We love most co-op shooter games, but the gameplay loop in Helldivers II is so simple and addicting that it keeps us coming back for more. Unlike some similar games, you don’t need a degree in data analysis to be the best helldiver you can be. Use this tips to buildout your loadout for each mission in the early game, while leveling, and in the endgame to spread maximum democracy!
FPS GALAXY THUMBSTICKS
Before you dive into any mission, you want to make sure your controller is fully upgraded with the best attachments to set you up for victory. FPS Galaxy Thumbsticks maximize grip, comfort, and precision on any Xbox or Playstation controller. Our Galaxy Thumbstick packs come in Black, White, Purple, and Clear. Each pack contains one 6.5mm Mid-Rise Thumbstick for improved in-game movement control on the left stick and one 10mm High-Rise Thumbstick for increased accuracy and precision on the right stick. Depending on your sensitivity settings, your gameplay might benefit greatly from upgrading your controller with some KonrolFreek Precision Rings. These rings make it so the harder you push on your thumbsticks, the more the material will compact to cushion your stick, adding resistance, which prevents you from over-shooting your target and enables you to play on higher sensitivities without acceleration.
BEST STRATAGEMS
BEST EARLY GAME STRATAGEMS (LEVELS 1-5)
Orbital Precision Strike – Precise strike with a quick cooldown
A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry – Basic Sentry Turret
B1 Supply Pack – Sharable Resupply Backpack
Expendable Anti-Tank – Two Single Use Armor Busting Rocket Launchers
BEST LEVELING STRATAGEMS (LEVELS 5-15)
Gatling Sentry – Stronger Sentry, Great For Defending Postitions
Guard Dog Rover – Helldiver’s Best Friend
Autocannon – Support Weapon Great For Heavy Armor
Mortar Sentry – Stay Away From Your Enemies and Watch Them Explode
Autocannon Sentry – Powerful Sentry For Armored Enemies
BEST ENDGAME STRATAGEMS (LEVELS 15+)
Railgun – Best Support Weapon For Armored Enemies
Orbital Laser – Tracks and Eliminates Any Foes
Orbital Rail Cannon – Powerful Single Target Orbital Strike
Eagle 500KG Bomb – Be Far Away
Shield Generator Backpack – Keep Those Enemies Off You
BEST SHIP MODULES
Targeting Software Upgrade – Reduce Orbital Deployment Times
Liquid-Ventilated Cockpit – Reduce Eagle Cooldown Times by 50%
Synthetic Supplementation – Sentry Cooldowns Reduced by 10%
Dynamic Tracking – Reduce Sentry Deployment Time
Pit Crew Hazard Pay – Reduce Eagle Rearm Time
Shock Absorption Gel – Increase Sentry Ammo
Advanced Construction – Increase Sentry Health
Expand Weapons Bay – 1 Extra Eagle Rearm
BEST ARMOR AND WEAPONS
Armor in Helldivers II come in 3 strengths, Light, Medium, and Heavy. Each armor has a stat for Armor Rating, Speed, and Stamina Regen. Heavy armor will generally have a higher armor rating and lower speed and stamina regen, and vice versa for light armor. We recommend Light Armor for almost every mission, because the movement in Helldivers II can seem a little slow and unforgiving at times. When you’re trying to outmaneuver a rampaging Charger, you’ll want that extra speed, and it will cut down on time spent traversing the map for resources and objectives.
Every Armor also comes with Armor Passive Traits, which can enhance your gameplay. Our favorite Armor Passives increase the amount of grenades and stims you can carry, which can both be immensely useful. You can purchase new armor from your Warbond Progression page, which rotates daily, so keep an eye out for armor with the stats and passives you are looking for!
You can also purchase new weapons through the Warbond Progression page. We rarely recommend in-game purchases, but Helldivers II is a cheaper game with a lot of potential. The weapons in the Premium Warbond Progression are so good that we recommend purchasing the premium warbonds and unlocking these weapons as fast as possible.
AR-23E Liberator Explosive – Explosive AR for Armored Enemies
SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary – Shotgun with Fire Damage for Armored Enemies
P-19 Redeemer – Automatic Secondary Weapon
G-10 Incendiary – Fire Grenades for AOE Damage
Helldivers II is a super fun game to play with your friends and the progression system can really hook you, so get out there and spread some democracy Helldiver! Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest Helldivers II content and join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and chances to win awesome prizes from KontrolFreek and SteelSeries!
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Mario vs Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Switch is a delightful blend of classic platforming action and clever puzzle-solving. As players navigate through increasingly challenging levels, having the right controller settings and utilizing effective tips can significantly enhance their gameplay experience. In this guide, we'll explore the best controller upgrades for Switch Pro and Joy-Con and offer valuable tips to help you conquer the game.
KONTROLFREEK NO-SLIP THUMBGRIPS
Dust off those Joy-Cons and Switch Pro controllers because we have the perfect controller upgrades to maximize grip and comfort during those long play sessions, while you brighten up your Switch set up with some cool new colors. KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips are available for Switch Pro and Joy-Con!
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Switch Pro controllers come in an 8-pack of extra-grippy thumb grips for only $12.99! These Thumb Grips are super easy to apply to your controller. Just flip the Thumb Grip inside out, place it on the thumbstick with the opening facing up so you can see the logo in the hole, then flip the edges of the Thumb Grip securely around the corners of the joystick. These grips provide all the top-of-the-line grip and control you expect from KontrolFreek, but without the added height that you normally experience with Performance Thumbsticks. If you have larger hands or you are looking for some extra height on your Switch Pro Thumbsticks, check out our Performance Thumbsticks for Switch Pro.
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con come in a separate 8-pack with fun colors to mix and match with! Those Joy-Con thumbsticks aren’t the grippiest to start off with, and they can wear down over time. Don’t buy another pair of Joy-Cons for close to $100. Get a pack of KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con for just $12.99! KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con make upgrading the grip and control of your Joy-Cons easier than ever.
CONTROLLER TIPS
Button Mapping: Customize your button layout to suit your preferences. While the default settings are intuitive, experimenting with different configurations can optimize your gameplay. Assign buttons for jumping, picking up objects, and activating special abilities for smoother control.
Sensitivity Adjustment: Fine-tune the sensitivity of your controller's analog sticks to achieve precise movements. This is particularly useful for navigating tricky platforming sections and aiming projectiles accurately. Whether you are using a Switch Pro Controller or Joy-Cons, KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips make it easier to play on higher difficulties while maintaining control.
Motion Controls: Mario vs Donkey Kong supports motion controls, allowing players to interact with the environment in unique ways. Experiment with motion gestures for actions like tilting platforms or aiming projectiles and adjust sensitivity to find the perfect balance between responsiveness and precision.
Rumble Feedback: Enable rumble feedback to add an immersive dimension to your gameplay experience. This one of the few games where we recommend leaving vibration on, because the subtle vibrations can provide valuable tactile feedback, especially during intense moments or when interacting with interactive elements in the game.
GAMEPLAY TIPS
Master the Basics: Familiarize yourself with Mario's basic moves, including jumping, running, and ground pounding. Understanding these fundamental actions is crucial for navigating obstacles and overcoming challenges effectively.
Utilize Power-Ups Wisely: Throughout the game, you'll encounter various power-ups that grant special abilities such as increased speed or temporary invincibility. Use these power-ups strategically to overcome difficult sections or to collect hard-to-reach items.
Pay Attention to Level Design: Each level in Mario vs Donkey Kong is meticulously crafted, offering unique challenges and opportunities. Pay close attention to the layout of platforms, obstacles, and enemy placements to plan your approach carefully.
Experiment with Different Strategies: Don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies and approaches to solving puzzles. Sometimes, unconventional methods or thinking outside the box can lead to surprising solutions.
Practice Patience and Precision: Mario vs Donkey Kong rewards patience and precision. Take your time to observe patterns, plan your moves, and execute them with precision. Rushing through levels can lead to unnecessary mistakes and setbacks.
Learn from Mistakes: It's natural to encounter obstacles and make mistakes while playing. Instead of getting frustrated, use these moments as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your strategy accordingly, and strive for improvement with each attempt.
With the best controller upgrades and strategies, you can elevate your gameplay experience in Mario vs Donkey Kong on Nintendo Switch. Whether you're navigating treacherous platforming sections or solving intricate puzzles, mastering these tips will help you overcome challenges and emerge victorious in this charming adventure. Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content. Join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>Helldivers II, the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed cooperative top-down shooter, has taken the gaming world by storm. With its intense battles, challenging missions, and relentless enemies, players are once again thrust into the chaotic universe of strategic warfare. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, understanding the best controller settings and tips can mean the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield.
FPS GALAXY THUMBSTICKS
Before you dive into your first mission, you want to make sure your controller is fully upgraded with the best attachments to set you up for victory. FPS Galaxy Thumbsticks maximize grip, comfort, and precision on any Xbox or Playstation controller. Our Galaxy Thumbstick packs come in Black, White, Purple, and Clear. Each pack contains one 6.5mm Mid-Rise Thumbstick for improved in-game movement control on the left stick and one 10mm High-Rise Thumbstick for increased accuracy and precision on the right stick. Depending on your sensitivity settings, your gameplay might benefit greatly from upgrading your controller with some KonrolFreek Precision Rings. These rings make it so the harder you push on your thumbsticks, the more the material will compact to cushion your stick, adding resistance, which prevents you from over-shooting your target and enables you to play on higher sensitivities without acceleration.
BEST SETTINGS
Helldivers II’s controls are very different from the first game. This is an over the shoulder third-person shooter, with the ability to switch to first person when you aim in by pressing Up on the Dpad. This leads into our first setting we’re going to change in Gameplay Settings, where we’re going to recommend turning ON Remember Aim Mode. This will make so that you won’t have to use the D-pad to aim in first person every time for weapons that you prefer to aim in first person, such as longer range weapons. With this setting on, you will only need to manually swap to first person once per mission, per weapon, which makes this a fantastic setting to turn on if you play a lot of First Person Shooter games like us.
Next up in the Visuals Settings were going to first turn Camera Shake Strength to OFF. We personally get motion sickness from camera shake in games, so we always turn this off, but if you prefer to have this on for immersion gameplay then leave it on Medium.
Continuing in the Visual Settings, next we’re going to turn Motion Blur OFF as this doesn’t enhance gameplay in our opinion.
Depth of Field is a very trendy setting in shooter games right now. Battle Royale games added this setting to enable gamers to see more of the battlefield at any given moment. However, in Helldivers II, this setting is not necessary, and we recommend turning it OFF as it can negatively impact the visual clarity of objects on your screen.
Unless you are rocking a monster PC, we recommend running this game on Performance Mode.
Lastly in the Visual Settings, we do recommend toggling ON Anti-Aliasing and turning Sharpness up to 1.00. This will make fine details of the game appear clearer and less pixelated.
In the HUD Settings, firstly we’re going to reduce the HUD Scale to .8. This will effectively center the HUD on our screen, making it easier to see all of the information without turning your head or moving your eyes as much.
Next, set Reticle Visibility to Visible. This will help center your aim, especially with weapons that you use in Third-Person fire mode.
Lastly in the HUD Settings, we recommend setting Compass Ordinal Directions to Visible. This will update your HUD with a compass at the top of the screen that makes it so much easier to give accurate directional call outs to your squadmates.
Last section we’re going to cover is the Controller Settings. First up, we’re going to scroll to the bottom of the screen and set Acceleration Speed to 0. This will make your aim sensitivity completely linear, and in our opinion, easier to predict and control than any sensitivity with acceleration.
Next, let’s go back to the top and turn our Look Sensitivity all the way up to 6.0. As with any shooter, we tested this out in the firing range tutorial, and found that 6.0 on a linear acceleration enabled us to perform an accurate and reliable 180 degree turn. We left Aim Sensitivity and Scope Sensitivity at .5.
Lastly, we don’t know how you feel about motion controls in shooter game but we can’t stand them. Our aim is so much better with our KontrolFreeks on our thumbsticks than motion controls on the controller, so we recommend setting your Motion Sensor Enable Mode to OFF.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Helldivers II is not a casual or forgiving game. Loading into your first mission alone will be a wake-up call that you need to have your head screwed on and work together with your teammates to be successful in this game. These tips will help you survive your first few missions until you start acquiring powerful weapons and stratagems.
Communication is Key: Helldivers II is a cooperative game that thrives on teamwork and communication. Use voice chat or in-game communication tools to coordinate strategies, call out enemy positions, and support your teammates effectively.
Prioritize Objectives: Focus on completing mission objectives efficiently to progress through the game and earn rewards. Whether it's capturing objectives, escorting VIPs, or defending crucial assets, prioritize objectives to ensure mission success.
Adapt to Enemy Threats: Stay adaptable and adjust your tactics to counter different enemy types and threats. Whether you're facing hordes of infantry, armored units, or aerial assaults, equip appropriate weapons and deploy strategic defenses to overcome each challenge.
Utilize Diverse Loadouts: Experiment with different loadouts and equipment combinations to find synergies that suit your playstyle. Whether you prefer heavy firepower, stealthy infiltration, or supportive roles, customize your loadout to complement your team and maximize effectiveness in combat.
Stay Mobile and Aware: Keep moving to avoid becoming an easy target for enemy attacks. Maintain situational awareness by constantly scanning your surroundings for threats, positioning yourself strategically, and utilizing cover to minimize exposure to enemy fire.
By optimizing your controller settings and incorporating these pro tips into your gameplay strategy, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of Helldivers II and emerge victorious in the intense battles that await. So rally your squad, gear up, and prepare to dive into the fray as you fight for freedom and save humanity from the relentless alien menace!
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest Helldivers II content and join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and chances to win awesome prizes from KontrolFreek and SteelSeries!
]]>Modern Warfare III’s new Warzone has been out for a few months now, so we’ve had time to develop our favorite weapons, but a lot of has changed with the recent Season 1 Reloaded update. Let’s run through our top 5 weapons for the current Warzone meta and the best attachments to run on them to beam your enemies and win more Warzone victories.
Before you drop into a Warzone match, you want to make sure you have your loadouts set with the best weapons, perks, and equipment to compliment your play style. In that same light, you also want to have your controller fully upgraded with the best attachments to optimize your movement, control, and accuracy.
MODERN WARFARE III LIMITED EDITION NO-SLIP THUMB GRIPS
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips provide the added grip and comfort, but without the additional height of Performance Thumbsticks. This makes them perfect for gamers who feel comfortable with the shape of their controller and don’t want to change it too much, but still want to upgrade it for more grip, style, and control. No-Slip Thumb Grips are made from a proprietary rubber material to deliver more grip, comfort and control to every game you play. The extra-soft Thumb Grips stay in place during intense gaming and they’re as durable as they are grippy. Improve your grip, maximize your comfort, and show off your style with the Modern Warfare III Limited Edition No-Slip Thumb Grips.
