#top 5 strategy games

[deshigeek]

5 Best Upcoming Strategy Games 2024

So, get ready to put your skills to the test and explore new worlds of strategy and adventure in the coming year as we have tried to list promising top 5 titles of 2024 in this list article of ‘5 Best Upcoming Strategy Games 2024’! This feature is based on every type of strategy game whether it is RTS, Turn-based, grand or other types released for PC, PlayStation or other platforms. Well, I have covered the Top 5 RPG titles in my previous feature and you should definitely check that out.

[katfreaks-hidyhole]

The next shiny off the 2025 bingo board! Say hi to Luna folks 💜 💜 💜 💜

[skyplayssplatoon3]

The one hill I will die on for Splatoon is that the Spawn Bubbles will always be superior to the launchers because of the sheer amount of inescapable camping I have seen in Splatoon 3

That launch armor is JUST not strong enough to give people a real chance to escape on some maps

If you don't believe me...

[Source]

And in case anyone is thinkin' "But they lost! It didn't help them!"

This team is apparently notable for not caring about losses, even intentionally extending this lost game to feed their kill counts as much as possible

They aren't even mad about it! They just do it for clout LMAO;;

[twilightcitadel]

Top 5 Best Medieval Strategy Games

Top 5 Best Medieval Strategy Games

Using our carefully curated selection of the top 5 greatest medieval strategy games, take a trip through time and immerse yourself in the epic realm of medieval conquest. For aficionados of the genre, these games provide unmatched depth and excitement, from leading powerful armies to creating expansive empires. Prepare to be astounded by the majesty and difficulty of these medieval masterworks, regardless of your level of experience as a tactician or your potential as a strategist.

Crusader Kings III

In Crusader Kings III, you yourself in the position of a medieval monarch and negotiate the perilous political, scheming, and combat situations. This expansive strategy game, created by Paradox Interactive, features a rich tapestry of dynastic intrigue against the backdrop of medieval Europe. You will make alliances, set up marriages, and plot your path to power as you lead the dynasty of your choice through the years, all the while fending off rival nobles and outside dangers.

I love playing strategy games and medieval history, and Crusader Kings III provided me with an immersive experience unlike anything else. I became engrossed in my dynasty's destiny, excitedly arranging connections and marriages to preserve my family's heritage. My interest was piqued for hours on end by the complex character interactions and dynamic events, and I felt a great feeling of success when my dynasty succeeded.

Both reviewers and gamers have praised Crusader Kings III extensively, praising its richness, intricacy, and compelling narrative. It is evident from the game's highly positive rating on sites like Steam that players admire the replayability and attention to detail in the title.

Platforms: Steam, Playstation Store

Stronghold Crusader II

In the real-time strategy game Stronghold Crusader II, you take leadership of forces fighting for supremacy in the Holy Land. Feel the heat of combat. This Firefly Studios-created follow-up to the renowned Stronghold Crusader offers additional units, better multiplayer features, and better graphics. It also expands upon the formula.

Stronghold Crusader II's difficult gameplay and evocative setting took me back to the Crusades. It was thrilling to lead legions of knights and siege engines against my enemies, and the added strategic element of building and fortifying my own castle made the experience even more engaging. Stronghold Crusader II captivated me, whether I was playing it alone or in online competition with pals.

Fans have praised Stronghold Crusader II's upgrades and expansions for fixing bugs and introducing new content, despite the game's initial mediocre reviews. It's evident that Stronghold Crusader II is still a highly regarded game in the series because there is a devoted player base that is still active today.

Platforms: Steam

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

The much awaited follow-up to the beloved Mount & Blade series, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, transports players to a world of swords and sieges. In this dynamic sandbox world full of chance and peril, you can carve out your own road to dominance in this medieval action-RPG, developed by TaleWorlds Entertainment.

I was impressed with Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord because of its expansive universe and flexible gameplay. The game gave me a degree of freedom not often found in games of this kind, whether I was commanding my soldiers in combat or negotiating with other factions. I will never soon forget the excitement of starting from zero and watching my own business grow.

Fans have praised Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord for its vast world and intricate gameplay mechanics, even if it is still in early access. The game has received excellent reviews overall, despite some criticism of its development, and users are looking forward to more updates and enhancements.

Platforms: Steam, Playstation Store

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the well-loved RTS classic that allows you to relive the splendour of the Middle Ages. This definitive edition of Age of Empires II, created by Forgotten Empires and released by Xbox Game Studios, features amazing 4K graphics, improved audio, and an abundance of new content to bring the game's classic gameplay to contemporary audiences.

Being one of the first strategy games I ever played, Age of Empires II has a particular place in my heart. My expectations were far exceeded by the Definitive Edition, which added contemporary enhancements while keeping the allure and captivating gameplay of the original. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is still a mainstay in my game collection, whether I'm playing through old campaigns or taking on friends in multiplayer.

Both critics and players have lauded Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for its accurate replication of the old game while adding contemporary features. It's evident that the Age of Empires fanbase is still as fervent as ever because of the game's extremely good rating on websites like Steam.

Platforms: Steam, Microsoft Store

Total War: Medieval II

In Creative Assembly's critically acclaimed strategy game, Total War: Medieval II, you can lead armies to victory and alter the course of history. In this expansive real-time strategy game set in the turbulent Middle Ages, players take control of well-known groups like France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire in their struggle for dominance over Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

I was enthralled by Total War: Medieval II because of its strategic depth and epic scale. The game provided an immersion level that was unsurpassed by other games in the genre, from controlling economies and cities to planning large-scale wars involving thousands of warriors. Every choice seemed significant and important, whether it was to fight faraway empires or form agreements with nearby nations.

Both critics and players have lauded Total War: Medieval II for its rich gameplay mechanics, historical realism, and engrossing atmosphere. The game remains a popular classic among strategy fans, with a committed modding community producing new content and experiences.

Platforms: Steam, App Store, Google Play

Forge Your Destiny

The age of conquest awaits you when you have these top 5 greatest medieval strategy games at your disposal. For every couch general and aspiring monarch, this has plenty to offer, whether of whether they are more drawn to the grandeur of dynasty politics or the excitement of epic battles. So prepare to carve out your own position in history by marshalling your forces and resources. You have the task of taking over the medieval world!

My Own Dark Fantasy Realm

Hi there, fellow fans of dark fantasy! Thanks to your unflinching support, our blog—which is packed with tales and inspirations of dark fantasy—is making waves on TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. Even more thrilling is the fact that we're creating a captivating Trading Card Game to further engross you in Twilight Citadel's eerie mysteries. Explore the depths of the shadows with our website, where you can get eerie yet lovely phone wallpapers and posters. Furthermore, we've got you covered with free resources like desktop wallpapers and profile pictures to make sure your gadgets are brimming with eerie fantasy atmosphere. Come along with us on this surreal adventure, where fears come true and shadows dance. Are you prepared to welcome the gloom?

[blessedmediaa]

Certified Digital Marketers in the UK

Top 5 Certified Digital Marketers in the UK

Introduction

Certified Digital Marketers in the UK, staying ahead of the competition requires expertise, innovation, and a deep understanding of the latest trends. Businesses across the UK are increasingly turning to certified digital marketing professionals to achieve online success.

