawns.
    • Time of day: Some species are easier to catch at night.
    • Bait: Certain fish require specific bait types to appear.
    • Skill level: Rare fish usually won’t show up until you’ve leveled up fishing.

    Where to Start Fishing

    If you’re just starting your collection, begin with Willow Creek and Oasis Springs. These two base game worlds have a wide range of common and uncommon fish. Look for the fishing signs near rivers, ponds, and hidden areas. A few good early spots include:

    • Willow Creek’s Sylvan Glade: Hidden lot with special fish spawns.
    • Oasis Springs’ Desert Bloom Park: Small pond with desert-exclusive fish.
    • Magnolia Blossom Park: Central location with a pond for various fish.

    Exploring hidden lots like Forgotten Grotto (accessible with Handiness level 10 in Oasis Springs) can also give you rare catches.

    Building Up Your Fishing Skill

    To collect 20 fish types, you’ll want your Sim to reach at least Fishing Skill level 7 or 8. This gives you access to the majority of fish and makes rare ones much more attainable. Use these tricks to speed up leveling:

    • Fish regularly at different spots to diversify your catch.
    • Use books about Fishing (purchased from a bookshelf or computer) to gain skill at home.
    • Join fishing with friends or family Sims to combine socializing with skill practice.

    Using Bait Effectively

    While you can catch fish without bait, many species require it. Some common bait strategies:

    • Use smaller fish as bait to catch bigger species.
    • Frogs and insects (from collecting) can also be used.
    • Gardening produce like apples or onions can attract certain fish.

    Experimenting with different baits at different locations is often the key to finding those last few fish types.

    Rare and Hard-to-Find Fish

    Some fish are trickier than others and might be what slows you down. Here are a few to watch out for:

    • Treefish: Found in Sylvan Glade, often with higher skill.
    • Anglerfish: Typically caught at night in Forgotten Grotto.
    • Sturgeon: Available in Willow Creek and Sylvan Glade, but rare without high skill.
    • Batfish: Found in Forgotten Hollow if you have the Vampires game pack.
    • Koi and Pufferfish: More common in San Myshuno (from City Living).

    If you’re only aiming for 20 types, you don’t necessarily need every rare fish, but catching a few will speed things up.

    Keeping Track of Your Collection

    You can view your collection by opening the Household Collections panel. Each unique fish you catch will fill a slot. This is the easiest way to see how close you are to 20 species and which ones you’re missing. You can also mount fish on your wall or keep them alive in bowls and aquariums if you want a visual display.

    Tips to Reach 20 Fish Types Faster

    • Rotate between different worlds frequently instead of staying in one fishing spot too long.
    • Unlock hidden lots early for access to rare species.
    • Save uncommon fish and use them as bait later.
    • Fish at night for nocturnal species you can’t find during the day.
    • If your Sim has the Angler’s Tranquility reward trait (from the Rewards Store), they’ll gain fishing skill faster and catch more rare fish.

    Once you’ve collected 20 different fish, you’ll have completed one of the more time-consuming collections in The Sims 4. It’s a satisfying milestone and can lead to even more fun if you decide to go after all 22 species in the base game or expand into fish from additional packs.

  • Life Is Strange: How To Get The Barn Bunker Code

    In Life Is Strange, episode 4 “Dark Room” takes a darker turn when Max and Chloe uncover a mysterious Prescott barn on the outskirts of Arcadia Bay. Inside, they find a locked hatch leading to a hidden underground bunker.

    To move forward in the story, you need to figure out the correct barn bunker code. While the game gives you clues, it can be a little tricky to solve if you are rushing or miss the hints around the barn.

    This guide will walk you through how to find the code, how the keypad puzzle works, and what to do if the Life Is Strange barn code is not working.

    If you’re just looking for a quick solution; the barn bunker code in Life is Strange is 542.

    Where To Find The Barn Bunker

    You will reach the Prescott barn naturally as part of the story in Episode 4 after Chloe and Max piece together clues. Once inside, you can explore hay bales, tools, and old farming equipment. The hatch to the underground bunker is located on the ground, hidden under some floor panels. Pull the cord to reveal the hatch, and then you’ll see a keypad that requires a code to open it.

    Players often search for “Life Is Strange how to open barn hatch” at this point, since the interaction can feel a bit hidden.

    Understanding The Keypad Puzzle

    The game gives you a subtle environmental puzzle rather than making you guess randomly. The keypad allows you to input numbers, and after each attempt, you’ll see wear and smudge marks appear on certain buttons. This is your clue — the most used digits are the ones that make up the bunker code.

    Pay attention to which numbers look the most worn out. These are the ones you need to test in different orders until the hatch unlocks.