MODERN WARFARE III LIMITED EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
KontrolFreek Modern Warfare III Thumbsticks are specifically designed to improve your aim in Modern Warfare III and the superior grip enhances control enabling elite movement around the map. They snap right onto any Xbox or Playstation controller to instantly upgrade the grip and increase the arc distance, enabling easier, faster, and more accurate inputs while using less force, which reduces hand strain during long play sessions. When you’re up late grinding out camos or trying to keep that warzone win streak going, you want the added grip and comfort from Performance Thumbsticks. The mid-rise left stick increases upgrades grip to make slide-canceling and diving easier to do while maintaining your aim. The high-rise right stick increases arc distance, enabling you to make finer adjustments to your aim with less force and while playing on higher sensitivities. If you play Call of Duty and you want to upgrade your controller gameplay to the next level, you need to try some Modern Warfare III Performance Thumbsticks!
MODERN WARFARE III COLLECTORS EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
KontrolFreek’s Modern Warfare III Collectors Edition Performance Thumbsticks come in a Collector’s Call of Duty Loot Crate Case that you can cherish to always remember the hype of this epic game launch! The Thumbsticks included are mixed height with a red Modern Warfare III inspired design on a black stem. The mid-rise left stick increases grip and movement control and the high-rise right stick increases accuracy and precision while aiming. These are the ultimate controller upgrade and collectible for any fan looking to upgrade their play and show off their style and love of Call of Duty!
Sonic Suppressor
Zang-34 Barrel
Tactical Stock Pad
.50 Cal High Velocity
Ephemeral Quickbolt
Pulemyot 762 - LMG
VT-7 Spitfire Suppressor
Jak Annihilator Long Barrel
Commando D-15 Recoil Reduction Pad
Jak Annihilator Bullpup Kit
Corio Eagleseye 2.5x
Ram-7 – AR
Broadhead-3DP Muzzle
XRK Coremark 40 Heavy Barrel
HVS 3.4 Pad
Bruen Heavy Support Grip
60 Round Drum
AMR-9 – SMG
Tectonic Micro Integrator Suppressor
DR-6 Handstop
Phantom Grip
50 Round Drum Mag
Nydar Model 2023
HMR-9 – SMG
Shadowstrike Suppressor
Folding Stock
DR-6 Handstop
PCS-90 Assault Grip
50 Round Drum Magazine
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Apex Legends has an exciting new game mode in collaboration with Final Fantasy VII. The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Takeover event is live now through January 30th. In this special version of Apex Legends Battle Royale, players can drop in, grab exclusive weapons, and complete challenges to collect Gil, a new currency that can be spent on special limited-time event items. Typically to Apex Legends, this event also features exclusive FFVII inspired skins that you can purchase for your favorite legends. In this article we’ll talk about the special features of this game mode, our favorite weapons and hop-ups, and tips to collect more rewards and win more!
Apex Legends Thumbsticks: Predator Edition
Before you load up Apex Legends, you want to make sure your controller is fully loaded up with the best attachments. Our Apex Legends: Predator Edition Performance Thumbsticks feature one high-rise thumbstick and one mid-rise thumbstick. The laser-etched Apex Predator design encircled by Apex logos on our proprietary rubber material upgrade your controller for legendary grip, comfort, and style.
The mid-rise thumbstick adds 6.5mm height to your left stick for increased control and more fluid movement while using less force. These sticks enable you to push more aggressively, escape more effectively, and move around the map with ease.
The high-rise thumbstick adds 10.0mm height to the right stick, maximizing the aiming arc for increased precision and faster, more accurate targeting. Hit your sniper shots more often. Place your abilities like Pathfinder ziplines and Wattson fences with more accuracy. Turn on your enemies before they turn on you in those close-quarters gunfights.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Game Mode
In the Apex Legends Final Fantasy VII Takeover game mode, you will find Buster R2R5 swords around the map, marked by a red beam going up to the sky. If you want to try out these powerful melee weapons, you can land on one from the start and fight for it, or eliminate a squad with a sword and loot it from their death box. Wielding this sword will allow you to dash, block and attack enemies from close range with devastating power. The ATB meter above the sword in the UI shows how much power you have to perform dashes or launch enemies in the air and you can use “Limit Break” to unleash increased speed, damage reduction, and an unlimited ATB meter! A strong strategy is to have one of these swords on your team as tank to divert fire from other legends who can pick off enemies while they are trying to deal with the sword player.
This mode also features 5 unique hop-ups called “Materia” which apply unique modifiers to any weapon when equipped.
Yellow Materia lets you see your enemy’s remaining HP when you damage them, which can be extremely useful for knowing when to push a weak enemy
Red Materia summons a Nessie companion to attack enemies when equipped, giving you a helpful distraction on the battlefield
Purple Materia will make your weapon randomly crit when damaging enemies, even when you aren’t hitting a crit spot
Green Materia reminds us of the Electric Cherry perk from Call of Duty: Zombies, in that you emit a shock nova that damages and slows nearby enemies whenever you reload the equipped weapon
Blue Materia is the best hop-up for most gunfights as it will give a portion of health for any damage you do to enemies, which can often be the difference between winning and losing a 1v1
Materia are very powerful and a great way to mix up your gameplay and weapons. If you’re struggling to find Materia, you can stop by a CacTick bot to find one of each color.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Rewards
While this game mode is a fun change of pace from standard Battle Royale, the rewards are going to be the reason a lot of players grind this game mode for the next few weeks. The Final Fantasy skins, emotes, banners, and other items in the shop are all very cool and worth picking up if you can afford them. You’ll receive one free event pack just for logging into the game during this event. After that, you can purchase event packs with Apex Coins or Crafting Material 1 at a time or save up to buy 4 at once for a greater chance of finding some legendary rewards!
You can also earn items for free just by playing the game mode and completing challenges to earn Gil. You can earn up to 1800 Gil per day by completing event challenges and playing the game mode. You will earn free badges for acquiring Gil and you can also spend it on exclusive event items and even Event Packs, so you can save your Apex Coins and Crafting Materials for unlocking Legends or other cosmetics!
The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Event on Apex Legends is available through January 30th. Play the game mode to earn the epic rewards before they are gone and pick up some Apex Legends Predator Edition FPS Thumbsticks to upgrade your controller and win more. Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest Apex Legends content and join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining Apex Legends gameplay and a chance to win some officially licensed Apex Legends products from KontrolFreek and SteelSeries!
]]>INTRODUCING THE FIRST PERSON SHOOTER THUMBSTICKS: JYNXZI EDITION
KontrolFreek has been a staple of great FPS gamers for over a decade. We made a name for ourselves in the community by showing how Performance Thumbsticks increase your K/D by an average of 26%. We grew FreekNation to over 4 million strong by enabling pro players, content creators, and all gamers to upgrade their play in whatever games they love. We are so proud to announce our exciting new partnership with one of the biggest Twitch streamers in the world, Jynxzi
Nicholas Stewart, better known as Jynxzi, has become not only the largest Rainbow Six Siege content creator, but also the most subscribed Twitch streamer on the platform. His personality and focus on his community are reasons why Jynxzi has amassed over 100,000 Twitch subs for multiple months in a row. Jynxzi started making content in high school. He’s now 22 and showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you love him for his janky and relatable set up, his no holds barred personality, or his epic gameplay in games like Rainbow Six Siege, Jynxzi is undeniably one of the most entertaining streamers out there.
Jynxzi has been using KontrolFreeks to dominate the FPS scene for over 7 years. For Jynxzi, KontrolFreeks provide an in-game advantage in FPS games, “because of speed and efficiency”. Jynxzi uses double-high rise thumbsticks on the left and right analog. High-rise performance thumbsticks add around .5 inches of extra height to an ODM analog stick. This added height increases the total arc distance of your thumbstick, which reduces analog resistance and hand strain, while making small aiming adjustments easier to control and enabling you to play on higher sensitivities for faster reaction times! To put it simply, KontrolFreeks make movement and aim on controller, “Way faster, way more efficient, and way more effortless.
Inspired by combining elements of his iconic style with our historically popular Rainbow Six Siege Black Ice Thumbsticks (Vaulted), Jynxzi’s FPS Thumbsticks are perfect for gamers who want to get Good Aim like Jynxzi! The High-rise left thumbsticks provides maximum arc distance and grip for minimal hand strain and effort while controlling player movement. A high-rise right thumbstick upgrades precision and grip, enabling you to make faster, easier, and more accurate aiming adjustments. You can also count on KontrolFreeks to always be made with the most reliable, grippy, and durable proprietary rubber materials out there! Experience all the ways that Jynxzi’s FPS Thumbsticks can upgrade your play and give you good aim by listening to the man himself when he says, “If you want to improve at the game, and you want to get better aim, KontrolFreek’s got you covered. I would not be saying this if I hadn’t used these for the last 7 years. Lock in! Cop some KontrolFreeks!”
We are so excited to share these amazing sticks with you all and for Jynxzi to officially join FreekNation! To celebrate the beginning of this epic partnership, KontrolFreek and Jynxzi will be doing giveaways on stream, so if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Jynxzi’s Twitch to get in on the fun! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and chances to win some Jynxzi Edition First Person Shooter thumbsticks as well as other awesome products from KontrolFreek and SteelSeries!
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Last year we launched our first officially licensed Apex Legends Performance Thumbsticks. Since then, KontrolFreek has been working with EA and Respawn to perfect our newest officially licensed Apex Legends Performance Thumbsticks, just in time for Season 19. We are proud to introduce our new Apex Legends: Predator Edition Performance Thumbsticks for Xbox and PlayStation, available now on KontrolFreek.com!
APEX LEGENDS: PREDATOR EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
Our Apex Legends: Predator Edition Performance Thumbsticks feature one high-rise thumbstick and one mid-rise thumbstick. The laser-etched Apex Predator design encircled by Apex logos on our proprietary rubber material upgrade your controller for legendary grip, comfort, and style.
The mid-rise thumbstick adds 6.5mm height to your left stick for increased control and more fluid movement while using less force. These sticks enable you to push more aggressively, escape more effectively, and move around the map with ease.
The high-rise thumbstick adds 10.0mm height to the right stick, maximizing the aiming arc for increased precision and faster, more accurate targeting. Hit your sniper shots more often. Place your abilities like Pathfinder ziplines and Wattson fences with more accuracy. Turn on your enemies before they turn on you in those close-quarters gunfights.
APEX LEGENDS EDITION: STEELSERIES ARTISAN KEYCAP
We made 1500 of these uniquely numbered, officially licensed KeyCap inspired by the Apex Legends supply bin. This highly detailed artisan keycap with rich detail and a working lid fits perfectly on an “Enter” key of most SteelSeries keyboards.
APEX LEGENDS EDITION: STEELSERIES Qck L Mousepad
We’re also selling an officially licensed Apex Legends™ gaming mousepad. This mousepad is made from QcK micro-woven cloth for maximum control, optimized for low and high CPI tracking movements, and is durable and washable for easy cleaning.
Size: 450 mm x 400 mm x 2mm
The SteelSeries KeyCap and Mousepad are available on KontrolFreek.com. Click the link to “Notify Me When Available” to be the first to know when these products are available!
To celebrate these legendary new Apex Legends products from SteelSeries and KontrolFreek, we’ll be doing giveaways on stream! Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest Apex Legends content and join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining Apex Legends gameplay and a chance to win some officially licensed Apex Legends products from KontrolFreek and SteelSeries!
]]>If you are looking for the perfect gift for any controller gamer on your list, then we have got some game-changing and affordable products that are sure to put a smile on their face! Whether your gamer plays Fortnite, Call of Duty, Diablo, or Legend of Zelda, we have gifts that will help them upgrade their play at whatever game it is that they love and give them something unique to show off to their friends. There are gifts in this list for every gamer, so ditch the gift cards and let us help you find something that shows you understand them and support the games they are passionate about!
GIFTS FOR ACTION-ADVENTURE GAMERS
Since our first playthrough of Mario 64 and Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Action-Adventure games have provided some of the purest and most memorable gaming experiences of our life. While our products are designed to provide a competitive advantage, Performance Thumbsticks enhance your immersion and gaming experience in Action-Adventure games so much that it’s almost like competing against yourself! Upgrade your controller with a pair of KontrolFreek’s mid-rise Action Adventure thumbsticks and you’ll feel fully in control of your character’s in game movement with all the added grip and your accuracy will improve when aiming your abilities, attacks, and even navigating inventory menus!
The classic minimalist CQC grip upgrades any controller’s thumbsticks to enhance your Aim and Control while playing Action-Adventure games. These thumbsticks look good with any controller, and while they may look simple, they provide top-of-the line reliable grip!
The brand-new lotus design enhances the style and grip of any controller while providing superior Aim and Control in Action-Adventure Games. For those who know that style is sometimes half the battle, Lotus has you covered on both halves. This stunning teal flower design on a clear stem will make any controller stand out and the level of grip and control these provide will make you feel like your thumbsticks are connected to your thumbs for full immersion in Action-Adventure games.
The right equipment makes all the difference in sports games. Whether you are playing FIFA, Madden, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf, Tennis, Rocket-League or any other sports game, our low-rise Sports Thumbsticks increase the grip and surface area of your thumbsticks for hall-of-fame control and precision of your player’s in-game movements and shooting/hitting/pitching accuracy. Upgrade your gear to score more and win more with KontrolFreek’s Sports Thumbsticks.
The brand-new Clutch thumbsticks provide maximum surface area for all-star grip and control of your player’s movement and accuracy while playing Sports games. The sports ball inspired white knob field design locks into the grooves of your thumb for outstanding friction and comfort.
The Omni thumbsticks upgrade your controller’s grip and comfort to give you elite control and accuracy of your players while playing Sports games. The sports ball inspired orange on white cross hatch design enhances any thumbsticks for more comfort and friction with some eye-catching style.
If you play First Person Shooter games, you should already know that upgrading your controller with KontrolFreeks will enhance your gaming experience in so many ways. Not only will immediately notice measurable improvements in your K/D and win ratio, but your movement will be smoother, your aim snappier, and you will be turning on your enemies with pinpoint precision. KontrolFreek’s First Person Shooter thumbsticks come in mixed height packs and we encourage players to use a mid-rise on the left stick for enhanced grip and control of movement with a high-rise thumbstick on the right stick for enhanced precision and accuracy while reducing hand strain over long gaming sessions due to the increased arc distance. Hit your shots and win more gunfights with KontrolFreek’s FPS thumbsticks.
Our bestselling thumbsticks in versatile black reliably upgrade the precision and grip of your controller for top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Our brand-new FPS Frenzy thumbsticks feature an intricate purple grip pattern that locks into your thumb for top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Our FPS Inferno thumbsticks have been helping FPS gamers upgrade their controller for enhanced precision and grip for years, providing top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Aim Boost Kits from KontrolFreek come with everything you need to improve your aim in First Person Shooter and Battle Royale games. Choose between our 3 FPS Performance Thumbsticks: Frenzy, Inferno, and Galaxy (now in black)! Each Kit also comes with 1 of each strength of our Precision Rings: 1 Hard, 1 Medium, and 1 Soft. Choose your kit to upgrade your controller for enhanced accuracy, precision, and control.