But with so many professionals offering digital marketing services, how do you identify the best? In this blog, we introduce the top 5 certified digital marketers in the UK, each known for their exceptional skills and proven track record. Whether you’re a startup, an established brand, or an entrepreneur, working with the right expert can be a game-changer for your business.

Why Work with a Certified Digital Marketer in the UK?

Digital marketing is more than just running ads or posting content on social media. It involves strategic planning, data analysis, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing algorithms. Here’s why hiring a certified digital marketer in the UK is crucial:

Expertise in SEO & PPC – Improve rankings and get more traffic.

Content & Social Media Mastery – Engage and grow your audience.

Data-Driven Decision Making – Maximize ROI with analytics.

Updated Knowledge – Stay ahead with the latest digital trends.

Now, let’s explore the top digital marketing experts in the UK who can help take your business to the next level.

Top 5 Certified Digital Marketers in the UK

1. Neil Patel – The Global SEO Authority Certified Digital Marketers in the UK

Expertise: SEO, Content Marketing, Growth Hacking Neil Patel is a globally recognized digital marketing expert with deep expertise in SEO and content marketing. His strategies have helped businesses across the UK and beyond achieve remarkable online success.

Why Choose Neil Patel?

Proven strategies for SEO growth and traffic increase.

Offers free tools for SEO and marketing analysis.

Works with leading brands worldwide.

If you’re looking for top-rated digital marketers in the UK specializing in organic growth, Neil Patel is a name you can trust.

2. Andrew Davis – The Content Marketing Specialist Certified Digital Marketers in the UK

Expertise: Storytelling, Branding, Digital Strategy Andrew Davis is a well-known figure in the digital marketing space, focusing on content marketing and brand storytelling. He has worked with businesses across the UK to enhance their online engagement and brand authority.

Why Choose Andrew Davis?

Helps businesses craft powerful brand stories.

Expert in video content marketing.

One of the leading digital marketing experts in the UK.

If content is the backbone of your digital strategy, Andrew Davis can help you create compelling narratives that connect with your audience.

3. Marie Page – The Social Media Growth Expert

Expertise: Social Media Marketing, Facebook Ads, Engagement Strategies Marie Page is a certified digital marketing professional in the UK specializing in social media growth and paid advertising. She has helped countless brands scale their online presence through strategic campaigns.

Why Choose Marie Page?

Expertise in Facebook and Instagram Ads.

Helps businesses build strong online communities.

Recognized as one of the best online marketers in the UK.

If you’re looking to grow your brand’s social media presence, Marie Page’s strategies are highly effective.

4. Luke Brynley-Jones – The Paid Advertising & Strategy Expert

Expertise: PPC, LinkedIn Marketing, Lead Generation Luke Brynley-Jones is a top digital marketing specialist in the UK with expertise in paid advertising and lead generation. He has helped businesses increase their ROI through data-driven ad strategies.

Why Choose Luke Brynley-Jones?

Specializes in LinkedIn marketing & lead generation.

Helps businesses optimize ad spend for maximum ROI.

Known as a certified marketing professional in the UK.

For businesses focused on B2B marketing and paid ad strategies, Luke Brynley-Jones is a top choice.

5. Gavin Bell – The Facebook Advertising Guru

Expertise: Facebook Ads, Sales Funnels, Conversion Optimization Gavin Bell is widely regarded as one of the best digital marketers in the UK, particularly in the field of Facebook advertising. He has helped businesses improve their ad performance and maximize conversions.

Why Choose Gavin Bell?

Expert in high-converting Facebook ad campaigns.

Helps brands reduce ad costs while increasing leads.

Recognized as one of the top-rated digital marketers in the UK.

If paid social media advertising is your priority, Gavin Bell’s expertise can help you achieve the best results.

How to Choose the Right Digital Marketer for Your Business

Finding the right certified digital marketer in the UK depends on your business goals. Here’s how to choose the best one for you:

1. Identify Your Goals

Do you need help with SEO, social media marketing, or paid advertising? Define your objectives before selecting a marketer.

2. Check Certifications & Experience

A certified digital marketing professional in the UK should have credentials from recognized institutions like Google, HubSpot, or Facebook.

3. Review Case Studies & Testimonials

Look at their past work and success stories. This helps you understand their expertise and effectiveness.

4. Evaluate Their Strategy & Approach

Each marketer has a unique method. Ensure their approach aligns with your brand’s vision and budget.

5. Compare Pricing & ROI

While hiring an expert is an investment, consider the return on investment (ROI) they can deliver.

Final Thoughts

The digital marketing industry in the UK is thriving, and having the right expert by your side can elevate your brand’s success. Whether you need an SEO specialist, social media marketer, or advertising strategist, these top 5 certified digital marketers in the UK are among the best in the industry.

At BlessedMediaa, we understand the importance of expert-driven marketing solutions. If you’re looking for a trusted digital marketing agency in the UK, we’re here to help.

🚀 Want to grow your business online? Contact BlessedMediaa today for customized digital marketing strategies!

Key Takeaways

✅ Working with a certified digital marketer in the UK ensures expertise in SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media. ✅ Neil Patel, Andrew Davis, Marie Page, Luke Brynley-Jones, and Gavin Bell are among the top digital marketing specialists in the UK. ✅ Choose a marketer based on your business goals, experience, and ROI potential. ✅ Digital marketing success depends on expert-driven strategies and continuous optimization.

🔹 Need expert digital marketing services? Contact BlessedMediaa today!

If you found this article informative, be sure to share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below. Stay tuned for more insights on groundbreaking technologies, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates.

Thank you for reading!

[minxipinxi]

#LADsMultiBoycott: Enough Is Enough – It’s Time to Stand Together

“We don’t hate the game—we love it enough to want better.”

Over the past few weeks, the community has been buzzing over translated leaks and rumors surfacing on Xiaohongshu (小红书) and Twitter that point to a disturbing trend in Love and Deepspace (LADs). The upcoming multi-banner—whether it turns out to be the anticipated Spring or Wedding multi—will once again feature long hairstyles separated from their outfits. Yes, again. After all the outcry. After all the feedback. We're here once more.

Let me be blunt: we can’t keep going like this. We can’t keep hoping CN girlies will save us every time. We can’t keep spending in good faith when Infold continues to exploit our loyalty and silence our voices. We can’t keep pretending that fan art and cute trailers make up for broken promises and paywalled aesthetics.

It’s time for us to join together, across servers, communities, and fandoms. It's not about Sylus mains vs Caleb mains vs the OG3. We're all getting burned by the same fire.

💥 What We Know From the Leaks

According to reliable sources:

The upcoming banner after Sylus’s Birthday Event might be another multi-banner format, either Spring or Wedding.

Long hairstyles will be separated from the outfits and placed in a separate crate—again.

This structure mirrors gacha mechanics where full outfits demand 140+ pulls, stretching across 5-star parts like socks, pants, accessories, and hair.