    The Barn Bunker Code (542)

    If you don’t want to experiment, the actual solution is 542. This is the correct Life Is Strange Episode 4 barn code, even though the pad looks like it needs four numbers. Once you enter 542, the hatch will unlock and reveal the secret bunker below.

    If you accidentally press the wrong digits, don’t worry. The puzzle allows unlimited retries until you get it right.

    Tips For Solving It Yourself

    If you’d rather not just enter the solution, here are some hints that can guide you:

    • Focus on the most worn-out numbers on the keypad.
    • Remember that the code is only three digits, not four.
    • Take time to explore the barn before opening the hatch. This adds story context about the Prescotts and builds tension before the reveal.

    These details make the discovery more satisfying, especially if you’re playing without a walkthrough.

    Barn Bunker Code Not Working?

    Some players run into trouble and search for “Life Is Strange barn bunker code not working”. If you’re stuck, check the following:

    • Use 542. Don’t add a fourth number — the game only needs three.
    • Enter slowly. It’s easy to hit the wrong digit if you rush.
    • Stand close enough to the hatch so the interaction registers.
    • Reload the checkpoint if you encounter a glitch.

    This section of the game cannot permanently block progress. Once 542 is entered properly, the hatch will always open.

    Why The Secret Bunker Matters

    Unlocking the Life Is Strange underground bunker is one of the most chilling and pivotal story beats in Episode 4: Dark Room. It’s where Max and Chloe find undeniable evidence about the missing girls of Arcadia Bay. While the keypad puzzle is simple, the atmosphere and story payoff make this a moment that sticks with players.

    Opening the barn bunker hatch marks the shift from suspicion to grim reality, driving the story into its most intense phase. It’s worth pausing here, taking in the environment, and preparing yourself for what comes next.

  • How to Activate the Blast Furnace in WoW

    The Blast Furnace is one of the more complex raid encounters in World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor. It is the ninth boss fight in the Blackrock Foundry raid, located in the Slagworks wing. Unlike most bosses, you don’t simply pull the boss to begin the fight.

    Instead, the event is activated in a specific way that many players overlook, which can lead to confusion when trying to start the encounter. If you’ve ever wondered how to activate the Blast Furnace in WoW, this guide will walk you through the exact steps.

    Locating the Blast Furnace

    To reach the Blast Furnace, you’ll need to head into the Slagworks section of Blackrock Foundry. Once inside, you’ll enter a large chamber dominated by the massive Blast Furnace itself, with mobs scattered around the room. The fight is a multi-phase encounter against waves of adds, overseen by the Heat Regulators and eventually Foreman Feldspar.

    Many players enter this room and expect the fight to start automatically, but the Blast Furnace has to be triggered in a specific way.

    How to Start the Blast Furnace Encounter

    To activate the Blast Furnace fight, your raid must interact with the Heat Regulators on either side of the massive furnace in the center of the room. Here’s what to do:

    1. Clear the surrounding trash mobs before attempting to start the fight. These consist of Slagged Elementals, Security Guards, and Firecallers, which can overwhelm you if left unchecked.
    2. Assign players to collect bombs dropped by the Grom’kar Firecallers. These bombs are the key mechanic for starting the fight.
    3. Use the bombs on the Heat Regulators. Each Heat Regulator requires multiple bombs to destroy. Once both Heat Regulators are destroyed, the Blast Furnace fight will officially begin.

    This is the crucial step that confuses many players. If no one is using the bombs on the Heat Regulators, the fight won’t start, and it can feel like the encounter is bugged.

    How to Start the Blast Furnace Encounter if You Solo It

    Many players now enter Blackrock Foundry solo for transmog or achievements. The Blast Furnace can be confusing when you’re alone, since you don’t have other players to help with bombs. Fortunately, the encounter can still be started:

    • Clear the room yourself to avoid being overwhelmed when you focus on bombs.
    • Kill Firecallers until bombs drop. As a solo player, you’ll need to pick these up manually.
    • Carry the bombs to the Heat Regulators. You may need to kite or kill additional adds while doing this, but most modern characters can handle it easily.
    • Repeat until both Heat Regulators are destroyed. Once they’re down, the fight will trigger even if you are solo.

    If you’re struggling to juggle the adds and bombs at the same time, focus on keeping the area clear first. At current expansion levels, most classes can easily wipe the room before starting on the Regulators. After that, it’s just a matter of picking up a few bombs to set the encounter in motion.

    Why the Encounter Might Not Start

    Sometimes players run into the issue where it seems like the Blast Furnace is not starting. This usually happens for one of a few reasons:

    • Trash mobs not cleared: The encounter won’t begin properly if enemies in the room are still alive.
    • No bombs used on the Heat Regulators: The fight does not trigger by attacking NPCs directly. Only the destruction of the Heat Regulators activates the event.
    • Bombs not picked up quickly: Bombs despawn if not used quickly, so if your raid misses several bombs in a row, progress toward destroying the Heat Regulators will stall.