KontrolFreek FPS Performance Thumbsticks come with 1 Mid-Rise Convex stick designed to increase control and accuracy of your movement controls with the left stick. Each pack also comes with 1 High-Rise stick to increase precision for maximum shot accuracy and improved KD. Both sticks increase the arc-distance of your Thumbstick. This decreases the amount force required to make aim adjustments, which can drastically reduce hand strain over long play sessions. KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks make your controller feel like an extension of your hand.
The other half of this Aim-Boosting super kit are the KonrolFreek Precision Rings. These stretchy yet durable foam rings can be easily applied to any controller’s thumbsticks to enable you to max out your sensitivity while maintaining accuracy and control. These rings make it so the harder you push on your thumbsticks, the more the material will compact to cushion your stick, adding resistance and preventing you from over-shooting your target. Pro players use this to play on higher sensitivities without sacrificing fine aim precision and control.
If you play shooter games like CS:GO and Call of Duty or battle royale games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, FPS Aim Boost Kits from KontrolFreek will drastically improve the way you play. With Performance thumbsticks you will feel more in control and accurate than ever over long play sessions. And with Precision Rings you will open whole new possibilities for aiming settings and be turning on enemies so fast they’ll think you’re cheating!
Long time members of FreekNation know that Call of Duty is our bread and butter. We made a name for ourselves in the community by showing how Performance Thumbsticks increase your K/D by an average of 26%. We now offer more controller attachments and gaming accessories to improve your game at Call of Duty than ever! Since joining forces with SteelSeries, we are now proud to include Gaming Headset Accessories, Key Caps, and Mousepads in our Call of Duty product offerings. But that’s not all that’s new this year. KontrolFreek is proud to share with you all our first ever set of exclusive Call of Duty No-Slip Thumb Grips. We’re now offering more controller attachments and gaming accessories for Call of Duty than ever before, so whether you’re looking forward to playing some zombies, loading into Warzone with your Squad, or competing in some sweaty multiplayer matches, KontrolFreek has the perfect ways to upgrade your play!
MODERN WARFARE III LIMITED EDITION NO-SLIP THUMB GRIPS
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips provide the added grip and comfort, but without the additional height of Performance Thumbsticks. This makes them perfect for gamers who feel comfortable with the shape of their controller and don’t want to change it too much, but still want to upgrade it for more grip, style, and control. No-Slip Thumb Grips are made from a proprietary rubber material to deliver more grip, comfort and control to every game you play. The extra-soft Thumb Grips stay in place during intense gaming and they’re as durable as they are grippy. Improve your grip, maximize your comfort, and show off your style with the Modern Warfare III Limited Edition No-Slip Thumb Grips.
MODERN WARFARE III LIMITED EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
Performance Thumbsticks are the best controller attachments to improve your accuracy, movement, comfort, and control in any Call of Duty game. They snap right onto any Xbox or Playstation controller to instantly upgrade the grip and increase the arc distance, enabling easier, faster, and more accurate inputs while using less force, which reduces hand strain during long play sessions. When you’re up late grinding out camos or trying to keep that warzone win streak going, you want the added grip and comfort from Performance Thumbsticks. The mid-rise left stick increases upgrades grip to make slide-canceling and diving easier to do while maintaining your aim. The high-rise right stick increases arc distance, enabling you to make finer adjustments to your aim with less force and while playing on higher sensitivities. If you play Call of Duty and you want to upgrade your controller gameplay to the next level, you need to try some Modern Warfare III Performance Thumbsticks!
MODERN WARFARE III COLLECTORS EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
For Call of Duty enthusiasts like us, we can’t wait for this time of year. The excitement around the new game and finding the best weapons, perks, attachments, and killstreaks can’t be beat. KontrolFreek’s Modern Warfare III Collectors Edition Performance Thumbsticks come in a Collector’s Call of Duty Loot Crate Case that you can cherish to always remember the hype of this epic game launch! The Thumbsticks included are mixed height with a red Modern Warfare III inspired design on a black stem. The mid-rise left stick increases grip and movement control and the high-rise right stick increases accuracy and precision while aiming. These are the ultimate controller upgrade and collectible for any fan looking to upgrade their play and show off their style and love of Call of Duty!
PERFORMANCE GRIPS
These advanced controller grips can fit on controllers from Xbox Series X to PlayStation 5 and everything in between. You can even opt for thinner grips if these aren't the kind the folks you're buying for prefer. They use a combination of materials that offer better grip, comfort, and support. Best of all, you can place them and re-place them on your controllers over and over without leaving any sticky residue. They're moisture wicking and include a honeycomb-stamped polymer outer layer to optimize airflow while maximizing grip. Choose between purple, red, and grip for further customization.
PRECISION RINGS
Pair your Performance Thumbsticks with some Precision Rings. They stretch over your original thumbsticks and sit below any of the products you add to them. The harder you push, the more the material they're made of will compact to cushion your stick and add resistance. This will help you to keep from overshooting your target and keep your aim back in the ballpark it needs to be. The rings' material is resistant to both hand and finger oils, dampens sound, and is quick to retain its original shape. Choose from soft (Green), medium (Purple), and hard (Black) and give a versatile gift that an FPS fan will love.
STEELSERIES ARCTIS NOVA 7 HEADSETS
It's time to go wireless. The Arctis Nova 7 offers unparalleled wireless freedom. With our Simultaneous Wireless feature, the giftee can mix and match two separate devices with their headset. While their gaming device is connected through lag-free, gaming-grade 2.4GHz, they can use Bluetooth at the same time to connect to their phone or any similar device to take phone calls, listen to music or podcasts, without ever stopping their game.
That's not all it does, however. The Nova Acoustic System is a premium-quality audio hardware that includes High Fidelity Drivers for pristine sound. What's more, the microphone is a ClearCast Gen 2 Mic. This newest generation of microphones on the Arctis Nova headset is not only excellent quality, but it is completely retractable for a sleek look. Furthermore, with our free Sonar Software, they can enable AI-powered noise cancellation, which is excellent at quieting down any background sounds, almost magically.
All that comes with great battery life and a high quality, PVD-coated steel headband for durability. With the ComfortMAX System, it's easier than ever to adjust the headset, with various ways to find the perfect fit for the head. The headset is also available in PlayStation and Xbox versions: Arctis Nova 7P Wireless and Arctis Nova 7X Wireless.
If you know you want to get your gamer an amazing SteelSeries headset, but you are looking for an entry level model that is more affordable, check out the Arctis Nova 1P and Arctis Nova 1X Headsets.
The Next Generation of KontrolFreek Gaming Cables have arrived. Our new cables have been upgraded with advanced specs to facilitate crystal clear gaming and seamless connectivity while gaming on the next generation of consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X as well as PS4, Xbox One, PCs and Nintendo Switch. These cables look and feel like premium quality materials, they perform wonderfully, and they are so durable that these will be the only cables you will need for years. KontrolFreek has high quality versions of all the gaming cables you will need!
12’ 8K Ultra Speed HDMI 2.1 Gaming Cable
12’ CAT-8 Ethernet Gaming Cable
12' DisplayPort 1.4 Gaming Cable
12’ USB A-to-Micro Gaming Cable
All these cables make amazing stocking stuffers for any gamer that they are sure to get years of use out of. While we’re on the subject of stocking stuffers, KontrolFreek Gaming Lights are a cheap and festive way to brighten up your gamers cave this holiday season.
FINAL TIPS
All KontrolFreek products make great gifts because most are $50 or less, and they are compact, so they are easy to travel with and stuff into stockings! If you are looking for an amazing gift to wow your gamer, check out a KontrolFreek Aim Boost Kit or an Arctis Nova Headset. You can’t go wrong with any of the gifts in this list, just make sure you know what console your gamer plays on, so you get the right products. If they use a controller on PC, find out who makes that controller. All of our controller accessories work for most controllers but you can refer to our Controller Compatibility Guide to ensure that our controller accessories will work with your gamer’s controller. If you’re looking for gifts for PS5 gamers, check out our Performance Thumbsticks, No-Slip Thumb Grips, Precision Rings, Aim Boost Kits, and Headsets for PS5. If you need gifts for Xbox gamers, consider Performance Thumbsticks, No-Slip Thumb Grips, Precision Rings, Aim Boost Kits and Headsets for Xbox. We have more gifts for Nintendo Switch players than ever, starting with No-Slip Thumb Grips, Performance Thumbsticks for Switch Pro Controllers, Precision Rings, and Gaming Cables! If you don’t know what console or controller they play on, Precision Rings work with all controller joysticks and Gaming Cables can upgrade any setup, even if they don’t play on controller. If you made it this far and you are still unsure what to get your gamer, get the Universal No-Slip Thumb Grips, compatible with most controllers on every console!
If you are looking for more KontrolFreek product guides as well as controller tips for your favorite games, check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>BLACKOUT COLLECTION THUMBSTICKS
As the creator of Performance Gaming Gear, we've built the FreekNation community of more than four million gamers. We value the feedback of our fans and the response we saw from you all when we introduced Black Galaxy FPS Thumbsticks last year showed us how much we love our favorite sticks in versatile black. KontrolFreek is now proud to introduce our Blackout Collection of Thumbsticks, featuring 5 all new black editions of our most popular thumbsticks for Sports, Action/Adventure, and FPS games!
For sports gamers, you can now pick up a pair of low-rise Clutch Thumbsticks in black to have the home and away field advantage in every match!
For players of Action/Adventure games, our mid-rise LotusThumbsticks in teal might not match the sneaky playstyle you’re going for, but now in black you can keep your whole setup looking sleek and discrete!
FPS gamers have a few new option to choose from. Firstly, our most requested thumbstick in black is now officially available; FPS Inferno Black Thumbsticks feature our signature swirling inferno design on one mid-rise thumbstick for improved movement on the left stick and one high-rise thumbstick for enhanced aim on the right stick.
FPS Frenzy in purple has quickly become one of our best-selling thumbsticks, but if purple isn’t your thing, you can now experience the exceptional grip of these new FPS thumbsticks with the FPS Frenzy Black. All FPS packs come with one mid-rise thumbstick for improved movement on the left stick and one high-rise thumbstick for enhanced aim on the right stick.
Finally, it’s time to bring back a classic; FPS Vortex thumbsticks in orange are our best-selling domed FPS thumbsticks, so we’re excited to reintroduce them to you all in an adaptable black edition. All FPS packs come with one mid-rise thumbstick for improved movement on the left stick and one high-rise thumbstick for enhanced aim on the right stick, but depending on your hand size, games played, and preferences, you may find you like one or both of your thumbsticks to be domed, so try out a pair of FPS Vortex Black Thumbsticks and upgrade your controller and your play today!
We’re always looking for new ways to improve our products with more advanced materials, ergonomics, and additional colorways, so if you have suggestion for anything you want to see us make in the future, please tag us on social, and we know a lot of you will be happy now that we’ve made a few of these sticks finally available in black! Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content. This month we’re giving away tons of Modern Warfare III, Apex Legends, and Blackout Thumbsticks, so be sure to tune in to our Twitch streams for some amazing opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>Call of Duty Modern Warfare III is finally available, and we are loving it! Playing the campaign also allowed us to lock in our gameplay, graphics, and controller settings before the game downloaded in full and we loaded straight into a multiplayer match. If you didn’t get a chance to play the beta or the campaign, here’s a quick checklist of settings and new features to know about before loading in to your first multiplayer match or round of Zombies! In the coming months, we’ll release separate topics going in to much greater detail on the best loadouts and settings for specific guns, game modes, and more, but this list should help new players get started with some of the generally accepted best settings for controller players to enjoy this game and win more!
KONTROLFREEK MODERN WARFARE III COLLECTION
Before you load into the game, you want to make sure your controller is fully upgraded! Long time members of FreekNation know that Call of Duty is our bread and butter. We made a name for ourselves in the community by showing how Performance Thumbsticks increase your K/D by an average of 26%. We now offer more controller attachments and gaming accessories to improve your game at Call of Duty than ever! Since joining forces with SteelSeries, we are now proud to include Gaming Headset Accessories, Key Caps, and Mousepads in our Call of Duty product offerings. But that’s not all that’s new this year. KontrolFreek is proud to share with you all our first ever set of exclusive Call of Duty No-Slip Thumb Grips. We’re now offering more controller attachments and gaming accessories for Call of Duty than ever before, so whether you’re looking forward to playing the campaign, loading into Warzone with your Squad, or competing in some sweaty multiplayer matches, KontrolFreek and SteelSeries have the perfect ways to upgrade your play!
MODERN WARFARE III LIMITED EDITION NO-SLIP THUMB GRIPS
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips provide the added grip and comfort, but without the additional height of Performance Thumbsticks. This makes them perfect for gamers who feel comfortable with the shape of their controller and don’t want to change it too much, but still want to upgrade it for more grip, style, and control. No-Slip Thumb Grips are made from a proprietary rubber material to deliver more grip, comfort and control to every game you play. The extra-soft Thumb Grips stay in place during intense gaming and they’re as durable as they are grippy. Improve your grip, maximize your comfort, and show off your style with the Modern Warfare III Limited Edition No-Slip Thumb Grips.
MODERN WARFARE III LIMITED EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
Performance Thumbsticks are the best controller attachments to improve your accuracy, movement, comfort, and control in any Call of Duty game. They snap right onto any Xbox or Playstation controller to instantly upgrade the grip and increase the arc distance, enabling easier, faster, and more accurate inputs while using less force, which reduces hand strain during long play sessions. When you’re up late grinding out camos or trying to keep that warzone win streak going, you want the added grip and comfort from Performance Thumbsticks. The mid-rise left stick increases upgrades grip to make slide-canceling and diving easier to do while maintaining your aim. The high-rise right stick increases arc distance, enabling you to make finer adjustments to your aim with less force and while playing on higher sensitivities. If you play Call of Duty and you want to upgrade your controller gameplay to the next level, you need to try some Modern Warfare III Performance Thumbsticks!
MODERN WARFARE III COLLECTORS EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
For Call of Duty enthusiasts like us, we can’t wait for this time of year. The excitement around the new game and finding the best weapons, perks, attachments, and killstreaks can’t be beat. KontrolFreek’s Modern Warfare III Collectors Edition Performance Thumbsticks come in a Collector’s Call of Duty Loot Crate Case that you can cherish to always remember the hype of this epic game launch! The Thumbsticks included are mixed height with a red Modern Warfare III inspired design on a black stem. The mid-rise left stick increases grip and movement control and the high-rise right stick increases accuracy and precision while aiming. These are the ultimate controller upgrade and collectible for any fan looking to upgrade their play and show off their style and love of Call of Duty!