These decisions appear to be influenced by monetization models similar to Infinity Nikki, prioritizing profit over playability or fairness.

📢 So What Are We Doing About It?

We are organizing under #LADsMultiBoycott to push back against these predatory changes. This isn’t just a tantrum. It’s a coordinated protest.

🔥 Our Demands:

Six-month roadmaps to ensure transparency and accountability.

Higher resource drops from the highest-tier Bounty/Core Hunt.

Stop separating hairstyles from outfits in banners.

New sources of diamond income (no more stagnant gem economy).

No spending for the first 3 days of the banner. Use only your saved-up diamonds.

File official complaints to show Infold that this matters. Email:

loveanddeepspace-en@infoldgames.com

support-EN@infoldgames.com

🧠 Strategy: What You Can Do

Here’s what our global LADs family is doing:

1. No Spending for Entire Banner Period

Even if you have funds set aside, hold them. Don’t top up. Don’t feed the system that’s disrespecting your playtime and wallet.

2. Delay Your Pulls

Do not pull in the first 3 days. Choose your LI in the pool, then log out. Let the data show decreased first-week participation.

3. Minimal Screen Time

Yes, log in for dailies, but keep your session short, especially for iOS users. Play Store and App Store algorithms track usage data. Reduced screen time:

Hurts engagement metrics.

Lowers game ranking.

Cuts ad revenue.

4. No Banner Fanart for First Few Days

As painful as it is to hide our beautiful boys, let’s not unintentionally trigger FOMO. Fanart drives hype—hold off until after the peak revenue period.

5. Only Use Android if Possible

App Store rankings are disproportionately influenced by iOS user engagement. Reducing iOS traffic matters more than you think.

🌎 A Global Movement: We’re Not Alone

Our fellow players in China have already shaken Infold’s confidence.

CN revenue dropped by 42.2% from Nov 2024 to March 2025 (from $100M to $57.8M).

Global rankings dropped, while games like Genshin and Wuthering Waves soared.

Their success in the "stop-spending-money" campaign proved one thing: boycotts work.

If they can do it, so can we.

✊ This Is About More Than Just One Banner

Infold believes that as long as they release a sexy card, we’ll cave. They believe we don’t talk to each other. That we’re divided by LI bias and language barriers. But what they don’t see is how deeply connected we’ve become as a fandom.

We aren’t asking for perfection. We’re asking for respect.

If we let this multi go unchallenged, it sets a dangerous precedent:

Separated hairstyles in multi-banners like this become normalized.

Resources remain stagnant.

Paywalls keep climbing.

F2P and low-spenders are permanently excluded.

💡 Why Minimal Playtime Matters

Some of you might be thinking, “But this won’t work?” And here’s why it will:

“Why Cutting Screen Time Works” – The Breakdown

Engagement metrics tank. App Store/Play Store ranks games by DAU, session length, etc.

Revenue drops. Less screen time = fewer ad views = less money.

Rankings slide. Visibility goes down, leading to even fewer players.

It sends a message. A sharp drop in playtime can’t be ignored by business analysts.

💬 “But What If Infold Cancels the Game?”

They won’t. That’s just fear-mongering.

If a company is willing to kill its own cash cow just because fans want better—then it was never worth our support to begin with. But more importantly: they won’t kill it. They’ve seen that the game can pull millions. They’ll just need to earn it now.

🧱 We’re Building Something Bigger

This isn’t just about LADs. It’s about every gacha game that’s begun preying on its fans. If we roll over here, what message are we sending to WuWa, HSR, ZZZ, GI, and the rest?

We all have that one game we ride or die for. But loving a game doesn’t mean blind loyalty. Criticism is love in action.

🧩 TL;DR: How You Can Help

❌ Don’t spend money on the next multi-banner

🕒 Log in for dailies only, pick your LI, then log off

🎨 Hold off on banner fanart for a few days

📉 Reduce iOS activity as much as possible

💌 Email: loveanddeepspace-en@infoldgames.com support-EN@infoldgames.com

🗣️ Spread awareness under #LADsMultiBoycott

Even if you’re the only one on your server, know that you’re not alone. We’re tired, we’re frustrated—but we’re not powerless.

Let’s stop funding our own oppression.

No fair treatment = no money. Let them earn it.

Resources:

Revenue Trends: Ennead Data

Reddit Info Post: Sylus Girlies PSA

XHS Links: Source 1, Source 2

[yes-no-maybe-soo]

Hello my fellow LADS enjoyers! I said I'd be absent until the 13th, but I figured I should pop in to give anyone interested an update on how the boycott is faring 🤗

First though, I want to inform everyone that LADS finally reached the number one spot... in the Blacklist rankings of CN games with most complaints received in the last month. And coming in at number 2 in the same list: Infold. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Good job on topping the charts, Paperfold! Treating your consumers like trash surely has taken you far, huh? I'm guessing this #1 spot won't result in free tickets though 🙃 But hopefully it'll result in some much needed change in management and approach to customers, as well as treatment of Sylus and Caleb. Your current strategy... ain't it.

[Link]

As for the boycott, it's been a success so far! LADS only reached number 4 in official CN game rankings during the first 2 days, and earlier today it dropped down to number 5. While this might not look so bad, the truth is that this is not a good showing at all. In fact, it's the worst performing multiple LI banner since the release of 2.0. Every single quad banner since Sylus' release (with the exception of Misty Invasion, which reached number 3, I believe) reached the number 1 spot in the first banner day. Hence the free 20 tickets we're all so accustomed to. I also want to point out that this is the very first quint banner and Paperfold had definitely expected better results than this.

So good work, my fellow boycotters!!! Keep it up 🫶🏻 So proud of all of you, both CN and global, for sending a statement to Paperfold that we won't let them walk all over us and still throw money at them. I also want to thank those of you who haven't posted anything related to the current banner yet: Paperfold have received more than enough free marketing from their customers and given very little in return so far. Particularly to F2Players, who contribute so much to the game with free edits fanarts etc yet are actively punished by the game for not spending money.

Hopefully LADS will continue to drop down in the ranks in the coming days (except for the Blacklist chart ofc, they deserve to remain in the top spots there) and course correct as a result. Unless they want to shoot themselves in the foot, that is...