    If the encounter feels stuck, double-check that bombs are being collected and used properly.

    Resetting the Encounter

    In some cases, you might run into bugs or simply fail the setup. If that happens:

    • Have the raid wipe to reset the room.
    • Exit the instance and use the Reset All Instances option if needed.
    • Once reset, re-clear the room and start again with fresh bombs.

    This usually fixes any problems with the encounter not starting.

    Tips for a Smooth Start

    • Assign at least one dedicated player to pick up bombs and run them to the Heat Regulators.
    • Clear the room fully before starting to avoid unnecessary chaos.
    • Communicate clearly so bombs aren’t wasted or missed.

    Once the Heat Regulators are destroyed, Phase 1 begins, and the real fight is underway. The Blast Furnace is all about coordination, and getting the encounter started correctly is the first test of your raid’s teamwork.

  • Shade of Akama: How to Start the Encounter in Black Temple

    The Shade of Akama is one of the early bosses in the Black Temple raid in World of Warcraft. While the fight itself is straightforward, players often get stuck because the Shade of Akama encounter is not starting.

    If you’re farming transmog, chasing achievements, or just exploring, running into this problem can be frustrating. This guide will walk you through how to start the Shade of Akama fight and give you quick fixes if the event doesn’t trigger.

    Where to Find the Shade of Akama

    The Shade of Akama is located in the Halls of the High Council inside the Black Temple raid in Shadowmoon Valley. After defeating Supremus, move deeper into the temple, clearing trash mobs along the way, until you find Akama standing in the middle of the council chamber. This is where the encounter begins.

    Shade of Akama: How to Start

    The encounter doesn’t begin automatically when you enter the room. To start it:

    1. Find Akama in the middle of the room.
    2. Speak to Akama and select his dialogue option.
    3. After you talk to him, Akama will walk toward the Shade, and waves of enemies will spawn.
    4. Once the scripted waves are done, the Shade of Akama becomes attackable.

    If you don’t interact with Akama, nothing happens — which is the main reason people think the encounter is broken.

    Common Issue: Shade of Akama Not Starting

    Many players run into problems where the Shade event just doesn’t kick off. Here are the usual culprits:

    • You didn’t talk to Akama. The fight is triggered only by his dialogue.
    • Akama bugged or missing. Clearing too fast or skipping trash sometimes prevents him from appearing properly.
    • Script stuck. The event may start but then stall with no enemies spawning.
    • Old raid lockout. If you’ve already partially done the event in this lockout, it won’t reset until the weekly reset.

    Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

    If you’re searching for shade of akama not starting, here’s a step-by-step fix you can try:

    • ✔ Make sure you clicked Akama’s dialogue.
    • ✔ Clear all nearby trash mobs before trying again.
    • ✔ Leave the chamber, re-enter, and check if Akama has reset.
    • ✔ If that fails, exit and reset the instance.
    • ✔ If Akama still doesn’t appear, wait for the weekly raid reset and try again.

    Most of the time, simply talking to Akama or resetting the instance solves the issue.

    How to Reset if Problems Persist

    If the encounter is still stuck after trying the basics, there are a couple of tricks that often help. You can intentionally wipe the fight by pulling extra mobs or letting yourself die, then running back in to see if the script restarts.

    Another option is to fully leave the instance, right-click your character portrait, and select Reset All Instances. This forces the raid to reset and respawn everything, usually fixing Akama’s dialogue event. If you’re still locked into a bugged state after that, you’ll need to wait until the next weekly raid reset for a fresh run.

    Loot from Shade of Akama

    While not one of the raid’s hardest bosses, Shade of Akama still drops notable loot. Players farming transmog can find several pieces of Tier 6 armor tokens here, which are part of some of the most iconic class sets in the game.

    He also has weapons like Blade of Savagery and Soul-Cleansing Gloves, along with other epics. Even though he is not the main source of highly prized loot in Black Temple, you’ll need to defeat him to continue deeper toward Illidan and the other major bosses.

  • How to Access Your DLC Costumes in Persona 5 Royal

    Persona 5 Royal is filled with stylish outfits, but the DLC costume packs let you take things to another level. Whether you want to throw back to Persona 3’s school uniforms, suit up in the Phantom Thief attire from Persona 4, or just mix things up with some quirky extras, the DLC costumes give your team a fresh look.

    The only problem many players run into is figuring out how to actually use them once they’re downloaded. This guide will walk you through the steps so you can start showing off your new gear right away.