BEST SETTINGS
Before you jump into a match, always check out the gameplay and controller settings to make sure they align with your preferences. The good news is, if you’ve played a Call of Duty game in recent years, you’ll have the option to copy your settings over to this game. We’re going to cover all the settings new recruits to Call of Duty, but there are also some new settings that veterans should know about.
CONTROLLER SETTINGS
Button layout is personal preference, and you should stick to what is comfortable. Tactical will swap the melee and crouch buttons, which is what we play on so we can activate slides and dolphin dives while adjusting our aim with that right stick. You will want to adjust your aim more often when sliding than while meleeing, so we recommend this setting. While KontrolFreeks can greatly extend the lifespan of a controller by enhancing the grip of your thumbsticks with extremely durable and grippy materials, the internal mechanisms of a thumbstick get worn down by pressing those thumbsticks in too often or too aggressively, which can create jitter and drift in some thumbsticks. Therefore, we always recommend mapping your most used inputs to buttons rather than joystick inputs, like L3 and R3.
If you’ve played any Warzone or DMZ, you know that pinging locations, objectives, and loot is essential to team communication. In previous games, you’ve always had to remove one of your thumbs from an analog to hit the D-Pad to ping something, but with L1 Button Ping set to On, you’ll be able to ping much easier. We use a controller with back paddles that ping easier, but if you don’t have this option, this setting makes for an easy and simple solution to that problem.
We always turn Controller Vibration off when playing competitive FPS games where it doesn’t offer any clear advantage. This will extend the battery of your controller and prevent your aim from being affected by a rumbling controller.
While haptic trigger effects can enhance some single player games, similarly to controller vibration, we recommend turning Trigger Effect off for competitive Call of Duty. If you want to upgrade the feel of your controller and make it feel like it has Stippled Grip Tape, try out some KontrolFreek Performance Grips.
Inputs Deadzone is an important setting to be aware of if you ever need it. If your controller is picking up unintended inputs on your left stick, right stick, or triggers, you may want to adjust these settings to make the threshold greater before your controller picks up those inputs. Modern Warfare III now gives you the option to Test Stick Deadzone in the settings! We recommend setting each Min to the lowest number without unintended inputs, and vice versa, each Max should be the highest number without unintended inputs. This will make your controller as responsive and reliable as possible!
AIMING SETTINGS
We could talk forever about sensitivity settings, but those are mostly personal preference. If this is the first Call of Duty game you’ve played or you are just returning to the series, then you should know that KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks enable you to play on higher sensitivity settings while maintaining control of your movement and precise accuracy. We encourage players to play on the highest sensitivity setting that you can still hit your shots with, because this will allow you to turn on enemies shooting you from outside of your POV quicker than you could on a lower sensitivity. If you are looking for a safe starting point, 6 Horizontal Stick Sensitivity and 6 Vertical Stick Sensitivity are generally considered to be the best sensitivity settings for most Call of Duty pro players in recent years, so that may be worth trying to see if that works for you, and those are the settings that we use as well!
We use the Dynamic Aim Response Curve, but KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks will enable you to maintain precision and control on any response curve, so this ultimately comes down to personal preference.
ADS Sensitivity Multiplier adjusts your sensitivity when you are Aimed Down the Sights of your gun. You can also adjust the ADS Sensitivity Transition Timing to reduce or increase the amount of time it takes for your sensitivity to change when aiming down sights. Feel free to play around with this setting if you are struggling to hit your shots on higher sensitivities. You can also adjust the sensitivity multiplier for Third Person, Ground Vehicles, Air Vehicles, and Tablets.
Modern Warfare 3 has also added a new setting for Tactical Stance Sensitivity Multiplier, which we haven’t messed around with too much since we don’t use the Tac Stance.
You can also modify your Custom Sensitivity Per Zoom, if you are having trouble snapping to targets with higher zoom weapons like sniper rifles or marksman rifles. This is an aspect of the game that can be greatly enhanced by upgrading your controller with some KontrolFreek Precision Rings. With Precision Rings on your thumbsticks, you can play on a higher sensitivity while maintaining precise accuracy in your fine aim adjustments. Also, you can use this combination to drift snipe more effectively. You can flick your aiming thumbstick the direction of your enemy, and the Precision Rings will prevent you from over accelerating your aim allowing the aim assist to kick in and then you just need to pull the trigger at the right time!
Aim Assist settings should always be on, and we recommend starting on the default settings when playing on controller. This will feel consistent for returning players and will provide an adequate aiming enhancement for new controller players.
We use the Default Aim Assist setting, but we’ve also used Black Ops, which feels good as well if you want to play around with these to find which setting feels snappiest to you.
GAMEPLAY SETTINGS
Automatic Sprint is a setting that we love to turn on and we go as far as setting that to Automatic Tactical Sprint. This means that anytime you press your movement stick forward, you will activate a tac sprint to move as quickly as possible. This offers 2 advantages. Firstly, you will be more agile and harder to track in game, helping you stay alive and outflank your enemies. Secondly, as we mentioned before, clicking L3 every time you want to sprint will decrease the internal integrity of that thumbstick over time, and double clicking to tac sprint will have an even worse effect on your controller. Also, when you are in the middle of a close gun fight and wanting to activate tactical sprint, you are more likely to press that thumbstick in more aggressively, which can cause a lot of problems inside that joystick mechanism. We love your controller. Our products are designed to help you get the most out of your controller and as such, we want it to live a long and happy life while aiding you to countless wins! Try out Automatic Tactical Sprint. While it may feel awkward at first and there are some drawbacks when hip firing weapons like shotguns on the move, getting used to Automatic Tac Sprint will greatly improve your in-game movement and extend the life span of your controller!
In the Movement Settings we start with Sprint Behavior, and we recommend leaving this on Toggle.
Auto Move Forward should be Off unless you really need it, and Tactical Sprint Behavior should be Double Tap.
We recommend turning off Grounded Mantle as this will prevent you from accidentally mantling a nearby ledge when you are trying to bunny hop mid fight. Automatic Airborne Mantle we set to Partial, as this will mantle a ledge to prevent you from falling to your death but will otherwise leave you in control of when you mantle or not in the air.
You should absolutely set Slide/Dive Behavior to Tap to Slide, to take advantage of the “slide cancelling” movement mechanic which is back in this game!
Based on your Plunging Underwater setting, you can either sprint and look down or look down and move forward to plunge underwater. We set this to Free to be able to swim easier.
Parachute Auto-Deploy should be set to Off to enable you to pull your chute closer to the ground, but you may want to turn this back on if you fall to your death too many times!
Bashing through a door that you sprint in to is a lot of fun, so don’t turn off Sprinting Door Bash.
Ledge Climbing Behavor should be set to Mantle Only.
Leave Slide Cancels Sprint On to take advantage of slide canceling.
Equipment Behavior you should leave on HOLD so that you can cancel equipment activations easier.
We prefer to activate Weapon Mounting by using ADS+Melee, and we leave the Weapon Mount Exit Delay set to Medium.
The option we use for Interact/Reload Behavior isn’t going to be the best for everyone, but this is another setting that you can change based on your play style. We prefer to play on Tap to Reload, because we always want to be able to reload as fast as possible in the middle of a gunfight, even if we are standing next to something that can be interacted with like a door. Some of the other options like Tap to Interact and Prioritize Interact work well in the Campaign and Warzone, where you are interacting with items more often than reloading your weapons.
Tactical Stance Activation and Behavior we left on the default settings as we haven’t used Tactical Stance much yet.
Turn off Depleted Ammo Weapon Switch to have more control over when you swap weapons.
Change Armor Plate Behavior to Apply All, because why wouldn’t you want to be full armor?
Lastly Quick C4 Detonation is now turned on by default, which will make it easier and quicker to detonate a C4 explosive charge, but you can now choose whether to blow up groups of C4 at once or one at a time. We recommend setting this to grouped, to explode all your C4 at once.
We’ll be talking a lot more about Modern Warfare III in the coming weeks and after we get our hands on new Warzone, so keep up with KontrolFreek Blogs for the latest guides, rankings, recommendations for Modern Warfare III and all your other favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free limited edition Modern Warfare III KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
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Players who pre-ordered the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III are now able to load in and play the campaign. The game releases in full on November 10th, but we did get a chance to play the multiplayer beta, so we already know how much fans are going to love it! Just like a soldier needs their weapon in pristine condition before battle, you want to make sure your gaming equipment and attachments are all top notch before you load in to your first match or the campaign. We are proud to finally share our KontrolFreek Modern Warfare III collection with you all!
KONTROLFREEK MODERN WARFARE III COLLECTION
For long time members of FreekNation, you know that Call of Duty is our bread and butter. We made a name for ourselves in the community by showing how Performance Thumbsticks increase your K/D by an average of 26%. We now offer more controller attachments and gaming accessories to improve your game at Call of Duty than ever! Since joining forces with SteelSeries, we are now proud to include Gaming Headset Accessories, Key Caps, and Mousepads in our Call of Duty product offerings. But that’s not all that’s new this year. KontrolFreek is proud to share with you all our first ever set of exclusive Call of Duty No-Slip Thumb Grips. We’re now offering more controller attachments and gaming accessories for Call of Duty than ever before, so whether you’re looking forward to playing the campaign, loading into Warzone with your Squad, or competing in some sweaty multiplayer matches, KontrolFreek and SteelSeries have the perfect ways to upgrade your play!
MODERN WARFARE III LIMITED EDITION NO-SLIP THUMB GRIPS
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips provide the added grip and comfort, but without the additional height of Performance Thumbsticks. This makes them perfect for gamers who feel comfortable with the shape of their controller and don’t want to change it too much, but still want to upgrade it for more grip, style, and control. No-Slip Thumb Grips are made from a proprietary rubber material to deliver more grip, comfort and control to every game you play. The extra-soft Thumb Grips stay in place during intense gaming and they’re as durable as they are grippy. Improve your grip, maximize your comfort, and show off your style with the Modern Warfare III Limited Edition No-Slip Thumb Grips.
MODERN WARFARE III LIMITED EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
Performance Thumbsticks are the best controller attachments to improve your accuracy, movement, comfort, and control in any Call of Duty game. They snap right onto any Xbox or Playstation controller to instantly upgrade the grip and increase the arc distance, enabling easier, faster, and more accurate inputs while using less force, which reduces hand strain during long play sessions. When you’re up late grinding out camos or trying to keep that warzone win streak going, you want the added grip and comfort from Performance Thumbsticks. The mid-rise left stick increases upgrades grip to make slide-canceling and diving easier to do while maintaining your aim. The high-rise right stick increases arc distance, enabling you to make finer adjustments to your aim with less force and while playing on higher sensitivities. If you play Call of Duty and you want to upgrade your controller gameplay to the next level, you need to try some Modern Warfare III Performance Thumbsticks!
MODERN WARFARE III COLLECTORS EDITION PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS
For Call of Duty enthusiasts like us, we can’t wait for this time of year. The excitement around the new game and finding the best weapons, perks, attachments, and killstreaks can’t be beat. KontrolFreek’s Modern Warfare III Collectors Edition Performance Thumbsticks come in a Collector’s Call of Duty Loot Crate Case that you can cherish to always remember the hype of this epic game launch! The Thumbsticks included are mixed height with a red Modern Warfare III inspired design on a black stem. The mid-rise left stick increases grip and movement control and the high-rise right stick increases accuracy and precision while aiming. These are the ultimate controller upgrade and collectible for any fan looking to upgrade their play and show off their style and love of Call of Duty!
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for more controller tips to upgrade your play in Call of Duty Modern Warfare III! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for some entertaining Modern Warfare III gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries Modern Warfare III products!
]]>NBA 2K24 is out now and we’re excited for this new game and how it will change the NBA 2K League! To celebrate the release, we’re sharing some pro level insight from Cavs Legion GC Coach Joel ‘Lav’ Lazu, who’s going to highlight an important new feature and how KontrolFreek Thumb Grips enable you to take full advantage of it in your NBA 2K24 gameplay.
NBA2K24 – New Defensive Move
Each and every year brings a new iteration of gameplay for NBA2K. This year, there are some new badges introduced to the lineup, including the “Right Stick Ripper”.
NBA2k24 this season brings forth an innovative method to enhance steal opportunities during ball handler defense. Introducing the 'Right Stick Ripper' defensive badge, empowering defenders with precise right stick techniques for securing steals. This move requires quick and precise stick movement which is why the KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips come in handy. When you are playing a close game, the smallest mistake can cost you the game, and there is NOTHING worse than your thumb slipping off the analog stick. This new move requires you to flick the stick fast, so having that extra grip is crucial.
Why to use the ‘Right Stick Ripper’ Badge:
Playing on-ball defense in NBA2K is one of the toughest skills to master in the game. Understanding the offensive set that you are facing, understanding our opponent’s player build, and anticipating their movements are all crucial in becoming a top level defender. This new badge adds a new element to the defensive focused builds. The ‘Right Stick Ripper’ gives the defender a small window to steal the ball away from their opponent that can lead to fast break opportunities and simply more possessions. If executed correctly, this will give your team a huge advantage and will force multiple turnovers. In NBA2K, the team that forces the most turnovers often wins the game.
How to the ‘Right Stick Ripper’ Badge:
When picking up the on-ball defense, your goal is to slide your feet, stay in front of your opponent, and bump them off of their desired path. When you do get that ‘bump’ you have a slight window to flick the stick up or down which can result in a steal.
If you want to watch Cavs Legion GC in some epic NBA 2K24 league play, be sure to tune in to the NBA2KLeague on Twitch and YouTube. Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for more controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>Spider-Man 2 released today on PlayStation 5 and swinging through the iconic streets of New York City as Spider-Man feels more exhilarating and immersive than ever. Whether you played the first game, Miles Morales, both games, or neither, there’s a lot you should know before jumping into this amazing adventure. Today we’re going to cover the best controller and gameplay settings to get you started and we’ll also fill you in on several spoiler-free new features to this game that you should know about early.
KONTROLFREEK ACTION ADVENTURE THUMBSTICKS
Before we jump into the game and look at the settings, you want to make sure your controller is fully upgraded and prepared for the action ahead of you. Performance Thumbsticks are the best gadget to enhance your immersion and gaming experience in Action-Adventure games like Spider Man 2! Upgrade your controller with a pair of KontrolFreek’s mid-rise Action Adventure thumbsticks and you’ll feel fully in control of your character’s in game movement. Additionally, all the added grip and accuracy will improve the accuracy of your abilities, attacks, making it easier to reach those high combos taking on hordes of enemies!
The brand-new lotus design enhances the style and grip of any controller while providing superior Aim and Control in Action-Adventure Games. Spider Man 2 fans know that style is sometimes half the battle, well Lotus has you covered on both halves. This stunning teal flower design on a clear stem will make any controller stand out and the level of grip and control these provide will make you feel like your thumbsticks are connected to your thumbs for full immersion in Action-Adventure games.