[eumppattv]

OOPS, IV’E FALLEN IN LOVE | enha ft. hybe game caterers

enhypen falling in love with you during hybe game caterers

pairing ot7 x idol!reader genre ᩍ fluff, love at first sight warnings ꕁ none ➜ masterlist enha permanent taglist here! a/n: requests are open :)

heeseung ☆ ⊹ ๑

you stepped up, handing heeseung the microphone. you had expressed how you admired him as a vocalist, and that was enough for him to join you in the duet. the goal was for you to get a perfect score in the karaoke machine, and he was determined to make it happen. he was so focused on his part, until he heard your voice. it was like a siren, pulling him in until he couldn’t remember where he was standing. after you finished your line, he just started at you. the mc said something about heeseung forgetting his line, but he was too focused on you to hear. he just wanted to hear your voice again.

jay ☆ ⊹ ๑

jay was totally messing up. he had a song blasting in his ears, and was desperately trying to concentrate on your lips. you were saying something, but he couldn’t decipher it. then it happened; you smiled at him. let’s just say he forgot about the game right then and there. you were laughing because no matter how much you slowed down you speech, he still could not guess the word. but now your laughing had him flustered, the tips of his ears turning red. he didn’t care how long the game would take because of his confusion- he just wanted to see you smile at him again.

jake ☆ ⊹ ๑

jake had never met anyone as competitive as him. you were on the field for the soccer portion of the day. you ran up on the field, cheering your team on. then you were called as team captain to walk up to enhypen captain, jake. now face to face, you were asked about your strategy for the game. you replied that there was no strategy because you were just that good. that made jake laugh, and he gave a cocky reply back. throughout the game, there was some banter between you two, until finally your team came out victorious. you stuck your tongue out at jake, and he laughed. he did not stop talking about you to the boys when they returned to their table.

sunghoon ☆ ⊹ ๑

we all know the moment in the last game caterers, where sunghoon forgot eunchae’s name and had to look at her name tag. so this year, they decided to make a game specifically for him: name that idol. there were 5 idols in line, with you being at the end. your name tags were off, the goal being for sunghoon to go down the line and name each one of you. of course he went down the line, giving them different names or just simply giving up on even giving them names. then he got to you, and to everyone surprise- he knew your name. truth is he had been watching you throughout the day, and had learned your name easily. you were definitely special in his eyes.

sunoo ☆ ⊹ ๑

sunoo was tired, and incredibly hungry. as he ran the last lap, he felt a breeze pass by- followed by high pitch cheering. you had won, which meant you would be getting all the food for your team, including the mint chocolate ice cream. he quietly made his way back to the members, sitting down in his chair. his stomach growled, as he put his head down on the table. suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder, and he sprung up in surprise. there you were, with a plate of food and a sweet smile. and there he was, heart full, eating his food while staring at you from across the field.

jungwon ☆ ⊹ ๑

they wanted to do a martial arts segment in this years game caterers. of course jungwon was a part of the event, but little did he know he would go up another martial artist turned idol; you. at first he was a little hesitant, talking to the host about how he didn’t want to hurt you. well, one thing to to another, and here he was. flipped onto the ground, you on top of him with the biggest smirk playing on your face. he was shocked to say the least, but seeing you beat him sparked his interest in you. by the end of the day, he was head over heels. he liked that you were strong, and he was looking forward to seeing you around.

ni-ki ☆ ⊹ ๑

it was the last round of random play dance. only two idols remained, both being the main dancers in their groups. you and ni-ki stepped up, your bodies moving to the familiar beat. suddenly, ni-ki froze up, forgetting the next move. he glanced over to you, hoping you hadn’t made the same mistake. instead he found you dancing your heart out, as if the song belonged to your group. anyone could see the hearts in his eyes. he hadn’t paid much attention to you or anyone during the day, but now he couldn’t look away from you. he had never seen anyone move so elegantly, and look so beautiful.

🝮 taglist open!

@avocarua @kpoprhia @haechansbbg @yeehawnana @lilly-bubblelops @aishigrey @gweoriz @soul-is-a-strange-kid @dior-girlie @gigification

[handalea]

Team Natsu Magic HC

So I was rewatching the gmg arc, and something I really appreciated about the artstyle was how they made the celestial spirits glow compared to humans at nighttime, and it got me thinking of how Lucy's magic makes her fit right in with them but also look normal with the rest of her team, and it kind of spiraled from there so accept my brain rot pls.

Lucy

As I was saying above, Lucy's skin & hair faintly glows in the starlight/moonlight. It's not that noticeable when she's standing next to other humans, but when she's with her spirits at night, she looks like she belongs with them.

Lucy is covered in light freckles, and occasionally they will move across her skin like shooting stars, or random lines will faintly connect like a constellation. It occurs more when she's around her immediate family or spirits. Team Natsu has a game where as soon as they see it they treat it like a shooting star, and everyone makes a wish. Lucy didn't notice it until they started doing it, and was freaked out about the freckles for a little bit.

Lucy practices what we would consider practical witchcraft, she has an altar set up in her apartment that she changes every time a new zodiac season starts. Even though she knows her spirits and has close bonds with them, she does this to feel close to other celestial spirits when they meet. She is also superstitious, and on nights when the team is safely asleep in her apartment she will put lines of salt across entry points in her apartment to ward off evil.

Natsu

Natsu is always warm. Always. I know this is something that is exhausted but that boy wears crop tops and shorts constantly, and also loves walking around barefoot. He only wears the duster every once in a while, and team Natsu considers it bad luck when he does, because Fairy Tail always gets into conflicts when he does.

Natsu can use his hands like a heat gun, which is useful for when Lucy has to repaint her apartment when things get covered in scorch marks. Natsu finds it boring but Lucy threatens to not make him dinner if he doesn't.

Like Gajeel and Cobra, when Natsu starts to get really angry his skin starts to harden, and it looks like scales are emerging from under his skin. Watching them fully break through the skin when he uses dragon force scares the shit out of his enemies.

When him and Lucy eventually settle down and have kids, he has Gray, Wendy and Ezra help him gather scales from his dragon force to make a scarf for their children. Lucy and Erza get into knitting, and eventually drag Wendy and Gray into it too, and the entire team helps make the next generations scarves.

With his dragon senses, Natsu is fully tuned into his teams scent. He knows the scent of their favorite food, their blood, their hygine products. While he does know the rest of the guildmates general smell Natsu has fully committed his closet families smell into his brain.

Erza

Erza has to set a time every month where she sits down and repairs her armor and sharpens her swords. Before the team fully started leaning on each other the entire process would take her like 5 days, but with Lucy sitting down and asking Erza to teach her how, eventually the rest of the team started helping her. Lucy hosts it at her apartment, and they make a weekend out of it. Eating greasy food, talking shit on their enemies and discussing the latest guild goss, they manage to knock out Erza's monthly chore in two days.

Erza has to keep a mental inventory stock at all times. With how much swords that break during battle she has a revolving number in her head at all times, it's exhausting at times when she can't stop thinking of it before she goes to bed.

Team Natsu has managed to learn to glance at Erza when she's reequipping and from a single second can guess which armor she's getting into, and they're able to adjust their battle strategy/team work without speaking.

Gray

Gray will have steam coming off of him constantly when it's warm outside, and on those days no one blames him for his stripping habit.

At this point the entire team is used to seeing him naked and they don't mention it if they are at one of their apartments, but they all have an extra pair of clothes for him in their travel packs when they are out in public.

Lucy will gravitate towards him when it's hot outside, the mist feels nice, and as they got closer it's common for Gray to have a hand on her ankle/ shoulder to help cool her down. Wendy and the exceeds pick this habit up as well.

On the colder days Grays skin actually hardens, think of how Twilight described the vampires skin, and it will also sparkle lightly.

In his off time Gray participates in ice carving competitions, but he will have to travel to go to them. He is banned from participating in any of Magnolias since he always wins and it has started more than one fist fight.