    Quick Answer: How to Change Costumes in Persona 5 Royal

    To change costumes in Persona 5 Royal, open the Menu, go to Equip, select a character, then scroll down to the Costume slot. From there, you can cycle through all available outfits, including DLC costumes, as long as the packs are installed. Costumes are cosmetic only, but some sets also change the battle music.

    Downloading the DLC Costumes

    Before you can equip anything, you need to make sure the costume packs are properly downloaded. On PlayStation, head to the PlayStation Store and check your library. If you purchased or redeemed a bundle edition that includes DLC, all of the costume packs should show up in your add-ons list. From there, install them to your system. If you’re playing on PC, you’ll need to confirm they’re downloaded in your Steam library under “Manage DLC.”

    Once the packs are installed, the game will automatically recognize them. You won’t have to do anything in-game to unlock them aside from progressing the story to the right point.

    When Costumes Become Available

    You won’t have access to DLC costumes right away at the start of Persona 5 Royal. The game first introduces the Velvet Room’s costume mechanic when you gain free exploration in the Metaverse with a full party. After Morgana allows you to change equipment freely, you’ll see a “Costume” option on the equipment screen for each character. This is where the DLC outfits will appear.

    As long as you have the costume packs installed, all the outfits tied to that DLC will be selectable at this point.

    Equipping DLC Costumes

    You will need to actually pick up your Costumes before you can equip them. This can be done in your room any night before going to bed. To do it, simply interact with the big shelf just next to the stairs leading down to the LeBlanc Café, and you will pick up all of your costumes.

    To actually change into your new outfits, follow these steps:

    1. Open the Menu while exploring.
    2. Select Equip.
    3. Choose the character whose outfit you want to change.
    4. Scroll down to the Costume slot.
    5. Press right or left to cycle through available outfits, including DLC ones.

    Each DLC pack comes with full sets of outfits so the entire Phantom Thief team can coordinate. For example, the Persona 4 pack lets everyone wear Yasogami High uniforms, while the Persona Q pack gives them chibi-inspired costumes. You can mix and match if you’d rather each character wear something different.

    Do Costumes Affect Stats?

    One important thing to know is that costumes are purely cosmetic. They don’t change your stats, defense, or resistances. The only thing they influence is how your team looks in the Metaverse. That said, many of the DLC packs also come with special battle music themes, so wearing certain costumes will change the background music in combat. This can be a fun way to mix up the experience during long dungeon crawls.

    Complete List of DLC Costume Packs

    Here’s a breakdown of every DLC costume set available in Persona 5 Royal and what they include:

    Persona 3 Costume & BGM Set

    • Outfits based on Gekkoukan High uniforms and SEES gear
    • Special battle theme: “Mass Destruction”

    Persona 4 Costume & BGM Set

    • Yasogami High uniforms for the team
    • Special battle theme: “Reach Out to the Truth”

    Persona Q2 Costume & BGM Set

    • Chibi-style costumes inspired by Persona Q2
    • Unique battle track from the spin-off

    Persona 2 Costume & BGM Set

    • Outfits modeled after the Persona 2 cast
    • Battle theme: “Time Castle”

    Catherine Costume & BGM Set

    • Themed outfits from Atlus’ puzzle adventure Catherine
    • Battle theme: “Stray Sheep”

    Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha Costume & BGM Set

    • Classic Taisho-era uniforms from the Raidou Kuzunoha games
    • Original soundtrack piece for battle

    Shin Megami Tensei If… Costume & BGM Set

    • Retro uniforms from the 1994 RPG
    • Battle theme from the original game

    Persona Dancing Costume Sets

    • Outfits based on Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 4: Dancing All Night
    • Battle music from the rhythm spin-offs

    Persona 5 Royal Exclusive Bonus Outfits

    • Various extra outfits such as swimsuits, Christmas attire, and maid/butler costumes are also included depending on the version of the game. These don’t usually come with battle tracks but add fun seasonal variety.

    Tips for Using DLC Costumes

    It’s easy to forget costumes exist once you get deep into the story, but changing them up can make revisiting Palaces more exciting. Here are a few tips:

    • Switch outfits between Palaces to keep things fresh. For example, use the Persona 3 costumes for one Palace, then swap to the dancing outfits for the next.
    • Pay attention to the battle themes that come with the packs. Some of them are nostalgic tracks from earlier Persona games.
    • Experiment with mismatched outfits if you like a bit of chaos in your style. There’s no rule that says the Phantom Thieves all need to match.

    Common Issues

    If your DLC costumes aren’t showing up, double-check that the packs are installed on your system. On PlayStation, go into your Persona 5 Royal add-ons and confirm they’re downloaded. On Steam, check the “Manage DLC” tab in your library and make sure they’re ticked. Restarting the game after installing usually solves the problem. If they still don’t appear, re-downloading the DLC can often fix the issue.