The classic minimalist CQC grip upgrades any controller’s thumbsticks to enhance your Aim and Control while playing Action-Adventure games. These thumbsticks look good with any controller, and while they may look simple, they provide top-of-the line reliable grip! With all the amazing new suits in Spider Man 2, sometimes classic is just the way to go!
SETTINGS TO BE AWARE OF
It’s been three years since Miles Morales came out, so if you don’t remember your settings or you never played the first two games, we’ve got you covered with our settings recommendations to get your started on your adventure in New York City.
First up, we recommend playing on Amazing Difficulty, as we always do for Action/Adventure games, but feel free to turn this down or up based on your preferences for story or combat. We didn’t change any of the Challenge Modifiers but these are all really nice to be aware of, if you are someone who, for example, hates stealth, you can turn the stealth difficulty down making it easier to remain undetected.
We turn Vibration Off as it offers no real advantage in this game. Underneath Vibration there are several controller accessibility options, such as changing repeated press actions to a single press or turning on the ability to continuously dodge or continuously attack. We left all of these options set to default you should know about them if you are having any pain points while playing.
In the Camera Settings, we increased Look Sensitivity and Aim Sensitivity to 7, but play around with this to find what feels right for you.
We have Camera Shake turned off and Swing Camera Motion at 0.
If your TV or Monitor can accommodate, we recommend turning on the 120 Hz Display Mode, for reduced input lag.
At the bottom of the settings page, you’ll see a row for Shortcut 1 and Shortcut 2. Shortcut 1 is mapped to Left on the D-Pad, and we recommend setting this to Launch Photo Mode, which is what it has been set to in previous games. For Shortcut 2, mapped to Right on the D-Pad, pick whichever works best for you, but our personal favorite has been Game Speed 30%, which you can use to slow down time for some epic photos and cinematic moments.
WHAT’S NEW IN SPIDERMAN 2
Gamers who played the first game and Miles Morales will notice that a lot has changed in the gameplay, map, UI, skills, abilities, gadgets, and more. Without spoiling any story details, we want to share a few new features to Spider Man 2 that you should be aware of on your adventure.
First, and hopefully this doesn’t come as too much of a shock to you, but Miles Morales and Peter Parker are both playable Spider Men in this game. You can switch between Peter or Miles at most times by opening your phone and holding square, but you will be locked in as one or the other for some story missions. Peter and Miles both have specific strengths so you should level up and practice with both even if you prefer one. For example, Miles is more adept at Stealth due to his camouflage abilities.
When leveling up, you will notice three separate skill trees: one for Miles, one for Peter, and one for both. Early on, you should prioritize unlocking skills that will enable you to fill up your ability wheels for both characters and then the shared skill tree as you will be switching back and forth quite a bit and the skills in this tree will benefit both characters.
Abilities and Gadgets work a lot differently from the last two games. Now each Spider Man has a shared gadget set, which are activated by holding R1 and pressing any of the four face buttons (circle, square, triangle, x) as well as a character specific ability set which is activated by holding L1 and pressing any of the four face buttons (circle, square, triangle, x). These abilities will save your life and turn the tides of battles, so unlock them early and use them often in combat.
Speaking of combat, one of the biggest additions to the combat system is the ability to parry attacks by pressing L1. The visual cues above the attacking enemy help you time your parries. If you parry right when the cue turns red, you will not only block the attack but counter with a powerful attack of your own. There are some enemy melee attacks that can only be parried, so familiarize yourself with this new mechanic early.
Our personal favorite addition to Spider Man 2 has to be the Web Wings. Holding Triangle in the air will activate a glide suit that Spider Man can use to literally fly around the city. This ability is super helpful for crossing all of the waterways and open space on the new map, but most importantly, it’s a lot of fun. It’s also worth noting that if you do hit the water while gliding, don’t worry, Peter and Miles are both expert barefoot surfers!
All of the different Spider Man suits are now purely cosmetic. To add abilities to your suit, you’ll need to keep an eye out for chest containing tech parts, which are often found on rooftops. You can use these tech parts to purchase Suit Tech Upgrades which provide Peter and Miles with a variety of buffs to help you on your journey.
Lastly, we want to share what we’ve learned about fast travel in this game, as it is quite different from the previous games. To unlock fast travel, you will have to reach rank 2 of 3 in a district by completing activities in that district. Once you reach rank 2 in a district however, you will be able to pinpoint your fast travel location to any spot in that district. While this might seem like a nerf at first, once you unlock fast travel in a district, this becomes incredibly useful for traversing the map and hunting collectibles.
Spider-Man 2 on the PS5 offers a thrilling gaming experience, especially when you master swinging through the city and battling foes. Being aware of these settings and new gameplay features will help you get the most out of this amazing web-slinging adventure. Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for more controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
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EA’s NHL 24 is out now and more exciting, realistic, and engaging than ever. While the game mechanics and graphics are integral to its appeal, optimizing your controller settings can make a world of difference in your gameplay experience. To celebrate this newest installment in the beloved franchise and the start of the official NHL season, we prepared some tips and settings suggestions to help you get the most out of this game and improve your skills to become an NHL All-Star!
GEAR UP LIKE THE PROS
First step to play like a pro is to use the equipment the pros use. Look no further than KontrolFreek’s new line of Sports Performance Thumbsticks, specifically designed to maximize Movement Control and Comfort while providing a wider surface area of the industry’s best thumbstick grip material.
The brand-new Clutch thumbsticks provide maximum surface area for all-star grip and control of your player’s movement and accuracy while playing Sports games. The sports inspired white knob field design locks into the grooves of your thumb for outstanding friction and comfort like a freshly taped and waxed hockey stick!
The Omni thumbsticks upgrade your controller’s grip and comfort to give you elite control and accuracy of your players while playing Sports games. The orange on white cross hatch design works like hockey tape and stick wax to enhance your thumbsticks for more comfort and friction with some eye-catching style.
In addition to our game-changing sports thumbsticks, we suggest outfitting your favorite controller with a pair of KontrolFreek Performance Grips (in the color of your choice, of course) to reduce slippage when you're running interference or working toward a field goal. They provide superior grip and comfort, and they stick to your controller without leaving any sort of sticky residue, while wicking moisture away. With these bad boys on your controller, you'll be sure to win more of those close matches.
SETTINGS
Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand the basics of configuring your controller for NHL 24. Go to the game's settings menu and select Controller Settings. Here, you can fine-tune various elements to match your preferences.
The first step is choosing a control scheme that suits your playstyle. NHL 24 offers two primary options: Skill Stick and Total Control controls. The Skill Stick scheme provides more control over your player's movements and actions, particularly in the offensive zone. The Total Control configuration maps both offensive and defensive skill moves to the face buttons. This aims to make toe drags, between-the-legs shots, one-handed tucks, and lacrosse shots less complex and more achievable with the NHL 24 controls. We recommend players try out the Total Control setting, even if you have experience with the Skill Stick.
Auto Backskate can be a game-changing setting for defensive play. When enabled, it automatically positions your defenders to skate backwards. We recommend turning this off, as it can mess with your defensive coverage of a rush at times.
We can turn off Vibration as it adds no advantage in NHL 24.
We recommend leaving Online Pass Assist Percentage set to maximum (100) as this setting is incredible helpful and should be turned down for no reason.
Leave Human Goalie Covers set to Auto.
Winning faceoffs is crucial in NHL 24, as they can directly influence your team's performance. The game allows you to customize faceoff controls, giving you an edge over your opponents. By adjusting the Faceoff Control Assist setting, you can choose how much assistance you want when taking faceoffs. For more control and skill, consider reducing the Faceoff Control Assist setting. This will allow you to time your faceoff moves more precisely and potentially win more draws.
The decision to manually control your goalie or rely on the AI can be a pivotal one. Manual goalie control gives you full control of your netminder, allowing for advanced tactics and precise saves. However, it can be challenging to master. To take your goaltending skills to the next level, practice manual goalie control, but be patient as it may take time to become proficient.
The right Camera Settings can make NHL 24 much easier and more enjoyable.
Firstly, leave Auto Zoom set to Auto.
For the Camera option, we used to play on Classic, as this is the camera angle we were most used to, but we’ve been trying out Zone, for a wider view of the ice. This camera angle makes it easier to set up breakouts, hit breakaway passes, and establish offensive opportunities.
In NHL 24, mastering the controller settings is as important as understanding the game's mechanics. The right configuration can give you a significant advantage, allowing you to outmaneuver opponents, win faceoffs, and make precise plays. Experiment with the settings, find what works best for your playstyle, and don't be afraid to fine-tune them as you become more skilled.
If you are looking for more controller tips for your favorite games, check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>Assassin's Creed Mirage, the highly anticipated addition to the iconic Assassin's Creed series, has finally hit the gaming world, reigniting the imaginations of players worldwide. I know we sound like a broken record now, but 2023 has been giving us some of the most iconic single player experiences in gaming history. Fans of the recent installments in the series, such as Valhalla and Odessey, should know that a lot of the more complex RPG elements that the series has been developing throughout Layla’s story have been rolled back in favor of the narrative story, exploration, and stealth based combat. Full disclosure, Odessey and Valhalla are some of our favorite games ever, so we were hesitant about Assassin’s Creed Mirage at first, but after spending some time with Basim in Baghdad, we realized how refreshing it is to return to the roots of Assassin’s Creed. While this game might seem simple, mastering the mechanics and controls are essential to helping Basim become a Master Assassin.
KONTROLFREEK ACTION ADVENTURE THUMBSTICKS
Performance Thumbsticks are the best legendary gear to enhance your immersion and gaming experience in Action-Adventure games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage! Upgrade your controller with a pair of KontrolFreek’s mid-rise Action Adventure thumbsticks and you’ll feel fully in control of your character’s in game movement. Additionally, all the added grip and accuracy will improve the accuracy of your abilities, attacks, and even navigating inventory menus!
The brand-new lotus design enhances the style and grip of any controller while providing superior Aim and Control in Action-Adventure Games. For those who know that style is sometimes half the battle, Lotus has you covered on both halves. This stunning teal flower design on a clear stem will make any controller stand out and the level of grip and control these provide will make you feel like your thumbsticks are connected to your thumbs for full immersion in Action-Adventure games.
The classic minimalist CQC grip upgrades any controller’s thumbsticks to enhance your Aim and Control while playing Action-Adventure games. These thumbsticks look good with any controller, and while they may look simple, they provide top-of-the line reliable grip!
CONTROLLER SETTINGS
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage gives you the option to Customize Controls. We’re still trying out some controller mappings but depending on what other games you’ve played recently, you may want to adjust some of these inputs based on your muscle memory.
Next, let's talk about Sensitivity. Our general rule on sensitivity in Action Adventure games is that we want to be able to turn around and face an enemy behind us quickly, while still being able to aim ranged projectiles like throwing knives. We have our X-Axis and Y-Axis Sensitivities set to 5.
You also have the option to Invert the X-Axis or Y-Axis while moving, aiming, or flying your eagle.
We always recommend turning Off Controller Vibration unless it offers a gameplay advantage, which is not the case in Assassin’s Creed: Mirage.
GAMEPLAY SETTINGS
First up in the Gameplay Settings, we have Screen Shake, which we always turn Off to avoid any risk of motion sickness.
Blood FX can be turned Off to tone down the gore in the game.
We always recommend starting single player games on the intended (Normal) difficulty, but you can adjust this setting at any time if the challenge is too little or too great for you at any time.
If you find the Pickpocketing Mini-game tiresome, you can turn on Guaranteed Pickpocket, but we recommend leaving this off for the full experience.
We suggest leaving Aim Assist set to Partial, when playing on controller, as this will provide some help in snapping to targets while still requiring you to move the analog to adjust your aim and switch targets.
Below Aim Assist, there are several Exploration Settings, which we recommend leaving turned on, unless you are someone who prefers a cleaner, immersive UI. These exploration settings will make it easier to locate objectives, collectibles, resources, etc. Fans of earlier games can think of this like toggling on or off Exploration Mode.
GAMEPLAY TIPS
Explore the World: Assassin's Creed Mirage boasts a vast and visually stunning open world. Take your time to explore it, as there are hidden treasures, secrets, and side quests waiting to be discovered. Use your controller settings to pan the camera around and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Practice Combat: Combat in Assassin's Creed can be more challenging than previous games because you don’t have as many weapon abilities and skills to fall back on. Spending time in the training area to master your basic attacks, parries, and dodges will be invaluable throughout your journey. Adjust your sensitivity settings to strike a balance between quick reflexes and precise movements during combat.
Use Stealth Wisely: As an assassin, stealth is your greatest weapon. Get comfortable with the crouch and sneak mechanics by practicing in different environments. This will help you avoid unnecessary confrontations and complete missions more efficiently. You can also use tokens to recruit help from citizens around Baghdad to help you complete your missions.
Upgrade Your Skills: As you progress through the game, you'll earn experience points that can be spent on improving your character's abilities. Tailor your skills to match your preferred playstyle, whether that's combat-focused, stealthy, or a mix of both.
Use Your Tools: Pay attention to in-game tutorials and hints to learn about new mechanics, weapons, tools, and abilities. You’ll receive materials to upgrade your tools, which will add additional properties like increased capacity, elemental damage, etc.
Embarking on your journey with Basim as a beginner can be a thrilling and challenging experience. By fine-tuning your controller settings and following these essential tips, you'll be better equipped to navigate the game's intricate world, master its combat mechanics, and unveil the secrets of Assassin’s Creed: Mirage! Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for more controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>In 2020, CD Projekt Red released the highly-anticipated open-world RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, to mixed reviews. If you’re like us and you were too busy playing Warzone to pick up this admittedly buggy title at release, then there’s never been a better time to give this game a shot. Cyberpunk 2077 has been updated to a 2.0 version and recently added the Phantom Liberty major DLC. With its sprawling cityscape, immersive narrative, and frenetic action, getting the controller settings just right can greatly enhance your experience if you’re looking to try out this game with the new DLC. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Night City or engaging in intense firefights, finding the perfect controller configuration is essential. In this article, we'll guide you through the best controller settings for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
KONTROLFREEK ACTION ADVENTURE THUMBSTICKS
Performance Thumbsticks enhance your immersion and gaming experience in Action-Adventure games like Cyberpunk 2077 so much that it’s almost like competing against yourself! Upgrade your controller with a pair of KontrolFreek’s mid-rise Action Adventure thumbsticks and you’ll feel fully in control of your character’s in game movement. Additionally, all the added grip and accuracy will improve the accuracy of your abilities, attacks, and even navigating inventory menus!
The brand-new lotus design enhances the style and grip of any controller while providing superior Aim and Control in Action-Adventure Games. For those who know that style is sometimes half the battle, Lotus has you covered on both halves. This stunning teal flower design on a clear stem will make any controller stand out and the level of grip and control these provide will make you feel like your thumbsticks are connected to your thumbs for full immersion in Action-Adventure games.