Wendy

Wendy is very sensitive to the weather, and can usually tell when a huge storm is coming before it hits Magnolia. She has helped save lives by warning the town of incoming deadly weather events, and helping them prepare for it.

Wendy moves silently, her footsteps are as light as air. While Team Natsu is used to it, she constantly scares other people in the guild and she feels bad about it, while the rest of the team finds it hilarious.

While her nose is not at the level that Natsu's is, she has gotten over her pride and has asked him to train her, and she is slowly picking up her team mates smell.

Natsu and Wendy curl up together on long train rides, usually both resting their heads on Lucy's lap. Wendy can't explain it but that woman makes the worst of the aches go away.

As Wendy starts getting more powerful she gains the ability to generate thunder storms and tornado, she also doesn't need Carla to fly. She doesn't use the ability though unless she's in dragon force, she doesn't care if she can fly on her own. Her and Carla are a team dammit.

[i2rizz]

can you ask a nagi version of the bachira “no way he pulled that” !! thank you sooomuch

Absolutely!!! And npp!!

Also shoutout to the other people asking for a Nagi version in my requests-you've got taste.

And not to be dramatic, but I love how literally all my current requests revolve around this "No Way He Pulled That" beach idea. Like yeah, I made that concept while pacing around my room, headphones on, blasting my saved TikToks and imagining the wildest daydream ever. I was fully in my own world and now it's lowkey becoming a whole saga.

No Way He Pulled That Pt.5

Ego had declared a rare break from the brutal training sessions of Blue Lock—a full beach day, no drills, no strategy talks, no footballs (unless you brought one yourself). Just the sun, the sea, and your fellow egocentric maniacs trying to figure out how to relax without turning everything into a competition.

Nagi arrived last, of course. Board shorts hanging off one hip, hair messier than usual, a towel draped over his head like a cloak. He made it exactly ten steps before collapsing under the nearest palm tree with a soft groan and his signature phrase:

"Too much effort…"

No one paid much attention to him—because no one ever believed a word that came out of his mouth. Especially not when it came to the mystical, possibly imaginary girlfriend he always mumbled about.

"She's real," Nagi had said one night, mouth full of instant ramen. "Really pretty. Soft, too"

“Is she your body pillow?” Isagi asked, deadpan.

"...No"

Reo had stopped believing months ago. Rin never believed to begin with. And Bachira? He was convinced Nagi had made her up after watching too many romance animes while half-asleep.

But then the beach volleyball game started. And that’s when everything changed.

A group of players had set up a net near the far edge of the shore, and laughter rang out as the match heated up. But one particular sound cut through the air like a melody.

Your laugh.

It was light, breezy, warm like honeyed sunlight—too charming to ignore.

Someone spiked the ball too hard. It shot over the net and landed dangerously close to the lazy white-haired boy under the palm tree.

You chased after it, completely unaware of the dozen Blue Lock boys who had just stopped whatever they were doing to stare at you.

And how could they not?

You were a vision—skin kissed by the sun, hair tossed in a high ponytail with strands flying free, your swim top peeking through a loose-knit tank, shorts that hugged your curves, legs dusted with sand. You radiated sweetness, like something out of a summer dream. A soft energy that clashed entirely with the high-strung testosterone-choked beach.

Reo dropped his smoothie.

Chigiri blinked like he was buffering.

Rin narrowed his eyes, confused and slightly annoyed by the way the sun hit your smile so perfectly.

You bent to grab the ball, tucking it under your arm. When you glanced toward Nagi, your entire face lit up.

"Sei!" you called, practically bouncing as you jogged toward him.

The boys followed your gaze like it was a horror movie reveal.

And Nagi?

He looked up, blinked twice, then broke into the laziest but fondest little grin.

"Hey. You're here" he said, voice low and soft, like you were the only thing in his world.

You reached him, tossed the ball aside, and flopped onto the sand next to him, curling up like it was your usual spot. Then, casually, you leaned over and pressed a kiss to his temple.

"Missed you" you said sweetly.

Silence.

Crickets.

Barou’s eye twitched. Otoya took off his sunglasses like he needed to confirm reality. Karasu mouthed "WHAT THE—"

Rin’s glare was sharp enough to slice metal. Bachira looked like he’d just discovered aliens were real.

:Waitwaitwaitwait," Isagi stammered. "That’s her?! That’s the girlfriend?"

Reo nearly combusted. "No way he pulled that. No—no way"

"You said she plays Animal Crossing!" Chigiri accused.

"She does," Nagi replied, already resting his head on your lap.

You?

You just smiled, oblivious to the mayhem behind you, fingers carding lazily through his hair as you fed him slices of cold watermelon from your cooler.

"God, she’s nurturing him," Reo whispered, devastated.

"Like a sea goddess nursing a shipwreck survivor" Karasu added mournfully.

Rin stood, muttered something about touching grass, and walked directly into the ocean.

Nagi yawned, totally unaffected. "Told you she was real"

[glowettee]

hi there! im a fan of your page 💕

can you give me the best studying techniques?

hi angel!! @mythicalmarion tysm for asking about study techniques 🤍 i'm so excited to share my secret methods that helped me maintain perfect grades while still having a dreamy lifestyle + time for self-care!! and thank you for being a fan of my blog, it means everything to me. <3

~ ♡ my non-basic study secrets that actually work ♡ ~

(don't mind the number formatting)

the neural bridging technique this is literally my favorite discovery!! instead of traditional note-taking, i create what i call "neural bridges" between different subjects. for example, when studying both literature + history, i connect historical events with the literature written during that time. i use a special notebook divided into sections where each page has two columns - one for each subject. the connections help you understand both subjects deeper + create stronger memory patterns!!

here's how i do it:

example:

left column: historical event

right column: literary connection

middle: draw connecting lines + add small insights

bottom: write how they influenced each other

the shadow expert method this changed everything for me!! i pretend i'm going to be interviewed as an expert on the topic i'm studying. i create potential interview questions + prepare detailed answers. but here's the twist - i record myself answering these questions in three different ways:

basic explanation (like i'm talking to a friend)

detailed analysis (like i'm teaching a class)

complex discussion (like i'm at a conference)

this forces you to understand the topic from multiple angles + helps you explain concepts in different ways!!

the reverse engineering study system instead of starting with the basics, i begin with the most complex example i can find and work backwards to understand the fundamentals. for example, in calculus, i start with a complicated equation + break it down into smaller parts until i reach the basic concepts.

my process looks like:

find the hardest example in the textbook

list every concept needed to understand it

create a concept map working backwards

study each component separately

rebuild the complex example step by step

the sensory anchoring technique this is seriously game-changing!! i associate different types of information with specific sensory experiences:

theoretical concepts - study while standing

factual information - sitting at my desk

problem-solving - walking slowly

memorization - gentle swaying

review - lying down

your body literally creates muscle memory associated with different types of learning!!

the metacognition mapping strategy i created this method where i track my understanding using what i call "clarity scores":

level 1: can recognize it

level 2: can explain it simply

level 3: can teach it

level 4: can apply it to new situations

level 5: can connect it to other topics

i keep a spreadsheet tracking my clarity levels for each topic + focus my study time on moving everything to level 5!!