The classic minimalist CQC grip upgrades any controller’s thumbsticks to enhance your Aim and Control while playing Action-Adventure games. These thumbsticks look good with any controller, and while they may look simple, they provide top-of-the line reliable grip!
CONTROLS
First up on our Controls menu is Controller Vibration, which we recommend turning off, unless it offers a clear in-game advantage, which is not the case here.
Deadzones are an important settings to be aware of if you ever need it. If your controller is picking up unintended inputs on your thumbsticks, you may want to adjust these settings to make the threshold greater before your controller picks up those inputs. For example, if your Inner Dead Zone is set to (0.05) and your player is occasionally walking backwards without your input, increase that number gradually and check to see if the problem persists. We recommend setting the Inner Dead Zone to the lowest number without unintended inputs and vice versa for the Outer Dead Zone, which should be the highest number without unintended inputs. This will make your controller as responsive and reliable as possible!
Next up, we’re going to scroll down to the First Person Camera (Controller) section. In this section, we’re going to start with Horizontal Sensitivity, which we set to 12, but you can turn this up even higher with KontrolFreek Precision Rings, which enable you to play on higher sensitivities while maintaining accuracy in your aiming.
For Vertical Horizontal Sensitivity, we set this to 9, but you can adjust this to your own personal preference.
By default, Show Advanced Options, will be set to OFF, but we recommend turning this ON. These options will give you a lot more flexibility in how your character moves and feels.
In the Advanced Options, firstly, we’re going to leave the Response Curve on Recommended. Underneath that option, you’ll see a lot of numerical values for features like Turning Bonus, Turning Delay, and Turning Ramp-Up Time. We recommend setting all of these values to 0, unless you really feel like you need those delays for whatever reason.
Custom button mapping allows you to tailor your controller layout to your specific preferences. Some players may prefer different buttons for actions like crouching, reloading, or jumping. Take advantage of this feature to create a setup that feels natural and efficient for you. Customizing your button mapping can give you a significant edge in combat situations.
ACCESSIBILITY
We always recommend starting Single Player games on Normal Difficulty, unless you are someone who really looks for that extra challenge that will make the game last longer.
Aim Assist we left set to Standard, which feels good compared to other shooters. Cyberpunk 2077 also has a setting for Melee Aim Assist, which we left on Standard as well. We also left Snap to Target ON, which helps a lot in combat.
We always recommend turning OFF Additive Camera Motions, as these can contribute to motion sickness and general disorientation.
We hope these controller settings help you enjoy your Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty journey! Taking the time to fine-tune your configuration can greatly enhance your overall gaming experience. Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for more controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>Compared to previous Mortal Kombats, this new title boasts more creative options to diversify your arsenal and let you express yourself. There are more mechanics (mechaniks?) this time around, so we'll have you prepared for launch of the game with a handy guide.
As proper execution is paramount in a fighting game, KontrolFreek has exactly what you need to increase your chances of winning. You don't want to be dropping Fatality inputs, right? With the No-Slip Thumb Grips, better your odds by solidifying your grip. The extra-soft, ultra-grippy proprietary material on these thumbstick attachments improves your execution and reduces slipping even during intense sessions that you'll have with MK1.
With the proper equipment, dive into the mechanics of MK1 to put the hurt on your opponents.
Dash Cancels
Dash cancelling is back in some form, similar to MK9. Double-tapping forward or backward executes a quick backstep or forward step. When dashing forward or backward, you can press down to cancel the motion, and then you can do another dash in either direction.
You can also cancel the animation of a dash with an attack, which is going to be an essential approach method.
Up Block
While holding the block button, press Up to execute a special block. This block is much better against jump in attacks that your opponent does, so if you can react to it or wait for them to jump, you should definitely use it.
This type of block shortens your recovery, so you can do a punish on your opponent after they jump in. The opponent is also unable to cancel into a special move if you Up Block their attack.
This also works on Overheads (attacks that you must block standing). Up Block will also be useful against characters like Sindel who stay airborne a lot.
Flawless Block
Returning from MK11 but with some simplifications. Its main use is to prevent chip damage from projectiles, so now you have some safe way of at least stalling out spamming zoners until you figure out a way to get in.
The other effect of Flawless Block is that the opponent doesn't gain meter. So it's definitely worth to try to Flawless Block their projectiles or specials to at least deny them this advantage. This is performed by blocking right before an attack lands.
Combo Breaker
It's time to put a stop to their combo! Hold Block and Forward while getting hit by the opponent to break out of their combo.
This mechanic will cost you 3 bars and your Kameo fighter must be available at the same time. While it's expensive, you can even break out of Fatal Blows this time around!
Kameo Fighters
Probably the biggest mechanical addition to MK1, Kameos are your assists. You choose them in the character selection screen.
You can call them in while on the offense to fill in your combos, extending them, or they can break you out of trouble with Combo Breakers. Their operations are limited by a gauge in the upper left or right corners of the screen. It takes half a bar to execute an attack with them, and the bar recharges relatively quickly, so don't hold back on using them.
Fatal Blow
Basically, it's the cinematic "super" of the game, available once you're down to 30% health or less. There is a "Fatal Blow" indicator right under your health when it's available. Press L2+R2 to use it.
Super Meter
The three bars at the bottom form a power gauge, a resource for enhancing your moves. You build the gauge by executing special moves, dealing damage, and having your specials blocked.
Use the super meter judiciously throughout the match, mostly for empowered versions of your special moves (sort of EX versions, as called in other fighting games). That's the main method of extending your combos. Don't forget that you need a full bar to use the Combo Breaker.
Practice hit confirming
The tutorial has a section that teaches about hit confirming, which is basically recognizing that your opponent got hit and then finishing or extending the combo.
For example, Scorpion can combo with X, X, X, Left Right Triangle. The latter part is a special move that would leave you in danger if your opponent was blocking, so don't do it if they do.
Mix up your defensive options
There are many techniques you can use on defense after getting knocked down. You can delay your get up, you can call in a Kameo to give you brief invulnerability (usually Left+L1), or you can spend meter to do an armored move.
Keep developing a mind game with your opponent as you play, and switch up your options to throw them off. For instance, jumping is an easy way to avoid both armored special moves or throws on get up.
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That's plenty to get you started in Mortal Kombat 1. Make sure to go through the game's interactive tutorial as well, since it goes over each mechanic and teaches by example. But with this guide, you're already ahead of the kompetition.
Don't slip up on your inputs by getting the KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips!]]>
Best Gear to Win More Fights
If you play fighting games, you know how important thumbstick grip and reliability are to honing your skills and perfecting a character. You need your thumbs locked into those sticks for full kontrol of your attacks, combos, and movement. We recommend our No-Slip Thumb Grips for fighting games because the added grip enables more accurate directional inputs while the lower height allows you to change directions quickly for faster combos! No-Slip Thumb Grips are available in Universal, Xbox, PS5, Switch Pro, and JoyCon kontrollers.
Kontroller Settings
Before you embark on your Mortal Kombat 1 adventure, it's essential to configure your kontroller settings to maximize your gameplay experience. Along with movement, Mortal Kombat uses 5 basic inputs, Front Punch, Back Puch, Front Kick, Back Kick, and Block. Using these inputs in combination with each other and directional inputs will produce the various combos that each character features. Depending on which character you are playing, you may want to adjust some of these inputs to make your favorite moves easier to do. Adjust the input window timing based on your preferences. Some players prefer a higher shorter input window for quick and responsive inputs, while others may opt for longer window to avoid accidental button presses. Experiment with different settings to find what suits you best
Tips for Beginners
Now that you've set up your kontroller, it's time to dive into the gameplay. Here are some valuable tips to help beginners become skilled Mortal Kombat 1 fighters:
Master the Basics: Start by learning the basic moves for your chosen character. Understand the differences between high and low attacks, as well as punches and kicks. Practice executing these moves until they become second nature.
Special Moves: Each character has unique special moves. Spend time in practice mode to perfect these moves, as they can be game-changers in battles. Knowing when to use them is crucial for victory.
Combos: Combos are strings of attacks that, when executed correctly, can deal massive damage to your opponent. Experiment with different combinations of punches and kicks to discover effective combos for your character.
Blocking: Blocking is a fundamental defensive technique. Hold the block button (usually mapped to one of the triggers or shoulder buttons) to reduce incoming damage. Be patient and wait for opportunities to counterattack.
Spacing and Timing: Mortal Kombat is not just about button mashing. Pay attention to your character's positioning relative to your opponent and time your attacks carefully. Distance and timing can give you a significant advantage.
Practice Mode: Take advantage of the practice mode to hone your skills. Set up different scenarios and practice against AI opponents to refine your techniques.
Learn Fatalities: One of the hallmarks of Mortal Kombat is the ability to perform Fatalities. Each character has their unique finishing move. Memorize the input commands for your character's Fatality so you can use it when the opportunity arises.
Mortal Kombat 1 brings the classic fighting game experience to a new generation of players. By configuring your controller settings to your liking and following these essential tips, you can embark on your journey to becoming a formidable Mortal Kombat warrior. Remember that practice and persistence are the keys to mastering the game, so stay patient and enjoy the thrilling world of Mortal Kombat in this exciting new release!
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs for more controller tips to upgrade your play in your favorite games! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>Starfield transports players into an expansive and mysterious universe where you can captain your spaceship, explore uncharted worlds, engage in challenging combat and unravel the secrets of the cosmos. With stunning visuals, a captivating storyline, and a universe teeming with possibilities, it's no wonder players want to make sure their controllers are set up perfectly for the adventure.
Setting Up Your Controller
As you prepare to venture into the unknown of Starfield, ensuring your controller is configured for optimal gameplay is essential. Depending on your preferred playstyle, you may want to customize your controller settings accordingly. Here are the top tips for different styles of play:
Exploration Enthusiast:
If you're all about discovering new planets, uncovering hidden treasures, and immersing yourself in the lore of Starfield, consider tweaking your controller settings for a more relaxed experience. Decrease the controller look sensitivity for smoother camera movement ensuring you don’t miss any detail. Also, consider turning off motion blur and decreasing the film grain intensity. Add KontrolFreek Action-Adventure thumbsticks to your controller to upgrade your aim, movement and grip.
Combat Connoisseur:
Space can be a dangerous place, and if you're gearing up for intense battles with hostile creatures or rival factions, precision and speed are crucial. First, you’re going to be causing a lot of combat damage so turn on “show damage numbers” so you can see the power of your attacks. If you’re new to Bethesda games, you may want to remap the jump button from Y to A, like it is on most games. Raise your vertical and horizontal aim sensitivity to gain better control over your crosshair and assign weapon switching and defensive maneuvers to easily reachable buttons. The increased sensitivity, combined with a higher FPS Thumbstick dramatically improves your aiming and precision.
Role-Playing Guru:
For those who relish the role-playing aspect of Starfield, where choices and consequences shape the story, take your time to fine-tune your controller settings. Assign the POV toggle to a button your comfortable with since you’ll want that 3rd person RPG feel but may want 1st person for combat. Adjust your camera settings to a comfortable level, so you can fully appreciate the rich narrative and character interactions that Bethesda games are known for. You’re going to be putting 100+ hours into the game, so add KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Xbox to your controller to upgrade your comfort and grip for those long sessions.
With Starfield, Bethesda continues to push the boundaries of immersive gaming experiences. As you prepare to embark on your interstellar adventure, remember that customizing your controller settings can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the game. So, customize your controller, ready your spaceship, and get ready to explore the wonders and mysteries of Starfield.
If you are looking for more controller tips for your favorite games, check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>In an electrifying announcement that sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Infinity Ward has officially revealed the much-anticipated title, Modern Warfare III. Building upon the iconic franchise's legacy, this upcoming release promises to deliver an immersive experience that sets new standards for both single-player and multiplayer gaming. With glimpses into the Single Player Campaign, Multiplayer, and the evolution of Warzone, players worldwide are gearing up for an unforgettable journey into the modern battlefield.
Engaging Single Player Campaign:
Infinity Ward has consistently demonstrated its ability to craft gripping narratives, and Modern Warfare III's Single Player Campaign appears poised to be another masterpiece. The story is set against the backdrop of an increasingly volatile world, where geopolitical tensions reach a boiling point. Players will once again assume the roles of various characters, including soldiers and operatives from different nations, as they navigate a complex web of conflicts.
Early teasers suggest that the campaign will delve into themes of espionage, covert operations, and the moral dilemmas faced by those caught in the chaos of modern warfare. With stunning graphics, intricate level designs, and emotionally charged storytelling, players can expect a rollercoaster ride that blurs the lines between right and wrong, duty and survival. We won’t give away any suspect spoilers we gathered from the trailer, but we’re very excited about this single player story.
Return of Modern Warfare Zombies:
One of the most anticipated features of Modern Warfare III is the return of the Zombies mode. Loved for its cooperative gameplay and eerie atmosphere, Zombies is set to make a haunting comeback with new maps, challenges, and mysteries to unravel. Players can expect a blend of nostalgia and innovation as they team up to fend off hordes of the undead. They are promoting a new Zombies game mode, incorporating elements of Zombies, Outbreak from Cold War, and DMZ from Modern Warfare II. The mode's unique blend of survival and strategy is bound to captivate both solo players and groups of friends seeking a spine-tingling cooperative experience.
Revolutionary Multiplayer:
The Multiplayer component of Modern Warfare III is poised to redefine the online gaming experience. Building upon the successful foundation of its predecessors, the game introduces an array of innovative features aimed at delivering both fast-paced action and strategic depth.
Infinity Ward has teased an even greater emphasis on tactical gameplay, where choices made by players have a direct impact on the flow of battles. New modes, maps, and an extensive arsenal of weapons and gadgets promise to keep players engaged for countless hours. The introduction of a more robust clan and squad system is set to enhance team coordination and competition, fostering a sense of camaraderie among players.
Warzone 3 is Coming:
Modern Warfare III's announcement wouldn't be complete without the reveal of Warzone 3, the latest iteration of the groundbreaking battle royale mode that took the gaming world by storm. Infinity Ward has promised significant enhancements to Warzone's mechanics, visuals, and overall gameplay experience.
Warzone 3 is expected to offer an expanded map, introducing new urban environments, rural expanses, and iconic landmarks. Players can anticipate a wider variety of vehicles and tools at their disposal, ensuring that every match remains dynamic and unpredictable. Some of our old favorite movement mechanics like Slide Canceling are back. Cross-play functionality and regular content updates will further cement Warzone 3 as the ultimate battle royale experience.
As players prepare to step into the boots of soldiers, operatives, and heroes, they can expect to be immersed in a world where choices matter, camaraderie is key, and the battlefield constantly evolves. Modern Warfare III is shaping up to be a tour de force that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, and fans around the globe are eagerly counting down the days until they can embark on this thrilling new adventure.