the information architecture method instead of linear notes, i create what i call "knowledge buildings":

foundation: basic principles

first floor: key concepts

second floor: applications

top floor: advanced ideas

roof: real-world connections

each "floor" must be solid before moving up + i review from top to bottom weekly!!

the cognitive stamina training this is my absolute secret weapon!! i use a special interval system based on brain wave patterns:

32 minutes of focused study

8 minutes of active recall

16 minutes of teaching the material to my plushies

4 minutes of complete rest

the specific timing helps maintain peak mental performance + prevents study fatigue!!

the synthesis spiral evolution this method literally transformed how i retain information:

create main concept spirals

add branch spirals for subtopics

connect related concepts with colored lines

review by tracing the spiral paths

add new connections each study session

your notes evolve into a beautiful web of knowledge that grows with your understanding!!

these methods might seem different from typical study advice, but they're based on how our brains actually process + store information!! i developed these through lots of research + personal experimentation, and they've helped me maintain perfect grades while still having time for self-care, hobbies + fun!!

sending you the biggest hug + all my good study vibes!! remember that effective studying is about working with your brain, not against it <3

p.s. if you try any of these methods, please let me know how they work for you!! i love hearing about your study journeys!!

xoxo, mindy 🤍

glowettee hotline is still open, drop your dilemmas before the next advice post 💌: https://bit.ly/glowetteehotline

[csuitebitches]

Things I Have to do for My Sanity

1. Wake up at the first alarm - no snoozing and no going lying around in bed. Getting up straight away and head to the bathroom. It’s going to suck initially but you’ll get used to it in a few days.

2. Mental self care: 30 minute meditation, brain games mental math, reading, news. Knowledge is sexy and don’t deny yourself sexiness.

3. Daily review in my diary at the beginning and end of my day: what went well, what didn’t, what I need to accomplish to achieve my goals. This has tremendously helped my goals and keeping my motivation more consistent, especially at work. Analysing and correcting incremental changes creates long term success.

4. Cleaning up before bed - clothes, shoes, organising my bag, etc. I set a timer for 5 minutes and try to get as much done as possible.

5. Pick out my clothes the night before and steam iron them for the next day.

6. Face masks twice a week, a hair mask once a week, I scrub the soles of my feet with that foot scrubbing thingy once a week. Manicures every month because my nail beds are too sensitive to do it biweekly, iron supplements so that I’m not a moody bitch. Matching underwear to feel good about myself. Lavender spray on my pillow before sleeping so that I don’t get weird dreams.

7. Reading biographies and autobiographies. My mentor had suggested this to me and it’s amazing how literally I don’t have a single original experience - everything I’ve felt or mistakes I’ve made have already been done by someone else.

I’m going to curate a list of business books that I feel that have helped me the most recently.

8. I write a short essay everyday in the language I’m currently learning. I also end my day by talking about my day for at least 2 minutes in that language and I record it in voice memos to keep a track of my progress. I want to be fluent to a level where I can think in this language.

✨

I don’t generally share a lot about my personal life - none of you know my name or where I’m based and I feel comfortable doing that. But I do want to start giving out more insights to what I’m doing personally in my career - the good, the bad, the ugly.

Being self aware and honest to myself has helped me improve a lot. I know that shame is my Achilles heel, so now I’m reading books to combat that. I’ve caved in and decided to try therapy for a bit to see if what I’m doing is useful or not. My first session is tomorrow. Staying disciplined was my initial hurdle but the systems I’ve set (waking up early + habit stacking) have helped me slowly overcome that.

Work side, I’ve started establishing myself publicly more. I don’t want to reveal too much about what I do exactly but the good news is that our biggest competitor has noticed my progress (a former employee of that company came to us for an interview and directly asked our top management about me). It’s been 4 months that I’ve been working here but I know that next year I really have to swing the bat and hit a home run. I’ve decided to work on the field more and less in the office to really understand people’s needs and create unique solutions.

The daily/weekly/quarterly diary is definitely credited to my recent wins. That’s the biggest change I’ve made in my routine and i can already see that it’s working well. I’m going to continue refining and implementing that method.

Recent work methods I’ve decided to start working on (I’m not required to do these but I do it for my growth):

1. I’ve started studying popular companies’ business and revenue models in detail. Everything is adoptable and adaptable, you just have to figure out how to tweak something for your company’s clients and needs. Now I’ve decided that I want to keep a track of our competitors, their business models, their owners names, pricing strategy, their target audience etc etc on an excel sheet so that I’m aware with what’s happening in the market. 

2. I’ve started making client profiles. Every time I meet a client, I note down their name, the company name, what they were like, anything specific they seemed to like or want, how much they had paid us for a service, what their paying capacity could be, etc. 

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Leona Kingscholar - Club Wear Voice Lines

Club Wear Leona does not have a vignette.

When Summoned: Do as I say and I'll give you your just reward: A little thing I know you all love called victory.

Summon Line: 'Kay then, let's get this match started already. Y'know, and be all "sportsmanship-like".

Groooovy!!: There's no such thing as a miraculous win. The strongest, smartest team comes out on top... That's all it is.

Home: Guess I'll go an make light work of 'em.

Home Idle 1: Ruggie's always finding ways to slack off during practice, but he actually does okay during matches. But that's 'cause he just really wants to win.

Home Idle 2: Booing? Wrong, that's just more cheering. It's great hearing all those noisy people shriek just 'cause they're scared by how strong we are.

Home Idle 3: Epel's got the drive and spirit. Sure, he's got potential, 'cept he's just not that good at remembering the more complicated strategies... Geez.

Home Idle - Login: There's a lot to learn even from losing a match...? What fanciful crud. Results are what matter. There's no point in not winning.

Home Idle - Groovy: You can watch if you want, but... I ain't gonna listen to any complaining if you get hit by a disc or some stray magic bolt.

Home Tap 1: Flying ain't hard at all. All 'cause some fussy hoity-toity chamberlain forced onto me everything he knew.

Home Tap 2: Magical Shift is a sport that requires a ton of strategic thinking. Sometimes tactics need to be switched up on the fly based on the current state of the game... And coming up with those maneuvers are what makes this fun.

Home Tap 3: Only the team captain wears this longer-style jacket. Makes it easier for everyone to know who the boss is, don't it?

Home Tap 4: My brother considers Magical Shift to just be a national pastime. Even though I think it'd make a great resource for tourism if we could put together an elite team for the world league.

Home Tap 5: Shouldn't I go watch the team practice? Listen, our regimen prizes each team member's initiative for self-improvement above all else. Yaaaaawn...

Home Tap - Groovy: Don't bother cheering during the game. It'd be better if you could just keep a tight hold on Grim. He's an eyesore, always jumping around.

Duo: [LEONA]: Epel, just do what I tell you. [EPEL]: Leave it all to me, Leona-san!