MWIII Gameplay Reveal Trailer
Watch the Modern Warfare III Gameplay Reveal Trailer to share in our hype for this exciting new installment in the Call of Duty franchise, set to be released on November 10th, 2023.
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs. We’ll be releasing more Modern Warfare III articles leading up to and through launch. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest Call of Duty and KontrolFreek news, and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>Madden 24 is out now! Every year, the beloved American football video game franchise updates the gameplay, settings, and features that Madden fans will want to be familiar with when picking up the new game. Don’t worry about the gameday jitters though, because KontrolFreek has your back! Huddle up as we share a few tips to help you get started playing Madden 24!
GEAR UP LIKE THE PROS
First step to play like a pro is to use the equipment the pros use. Look no further than KontrolFreek’s new line of Sports Performance Thumbsticks, specifically designed to maximize Movement Control and Comfort while providing a wider surface area of the industry’s best thumbstick grip material.
The brand-new Clutch thumbsticks provide maximum surface area for all-star grip and control of your player’s movement and accuracy while playing Sports games. The sports ball inspired white knob field design locks into the grooves of your thumb for outstanding friction and comfort.
The Omni thumbsticks upgrade your controller’s grip and comfort to give you elite control and accuracy of your players while playing Sports games. The sports ball inspired orange on white cross hatch design enhances any thumbsticks for more comfort and friction with some eye-catching style.
In addition to our game-changing sports thumbsticks, we suggest outfitting your favorite controller with a pair of KontrolFreek Performance Grips (in the color of your choice, of course) to reduce slippage when you're running interference or working toward a field goal. They provide superior grip and comfort, and they stick to your controller without leaving any sort of sticky residue, while wicking moisture away. With these bad boys on your controller, you'll be sure to win more of those close
WHAT’S NEW TO MADDEN 24
FRANCHISE MODE
Fans of Madden’s most in-depth single player mode will rejoice this year. EA has finally given Franchise Mode some love. They updated relocations, uniforms, coach and commissioner tools, and provided so many other accessibility and customization options for complete control over the difficulty, randomness, and scale of your franchise adventure.
SUPERSTAR MODE
Superstar mode is the newest version of Madden’s storyline adventures that let you focus on a single player. Last year, this mode was called “Face of the Franchise”, and it was very different from this mode in previous games, which is okay to try something new, but Superstar Mode brings back a lot of the fan favorite aspects of this game mode like combine drills.
CROSSPLAY
Multiplayer games in 2023 need to have crossplay. Too many gaming friends have been lost to switching consoles and moving to PC. Now you can play with all your friends on any console over the internet via crossplay!
MINI GAMES
One of our favorite parts of Franchise mode has always been the mini games that you can play in the mini camp. Now you can play these games outside of Franchise mode. You can run classic drills and new games to your heart's content to improve your skills!
CATCHING IN STRIDE
The first thing we noticed when playing Madden 24 is how much more seamless pass receptions felt, especially when the receiver is actively running a route. They used to slow up or bobble the ball too often, but now they will do these cool spin moves to turn and catch a ball behind them all in stride.
Winning on the field often comes down to having the right equipment and this is no less true when you are playing on your couch or gaming chair at home. Upgrade your controller with KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks and KontrolFreek Performance Grips to give yourself the best advantage over your opponents in Madden 24!
If you are looking for more controller tips for your favorite games, check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content and join our Twitch streams for opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>Aim Boost Kits from KontrolFreek come with everything you need to improve your aim in First Person Shooter and Battle Royale games. Choose between our 3 FPS Performance Thumbsticks: Frenzy, Inferno, and Galaxy (now in black)! Each Kit also comes with 1 of each strength of our Precision Rings: 1 Hard, 1 Medium, and 1 Soft. Choose your kit to upgrade your controller for enhanced accuracy, precision, and control.
Aim Boost Kits from KontrolFreek come with everything you need to improve your aim in First Person Shooter and Battle Royale games. Choose between our 3 FPS Performance Thumbsticks: Frenzy, Inferno, and Galaxy (now in black)! Each Kit also comes with 1 of each strength of our Precision Rings: 1 Hard, 1 Medium, and 1 Soft. Choose your kit to upgrade your controller for enhanced accuracy, precision, and control.
The other half of this Aim-Boosting super kit are the KonrolFreek Precision Rings. These stretchy yet durable foam rings can be easily applied to any controller’s thumbsticks to enable you to max out your sensitivity while maintaining accuracy and control. These rings make it so the harder you push on your thumbsticks, the more the material will compact to cushion your stick, adding resistance and preventing you from over-shooting your target. Pro players use this to play on higher sensitivities without sacrificing fine aim precision and control. Galaxy thumbsticks have been historically our most popular and trusted FPS sticks.
The other half of this Aim-Boosting super kit are the KonrolFreek Precision Rings. These stretchy yet durable foam rings can be easily applied to any controller’s thumbsticks to enable you to max out your sensitivity while maintaining accuracy and control. These rings make it so the harder you push on your thumbsticks, the more the material will compact to cushion your stick, adding resistance and preventing you from over-shooting your target. Pro players use this to play on higher sensitivities without sacrificing fine aim precision and control. Galaxy thumbsticks have been historically our most popular and trusted FPS sticks.
]]>
If you play First Person Shooter games, you should already know that upgrading your controller with KontrolFreeks will enhance your gaming experience in so many ways. Not only will you immediately notice measurable improvements in your K/D and win ratio, but your movement will be smoother, your aim snappier, and you will be turning on your enemies with pinpoint precision. KontrolFreek’s First Person Shooter thumbsticks come in mixed height packs and we encourage players to use a mid-rise on the left stick for enhanced grip and control of movement with a high-rise thumbstick on the right stick for enhanced precision and accuracy while reducing hand strain over long gaming sessions due to the increased arc distance. Hit your shots and win more gunfights with KontrolFreek’s FPS thumbsticks.
Our bestselling thumbsticks in versatile black reliably upgrade the precision and grip of your controller for top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Our brand-new FPS Frenzy thumbsticks feature an intricate purple grip pattern that locks into your thumb for top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Our FPS Inferno thumbsticks have been helping FPS gamers upgrade their controller for enhanced precision and grip for years, providing top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Aim Boost Kits from KontrolFreek come with everything you need to improve your aim in First Person Shooter and Battle Royale games. Choose between our 3 FPS Performance Thumbsticks: Frenzy, Inferno, and Galaxy (now in black)! Each Kit also comes with 1 of each strength of our Precision Rings: 1 Hard, 1 Medium, and 1 Soft. Choose your kit to upgrade your controller for enhanced accuracy, precision, and control.
KontrolFreek FPS Performance Thumbsticks come with 1 Mid-Rise Convex stick designed to increase control and accuracy of your movement controls with the left stick. Each pack also comes with 1 High-Rise stick to increase precision for maximum shot accuracy and improved KD. Both sticks increase the arc-distance of your Thumbstick. This decreases the amount force required to make aim adjustments, which can drastically reduce hand strain over long play sessions. KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks make your controller feel like an extension of your hand.
The other half of this Aim-Boosting super kit are the KonrolFreek Precision Rings. These stretchy yet durable foam rings can be easily applied to any controller’s thumbsticks to enable you to max out your sensitivity while maintaining accuracy and control. These rings make it so the harder you push on your thumbsticks, the more the material will compact to cushion your stick, adding resistance and preventing you from over-shooting your target. Pro players use this to play on higher sensitivities without sacrificing fine aim precision and control.
If you play shooter games like CS:GO and Call of Duty or battle royale games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, FPS Aim Boost Kits from KontrolFreek will drastically improve the way you play. With Performance thumbsticks you will feel more in control and accurate than ever over long play sessions. And with Precision Rings you will open whole new possibilities for aiming settings and be turning on enemies so fast they’ll think you’re cheating!
Relive some of the most iconic battles in history with Hell Let Loose, a realistic, tough-as-nails war simulator which puts you right in the shoes of a footsoldier. The epic theatre of war features 50 vs 50 player battles on large scale, with players able to take on certain roles, from various support ones to even a Commander who makes tactical decisions. Control vehicles and fight on evolving battlefields where tactics matter more than KDAs.
Hell Let Loose can be challenging, and with that, we've created a list of tips & tricks as well as some advanced hints to guide you through the battlefield.
Hell Let Loose Tips & Tricks
The Field Manual is an essential overview of the battlefield before you start. Then while in the map, study your surroundings using the Binoculars. Use them by pressing and holding the middle mouse button, which brings up the Command Wheel by default; then rotate the mouse to select and place marks.
Hell Let Loose has proximity chat, and in general, you should approach the game with a spirit of cooperation. Hopefully (unless you're with people you know) you will get matched with people who also want to work together. Going solo just isn't practical in this game.
Unlike your typical Call of Duty or Battlefield, you're not running in fast or crazy trying to get the most kills or a surprise jump-in on your enemy. You want to find cover as soon as you can, poke at the enemy if you know where they are, and otherwise scout them out. It's not running and gunning.
One unusual tip for cover: if you're running through mostly an open field but there's a bush or some other kind of object, position yourself so that you're running from behind it. You can also get to a bush and crouch in it to scout a bit. You can press E or Q to lean out from corners, too.
If you do get to a vehicle such as a tank, press F to enter it, then use the function keys to adjust your position. F1 puts you in the driver seat, while F2 in the gunner's. F3 is for the spotter, who is a lookout for the tank. As a spotter, ping with the middle mouse button, and also tell them where to look (which direction, which compass number).
Really need to emphasize sticking together and teamplay; having a few soldiers with you who help fulfill objectives is essential. A medic can save you and revive you, especially when there is no spawn beacon nearby. Also, being around the medic lowers the suppression effect of incoming enemy rounds.
If you're the Squad Leader, you can give orders with C (just to your squadmates) and press X to communicate with other officers. Especially valuable for intel such as:
When using cover, don't just crouch down then stand up to fire more shots. The enemy is most likely "pre-aiming" and watching the same spot where you emerged from. Change it up and move somewhere else before re-emerging. Catch them off guard and gun them down before they react. But avoid being predictable by peeking out from the same spot in your cover.
Good sound is absolutely key to doing well in this game. You are able to hear footsteps of approaching enemies if you pay attention. SteelSeries Sonar is fantastic for this. Achieve total control over the sound of your game with a 10-band Equalizer — you can adjust every aspect of sound right to your liking and highlight those critical details. Don't underestimate how sound can help you out, especially on a battlefield like this.
We are trained to detect movement and change with our eyes. Staying still can be a form of camouflage, as in Hell Let Loose the landscapes are vast. A player who is standing still is much less likely to be noticed. Consider at least not "twitching" constantly or moving around a lot, especially when sticking out for some scouting. Other players may try the same trick so keep your eyes sharp.
Chevrons shown above and beside a Strong Point are indicators of how quickly they can be captured. The speed depends on whether you're playing in Warfare or Offensive modes. Warfare is a tug of war between which each side struggles to maintain objectives, while in Offensive one side is defensive against the other. Offensive game modes have sectors, which are only active at certain points, and those are the ones that you need to capture.
The Commander can determine where Garrisons and outposts are built and increase resource generation, particularly good when there are support roles like Engineers contributing. The Commander speaks to squad leaders, who then can talk to you. They also have a ton of commands on which they can spend resource points, so make sure to contribute to that as much as you can.
As a Commander, you can still be active and help the team by building garrisons with supply drops, or use an artillery gun, or drive a supply truck, or defend an objective.
Initially, switch around the roles a lot might make it harder to learn the game. Try to pick one and stick with it for some time, as they perform entirely different functions on the battlefield.
To find some players, join the Hell Let Loose Discord! You can also find communities through YouTube and social media.
Hell Let Loose Player Count
Wondering about how many people are playing Hell Let Loose? You can check out the player count on Steam Charts.
Hell Let Loose Crossplay
Hell Let Loose is on PC and consoles, both Xbox and PlayStation. There is no crossplay between PC and consoles. However, you can crossplay between Xbox and PlayStation (PS5 and Xbox Series X recommended). You need to enable this option in Hell Let Loose settings for it to work.
Game On Promo
We've partnered with Team17 to get a special item for Hell Let Loose! Get the key for Hot Drop DLC, which unlocks the US Airborne Pathfinder Uniform, which works with the following roles: Rifleman, Support, Medic, Sniper, Auto Rifleman, Heavy MG, Spotter, Assault, Engineer, Anti-Tank and Officer.
Redeeming is very simple:
1.Go to our Hell Let Loose Giveaway page
2.Click "Get Key"
3.In your Steam Client, click on "Games" at the top bar, then "Active a Product on Steam"
4.Paste in or enter your key to redeem it.
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content. Join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
]]>New KontrolFreek Sports Thumbsticks
Golf with your friends is a sports game played on controller, so KontrolFreek Sports thumbsticks are the obvious choice for how to upgrade your play. If you are playing online, give yourself the advantage over your opponents with superior grip, control, and accuracy of your swings. While playing locally with friends, you have to pass one controller around. Nothing is worse than that “Sweaty Palms” friend handing you the soaking wet sticks when you’re trying to sink a clutch putt. Next time, bring your KontrolFreek Sports thumbsticks with you and slap them on over those sweaty sticks whenever you get the controller to upgrade the grip and comfort as quickly as possible. Low-Rise Sports thumbsticks provide maximum surface area with minimal added height for upgraded grip, comfort, and accuracy so you can sink more hole in ones and win more!
The brand-new Clutch thumbsticks provide maximum surface area for all-star grip and control of your player’s movement and accuracy while playing Sports games. The sports ball inspired white knob field design locks into the grooves of your thumb for outstanding friction and comfort.
The Omni thumbsticks upgrade your controller’s grip and comfort to give you elite control and accuracy of your players while playing Sports games. The sports ball inspired orange on white cross hatch design enhances any thumbsticks for more comfort and friction with some eye-catching style.
If you’re playing Golf with your Friends on Switch Pro, Joy Con, or even if you just don’t want any of the added height from Performance Thumbsticks, try out some KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips! We’re have 8-packs of Thumb Grips for Xbox, Playstation, Switch Pro Controllers, Universal Controllers, and Joy Con, each for $12.99!
Our PlayStation Pack contains two black, two white, two teal, and two blue Thumb Grips.
The Xbox Pack also has 2 blacks and 2 whites, and then 2 dark greens and 2 light greens.
The Switch Pro Pack features Black and White Thumb-Grips with 2 shades of Switch Red.
The Universal Pack has a set of black Thumb Grips and then a set that corresponds to the colors of each of the major consoles, red for Switch, green for Xbox, and blue for PlayStation.
These packs are designed for you to show off your console pride on your controller, but Xbox, Playstation, and Switch Pro Thumb Grips are all also universal. This means that if you want to rock the teal Thumb Grips on your Xbox or Switch Pro controller, you can absolutely do that.