Requested by @farfalla049.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

I'm curious about your thoughts about the OB cards. Personally I was REALLY hoping they weren't actually gonna happen because they overblots are supposed to be like super strong and they can't really do that without breaking the game because most things would be too easy or balancing it out which would make everything too hard for people who don't have the cards. So they’ll probably be weaker and it’s just a personal pet peeve of mine when strong bosses are weaker when they’re playable.

Also I know the characters that do overblot are like coming to terms with that or something (I would assume anyways I play on the English server) but it rubs me the wrong way that they're making cards of what's literally the characters trauma incarnated into really strong versions of themselves. Like maybe I'm overthinking it but even with everything with the Vil in book 7 I still think it's weird to let the form he takes from having a mental breakdown after almost killing someone be playable??? Though most people don’t seem to agree with this so maybe I am overthinking it lol

[Referencing this news!]

While I understand the frustration with watering down what are meant to be powerful people in canon and/or balancing new battle content around the more recent cards, power creep nothing new for these types of mobile gacha games, or even for Twst itself. For example, Malleus is canonically one of the top 5 strongest mages in all of Twisted Wonderland, but it's not as though all of the Malleus cards are OP to reflect this lore. As another example, events will often grant an item drop boost or a status buff to the limited time banner characters as a means of incentivizing you to pull for them. I find this particular egregious for the recently introduced Arcane Combat Drills/Magic Assault Practice events, which feature progressively arduous battle maps and are made easier if you happen to pull the featured staff SSR. The devs cannot just drop an OP character that will break the game (even if they would canonically) to maintain balance and keep the game fun for players. I honestly don't think power creep is a huge issue with Twst. It happens, certainly--but it's not as bad as other games I've seen. Cards now considered "old" are still considered good today (Dorm Uniform Trey is still a great healer, it took several years for someone else to topple Dorm Uniform Riddle in terms of highest attack stat; even then, Riddle is excellent for offense, etc.). Older cards also introduced new buffs and debuffs which enhance battle complexity and potential strategies. For example, there was previously NO way to stop the enemies from healing... until Dorm Uniform Vil was introduced. He was the first card to have Curse, which applies a debuff that prevents the enemies from healing for a set number of turns. Since then, other similar additions have been made to tweak combat.

This is a spoiler for EN only players (though it sounds like you saw the Malleus OB card preview/JP server content, so I'll assume it's safe to spoil you), but the OB forms end up being framed differently (more heroically) later in book 7. It's not a clear-cut case of Twst glamourizing poor mental health and trying to sell it to us. Overblots are, of course, initially presented as the characters' trauma made manifest, at their lowest points and succumbing to their inner darkness--and they still are. However, in the dream world of book 7 (plus some hacks + cheat tool support from Idia), the OB boys are able to assume their OB forms and use these to combat Malleus. The OB forms are referred to as the "strongest versions of themselves", and they even portray the shift from their normal forms to OB sort of like magical girl transformations. In this case, their lowest points ultimately become moments of triumph, as they all manage to confront that "darkness", embrace it, and then tame that power for themselves. (To be clear: they can't OB at will in reality or control their own OBs in reality; it's only possible in the confines of the dreamspace.) The narrative around the OBs is retooled to be empowering and a symbol of how far each of them has come rather than staying static as something to be ashamed of. The idea seems to be promoting acceptance of the past but also learning to grow from it. I don't see an issue with this. Even without this particular context, I don't think I would see an issue? Many of the characters have done very questionable things even outside of OB (Leona tries to sand Ruggie, Riddle attacks Ace with rose trees in an attempt to literally behead him, Vil tries to poison Neige, etc.), but there aren't protests about those character variants (Dorm Uniforms, School Uniforms, etc.) being playable. Twst is a game centering on Disney villains, so there's for sure going to be dubious actions being carried out and dubious morals on display.

I hope this helps to ease your worries or at least provides you with a different perspective ^^

[theresattrpgforthat]

How To Find Cool Games: On DriveThruRPG!

So disclaimer upfront: I don’t use the DriveThruRPG website nearly as much as Itch.io. Some of those reasons are practical (there’s no tagging system, the catalogue is rather D&D saturated,), while others are more… well, shallow (the website isn’t as pretty).

However, DriveThruRPG is a very good tool to have in your toolbox when it comes to finding cool ttrpgs, for a number of reasons, the primary one being that it’s for TTRPGS and only TTRPGs! Let’s get started.

The Search Bar / Categories.

You can start by doing a basic search for a game that you already know about, or by searching for a keyword, like “pirates” or “zombies”. You’ll get titles sorted by “relevance”, so things that have the keyword in the name will show up first. One of the biggest downsides of this strategy is that everything kind of gets lumped in here: supplements, maps, expansions, adventures, character sheets… the list goes on. However, you can narrow down what you’re looking for by using the toggles at the top of the website. I personally usually narrow down search results by selecting “Product Type” and then “Core Rulebooks”.

One nice thing DriveThru has compared to Itch.io is that you can combine categories, so if I wanted to brows say, Gothic Horror Core Rulebooks priced under $20, well I can do that! My favourite categories are for genre, but another set of categories that you may find very useful once you’ve familiarized yourself with some games is the Rule System category. There are categories for systems like the Year Zero Engine, Forged in the Dark, BRP (Basic Roleplaying), OSR, and so much more. There’s also “other systems” and “any system” categories if you want to find something that’s unique or that can be used across games.

DriveThru also has a lot of games published in different languages, and you can narrow your results to see what’s been offered in your language. I think there are more options on this website than there are on Itch, although you might benefit by finding one or two publishers in your language on DriveThru, and then check the publisher’s website from there.

The Homepage

Another reason to check out DriveThru regularly is the sales and promotions. The top banner of the homepage will typically advertise a few things: the Deal of the Day, current themed sales, and special offers that DriveThru RPG wants you to know about. Their homepage also has Bestselling Titles, Most Popular Games Under $5, Newest Games, Featured Titles, and, if you scroll down enough, Personalized suggestions. Unlike Itch.io, DriveThru does a lot of work to show you what’s new, what’s hot, and what’s a really good deal right now, which can all be really helpful things!

When you land on a game, you’ll be able to see whether or not DriveThru sells physical copies, some basic information like book size, rule system, publisher & author, and a blurb describing the setting and other general information about the game. DriveThru has a side panel with “Customers also Bought”, which is great for showing you things that you might like, either because they surround the same theme, they work for the same game, or they are in a similar genre. (Another thing that Itch isn’t quite as good at.)

You’ll also be able to see (and leave) reviews for game, including the ratings left by other people who have picked it up. Occasionally I’ll find really useful information in the reviews, as reviewers might talk about mechanics they love or loathe, or recommend styles of play that they feel the game matches.

Finally, like Itch, DriveThru will let you know if you’ve already bought the game, and provide you with a download shortcut.

Publishing House Pages

Larger publishing houses typically have their ttrpg content sorted very nicely for you on their publisher pages, to help you find the things that you want. Modiphius is a great example, sorting Star Trek, Dune, Fallout, and their 2d20 games all in special categories.

Many publishers also have a Community Content section, which is great if you’re looking for assets, new adventures, hacks of a game system and some very reasonably priced (or even cheap) game additions. Similar to Itch, DriveThru has a Pay-What-You-Want feature for many games, although, unlike Itch, most PWYW titles require that you pay a non-zero amount.

Newsletters

When you create an account on DriveThruRPG, you can sign up for various different kinds of newsletters. Some come directly from DriveThru itself: this includes the Follow Your Favourites and Deal of the Day options, as well as weekly/monthly newsletters carrying information about new releases, special promotions, and (often) a free ttrpg product of the month.

However, on top of that, when you purchase a game or follow publishing pages, you can also get emails about new releases specific to those creators, as well as updates if a new version of a game you bought has been added. Often if it’s a game you already bought, this means you own the new version too - something that DriveThru has in common with Itch!

The Follow Your Favourites announcements will line up with whatever you’ve chosen to follow on the website. I’ve asked for updates about new Core Rulebooks, and I also get updates from the Onyx Path and a few other places where I found games I really liked. I also check the Deal of the Day offers fairly regularly; sometimes there are really really good deals offered and if it’s a game you know or like, then you don’t want to miss out on a sale!

Wishlists

DriveThru allows you to add games to wishlists to look at later, and even gives you the ability to sort your wishlists, although the process feels harder to look through than Itch does; I think it might be a UI issue.

However, because it acts like a wishlist, you can move games from the wishlist into your cart and vice versa, as well as move the games to another list. One really nice thing about the wishlist section is that DriveThru will alway show you when something you want is on sale, and how much it is normally - Itch does this too, but in this case, DriveThru is much easier to read!

I mostly sort my wishlists into Core Rulebooks and Supplements, because I don’t have nearly as many games bookmarked on DriveThru. If it exists on Itch, I store it on Itch - but there are plenty of other, “someday’ games, that I want to be able to find again in the future.

Your Library

DriveThruRPG has an app that you can download onto your computer or your phone, and it basically acts as a library that you can look through. In both the webpage and the app, you can sort your purchases alphabetically, from new to old, by publisher, by whether or not they were updated, and using similar categories as the search bar on the store front.

Free things can definitely be found here, even if they’re harder to look for. On DriveThru, most free products are things like character sheets, playtest games, or Quickstarts. However, some publishers do put up their stuff for free. Whenever I can get a Quickstart of something interesting, or if I find something being offered for free, I add it to my library. Free games are how I got started in ttrpgs, and QuickStarts are wonderful introductions to a system that usually give you a good idea of what the game is going to feel like.

Conclusion

Overall, DriveThruRPG is great for folks who like certain big publishing houses, and folks who like a good deal. I personally usually end up on the site because something in my emails caught my eye, which is the opposite of how I navigate Itch. DriveThru was my home base before I discovered Itch.io, so I still have a little fondness for the website, even if looking through it is a little bit of a slog.

One thing that might be a bit of an annoyance is that if you own something from a certain company, they might be able to send you a lot of emails for every sale and new product. If this becomes too much, you can choose to opt out from those publishers.

If you don’t want to have to actively engage with the website as much as say, Itch, DriveThru’s email system is also a big help. You can customize your subscriptions to match what you’re interested in, and then just check your emails once in a while to see what’s on offer. After a while you’ll also learn about yearly events, like the Summer Sale, which often provides big discounts on a lot of different games.

DriveThru is also a great place to start if you’re looking for print versions of games: I don’t know what shipping is like to places outside Canada, but I definitely appreciate that it’s an option, and sometimes all you need to do is find a game or publisher - once you know that it exists, you can google that publisher, check out their website, and figure out the best place to order from there.

[notsorryiml8]

Thinking it would be kind of awesome if Minato taught Kakashi how to play and be a kid while sensei-ing him:

Kakashi: *looking with disdain at the other kids playing (ignoring the fact that he's 5)* Look at those babies, playing baby games. I'm too big for that. I'm a genin now.

Minato: *gets an idea*

Example D ranks:

Day 1 - Hide and Seek aka "Search and Destroy"

Minato: Hey kid, we're going to learn how to be stealthy today. I'm going to need you to count to 100 while I go hide. Then you come and find me.

Kakashi: Then I attack you when I find you?

Minato: Um...no. Then you hide and I come find you.

Kakashi: Why?

Minato: Because that's how you play-

Kakashi: *side eye*

Minato: pla...play..plac-ate your sensei. Yes, that will make me happy. Go team.

Day 2 - Building blocks aka "Tower Defense"

Minato: We're going to learn how to build a defense tower. I need you to take this set of blocks and build a tower as tall as you can.

Kakashi: This is dumb and for babies. Only babies play with blocks.

Minato: Hmm...but do babies get to choose what kind of chakra can best defend a tower. The red blocks are fire. The blue are water. The green...eh...they can be earth...

Kakashi: My affinity is lightning.

Minato: Yellow can be lightn-

Kakashi: My clan chakra's white

Minato: Fine, white can be lightning

Kakashi: What color is wind?

Minato: Wind can be yell-

Kakashi: Wind is clear. Not to mention yin and yang. You can't really see-

Minato: Fine make them whatever color you wa-

Kakashi: There's more colors here than there are chakra natures

Minato: Just build your tower already!

Day 3 - Tag aka "Capture the Enemy"

Minato: I'm going to run and I need you to catch me and tag... uh...lightly hit me and if you catch me, you have to yell that I'm "it" meaning, I'm your target. Then I have to run after you.

Kakashi: Why?

Minato: Because your enemy isn't going to always stand still and sometimes you have to yell at them-

Kakashi: To let them know you're going to kill them if they move?

Minato: Something like that.

Day 4 - Catch

Kakashi: We're just playing ball. That's for babies.

Minato: Nope, pretend this is a weapons pack and I'm way over there and I need help. You have to get the weapons to me somehow, right??

Kakashi: Shouldn't your weapons be attached to you? You're a poor excuse of a shinobi if you don't have your weapons on you at all ti-

Minato: They fell off or got cut off in the middle of battle

Kakashi: That's even worse if you let an enemy get that clo-

Minato: Just throw me the ball and then we can discuss how bad of a shinobi I really am

Day 5 - Chutes/Snakes and Ladders (board game)

Kakashi: This is dumb and for babies (apparently everything is dumb and for babies)

Minato: This is a tactical game of strategy and teaches patience and perseverance. You get all the way to the top and have to go back to the beginning, what do you do?

Kakashi: Burn the ladder down so what's at top comes down or build a mud wall and just climb that

Minato: Uh...no, that's why we need this game

Going to sound weird, but at the end of the day, Hiruzen, in his own way kinda, sorta looked out for Kakashi. After Sakumo up and died (and after being kicked from team to team), he assigned him to Minato because he knew no one would come near him with Minato as his sensei. You have this little genius kid 5 year old with extreme potential whose legendary dad just permanently abandoned him and he's ripe for the picking for the likes of Danzo and Orochimaru, so what do you do? Assign him the most powerful shinobi in the village to be his sensei. Ain't nobody coming near that kid...until Minato dies and well Danzo comes for him, but that's another anime filler story...