Lastly, our Joy Con Thumb Grips are the perfect way or gamers playing with Switch Joy Con controllers to upgrade their play. This pack features Thumb Grips specifically designed to fit the shorter Joy Con thumbsticks, with colors to match your favorite Joy Con controller colors!
Anyone who’s held a mini golf club knows that grip is key. When you’re passing the controller around amongst your friends in those sweaty moments, some moisture-wicking grip on that controller will go a long way. We recommend trying out some KontrolFreek Performance Grips and you’ll thank us when you’re handed the controller on the 18th hole and it’s just as cool and grippy as it was when you started the round.
Utilize powerups and collision at the correct times!
When enabled, powerups can be key in hindering your pals progress. Is everybody lined up for a precise jump, or trying to evade an obstacle? Try changing their ball shape, or lay down honey to stop them.
If collision is enabled, it may be more beneficial to sabotage an opponent, rather than shoot for the hole yourself!
Timing is key
Time your strokes and adjust your angles, in order to avoid any obstacles that might smash you out of the way, or squash and reset your ball.
Use Free-Cam
Survey your surroundings with free-cam to analyse the best angle to shoot your shot, see where the hole is located, and take note of any obstacles in your way.
Portals
Using portals in courses such as ‘Space’ can put you ahead of your pals – if you can time your shot exactly right and work out where they lead (some are tricks), you’ll get the upper hand and land ahead of everyone else!
Conveyors
Making good use of conveyors is key in landing you in the optimal position for your next shot. You can use them to adjust your angle mid shot, or even launch you over obstacles.
Jump and Bounce
While cruising the waterways in any courses that have water, you’ll be able to jump and bounce. Make sure to use this option if needed for the optimal shot.
Jetpacks
Jetpacks can be incredibly useful when used correctly, and you’ll be able to cover large distances (getting you closer to the hole!). Angle your shot and watch your fuel level to power past your pals.
Practice!
Try practicing problem holes or tricky courses on your own – you can use custom settings or game modes like “Explore” to give yourself unlimited shots, time to complete the hole and instant resets if you mess up a shot.
Try different shots in a safe environment before trying them against friends or for the par achievements.
Keep an eye on shot power!
A lot of strokes are lost by players giving them a little too much, or not enough juice when near a hole. Keep an eye on the power bar, and learn the power you need to use for different situations!
Copy Your Mates!
If you are playing with friends and it’s not clear what shot to take, let them go first and see what to do, or what to avoid!
]]>To celebrate the diverse gamers that make up FreekNation, KontrolFreek is proud to announce 10 New Products designed to provide the best-in-market solutions for Xbox and Playstation gamers looking to upgrade their controllers and the way they play Action-Adventure games, Sports games, and of course FPS games!
Since our first playthrough of Mario 64 and Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Action-Adventure games have provided some of the purest and most memorable gaming experiences of our life. While our products are designed to provide a competitive advantage, Performance Thumbsticks enhance your immersion and gaming experience in Action-Adventure games so much that it’s almost like competing against yourself! Upgrade your controller with a pair of KontrolFreek’s mid-rise Action Adventure thumbsticks and you’ll feel fully in control of your character’s in game movement with all of the added grip and your accuracy will improve when aiming your abilities, attacks, and even navigating inventory menus!
The classic minimalist CQC grip upgrades any controller’s thumbsticks to enhance your Aim and Control while playing Action-Adventure games. These thumbsticks look good with any controller, and while they may look simple, they provide top-of-the line reliable grip!
The brand-new lotus design enhances the style and grip of any controller while providing superior Aim and Control in Action-Adventure Games. For those who know that style is sometimes half the battle, Lotus has you covered on both halves. This stunning teal flower design on a clear stem will make any controller stand out and the level of grip and control these provide will make you feel like your thumbsticks are connected to your thumbs for full immersion in Action-Adventure games.
The right equipment makes all the difference in sports games. Whether you are playing FIFA, Madden, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf, Tennis, Rocket-League or any other sports game, our low-rise Sports Thumbsticks increase the grip and surface area of your thumbsticks for hall-of-fame control and precision of your player’s in-game movements and shooting/hitting/pitching accuracy. Upgrade your gear to score more and win more with KontrolFreek’s Sports Thumbsticks.
The brand-new Clutch thumbsticks provide maximum surface area for all-star grip and control of your player’s movement and accuracy while playing Sports games. The sports ball inspired white knob field design locks into the grooves of your thumb for outstanding friction and comfort.
The Omni thumbsticks upgrade your controller’s grip and comfort to give you elite control and accuracy of your players while playing Sports games. The sports ball inspired orange on white cross hatch design enhances any thumbsticks for more comfort and friction with some eye-catching style.
If you play First Person Shooter games, you should already know that upgrading your controller with KontrolFreeks will enhance your gaming experience in so many ways. Not only will immediately notice measurable improvements in your K/D and win ratio, but your movement will be smoother, your aim snappier, and you will be turning on your enemies with pinpoint precision. KontrolFreek’s First Person Shooter thumbsticks come in mixed height packs and we encourage players to use a mid-rise on the left stick for enhanced grip and control of movement with a high-rise thumbstick on the right stick for enhanced precision and accuracy while reducing hand strain over long gaming sessions due to the increased arc distance. Hit your shots and win more gunfights with KontrolFreek’s FPS thumbsticks.
Our bestselling thumbsticks in versatile black reliably upgrade the precision and grip of your controller for top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Our brand-new FPS Frenzy thumbsticks feature an intricate purple grip pattern that locks into your thumb for top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Our FPS Inferno thumbsticks have been helping FPS gamers upgrade their controller for enhanced precision and grip for years, providing top-tier movement control and aiming accuracy while playing First Person Shooter games.
Aim Boost Kits from KontrolFreek come with everything you need to improve your aim in First Person Shooter and Battle Royale games. Choose between our 3 FPS Performance Thumbsticks: Frenzy, Inferno, and Galaxy (now in black)! Each Kit also comes with 1 of each strength of our Precision Rings: 1 Hard, 1 Medium, and 1 Soft. Choose your kit to upgrade your controller for enhanced accuracy, precision, and control.
KontrolFreek FPS Performance Thumbsticks come with 1 Mid-Rise Convex stick designed to increase control and accuracy of your movement controls with the left stick. Each pack also comes with 1 High-Rise stick to increase precision for maximum shot accuracy and improved KD. Both sticks increase the arc-distance of your Thumbstick. This decreases the amount force required to make aim adjustments, which can drastically reduce hand strain over long play sessions. KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks make your controller feel like an extension of your hand.
The other half of this Aim-Boosting super kit are the KonrolFreek Precision Rings. These stretchy yet durable foam rings can be easily applied to any controller’s thumbsticks to enable you to max out your sensitivity while maintaining accuracy and control. These rings make it so the harder you push on your thumbsticks, the more the material will compact to cushion your stick, adding resistance and preventing you from over-shooting your target. Pro players use this to play on higher sensitivities without sacrificing fine aim precision and control.
If you play shooter games like CS:GO and Call of Duty or battle royale games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, FPS Aim Boost Kits from KontrolFreek will drastically improve the way you play. With Performance thumbsticks you will feel more in control and accurate than ever over long play sessions. And with Precision Rings you will open whole new possibilities for aiming settings and be turning on enemies so fast they’ll think you’re cheating!
MORE WAYS TO PLAY
For long-time members of FreekNation, rest assured that these new genre groupings are recommendations for new customers and gamers who are unsure about which thumbsticks they should buy to upgrade their play in whatever games they play. Any of these Performance thumbsticks and Aim Boost Kits will upgrade the way you play any of these genres. If you use Galaxy thumbsticks and Precision Rings while playing Action-Adventure games, we are in no way saying that you are playing wrong or sub optimally. Alternatively, if you want to use our Sports Clutch sticks to upgrade your Call of Duty play, you can absolutely do that and you should experiment with different thumbstick shapes and sizes to find the best fit for the game you are playing
We use different KontrolFreek products for almost every game we play. When playing Action-Adventure games like Hogwarts Legacy, Jedi Survivor, and Diablo IV, we used to use two mid-rise Galaxy Black thumbsticks or even a KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grip on the left stick for increased grip with minimal height change. Now we are using a mid-rise Lotus on the right stick and a mid-rise Frenzy on the right stick and the combination of these two new designs feels so good and looks so cool. When we play Sports games like MLB The Show, Rocket League, or FIFA, we used to be all about the Omnis, which is still a fantastic choice for this genre, made even better with the rad new orange color. But there’s something about the new Sports Clutch design that just screams sports and makes you feel super connected to your thumbsticks and your in-game players. Our most played genre, FPS games, has had a major development. Galaxy and Inferno are two of our most beloved and popular designs and we’ve been playing with Galaxy thumbsticks for the better part of the last decade. Well a new challenger has arrived. Frenzy thumbsticks are absolutely incredible for FPS games. The grip pattern and material provide you with the most reliable grip we’ve ever experienced, and the Frenzy Aim Boost Kit with new Precision Rings colors has everything you need to upgrade your controller and your FPS gameplay for more kills, more wins, and some epic new style. You can’t go wrong with any of these new Performance Thumbsticks and Aim Boost Kits, no matter what genre of game you play, so try some KontrolFreeks and upgrade your play today!
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content. Join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
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The Diablo IV Limited Edition Collection
Before you start your epic quest, equip yourself with the best gaming gear for Diablo IV with the Diablo® IV Limited Edition collection from SteelSeries and KontrolFreek.
Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks
Experience increased grip and control while you hack, slash, and cast through the nightmarish dungeons and besieged towns of Sanctuary. The official laser-etched design and blood-red color will immerse you in the fight for the fate of the world.
Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks (Collector’s Edition)
The Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks were specifically designed to provide more grip and increased control while you hack, slash, and cast to conquer the nightmarish dungeons and besieged towns of Sanctuary. Limited Collector’s Edition features black on red thumbsticks and comes in an exclusive Diablo IV Heroes Cube Case based on the playable classes!
Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Diablo® IV Edition
Hear every slash with the Nova Acoustic System and High Fidelity Drivers, enabled by a multi-platform wireless USB-C dongle.
Aerox 5 Wireless Diablo® IV Edition
Instantly access your library of skills with 9 programmable buttons while safeguarded by AquaBarrier™ technology.
QcK Heavy XL Diablo® IV Edition
Artisan Keycap: Diablo® IV Edition
Customize your keyboard with a unique, artisan keycap depicting Diablo's demonic visage. There are only 2,160 of these Legendary-quality items.
Diablo IV In-Game Mount Trophy
Any purchase of a Diablo IV Nova 7 Wireless, Aerox 5 Wireless, or Collectors Edition Thumbsticks also unlocks a “Bound Faith” in-game Mount Trophy Cosmetic Code.
Builds for Each Class
Now that you’ve upgraded your controller and the rest of your gaming setup, you’re ready to hop into Diablo IV and start conquering the hoards of Sanctuary. Before that however, you need to select your class, and while you are deciding that you may want to look at what combat looks like for that class while leveling and at higher levels. If you are playing on World Tier 1 for your first character, which we recommend, you have some freedom to experiment with skills and find a build that is fun for you. The builds we provide are not the only meta builds for each class and by no means should you feel limited to these skills, but if you want to take advantage of some of the most potent mechanic/combos for each class here are our recommendations:
Sorcerer
Sorcerers are the classic mage spellcasters of Diablo IV. This class has ranged and AOE abilities for all the elements. If you want to freeze groups of enemies and then explode them with Fire or Ice spells than Sorcerer is the class for you. They tend to be more glass cannons however and can have survivability problems in more challenging content. Sorcerers can also use enchantments to gain passive bonuses.
Build: Ice Shards
Spells: Teleport, Frost Nova, Ice Armor, Inferno, Ice Shards, Frost Bolt
Level 1-50
Enchantments: Ice Shards (Lvl 15), Fire Bolt (Lvl 30)
Aspects: Get Piercing Cold early
Rogue
Rogues are the fastest class, with a lot of skills to quickly get around the battlefield, avoid attacks, and deal massive damage from melee and ranged attacks. This class is arguably the fastest to level due to how quickly you can get around the map, which makes a big difference before you get a mount. Rogues can infuse their attacks with poison, cold, or shadow damage with Imbuements.
Build: Twisting Blades
Skills: Puncture, Twisting Blades, Poison Trap, Dark Shroud, Shadow Step, Dash
Spec: Inner Sight (Lvl 20)
Aspect: Unlock Bladedancer’s Aspect early
Necromancer
Necromancers are widely considered to be a great starter class in Diablo IV because they can summon a lot of minions to aid them in combat. This helps Necromancers stay alive by drawing aggro away and they can kill enemies pretty effectively. Some of the most potent Necromancer builds forgo the summons to use more poison and bone powers. The build we’re going to recommend is a classic Necromancer summon build that utilizes one of their most powerful spells, Bone Spear.
Build: Bone Spear Summoner
Spells: Bone Splinters, Bone Spear, Corpse Tendrils, Army of the Dead, Raise Skeleton, Golem
Aspects: Unlock Splintering Aspect early
Druid
Druid is a hybrid class that can shapeshift into beasts and use spells to do ranged and melee damage. Druids can transform into Werewolf to move fast, close the gap, and deal poison damage. Druids have overpowered attacks with increased damage at the cost of mobility while in Werebear form. Similar to Sorcerer, Druids also have Lightning spells to control the battlefield.
Build: Werebear Pulverize
Spells: Storm Strike, Pulverize, Poison Creeper, Trample, Blood Howl, Earthen Bulwark
Aspects: Get Ursine Horror Aspect early
Barbarian
Barbarians are the classic tanky melee class in Diablo IV. These brutes charge headlong into battle screaming at the top of their lungs and waving around massive weapons with reckless abandon. Barbarians can equip more weapons for more stat bonuses and aspects and they easily swap weapons mid-fight to perform bludgeons, slashes, and stabs and other special weapon based attacks. The build we are going through focuses on the barbarian’s all-purpose “spin to win” attack, Whirlwind.
Build: Whirlwind
Aspects: Get the Dire Whirlwind Aspect early
Leveling Tips
Using these builds as a guide will help you beat the campaign and level up to level 50, but don’t feel like you have to rush or use the meta builds right away. One of the beautiful things about Diablo is there are so many ways to play any of these classes, so feel free to try out skills and builds outside of the ones we listed here!
Diablo IV is a massive game with a lot of information to take in, so online resources can be very useful to help you build your collections and manage your time to get the most out of your playing experience. One of our favorite tools to use is d4builds.gg. This site has an awesome interactive map that allows you to track your progress as you collect valuable chest, altars, and quest items around the map. They also have plenty of build recommendations like the ones we shared in this article for Leveling, Midgame, and Endgame.
Diablo IV’s first seasonal content is going to launch sometime next month and when it does all players will need to start a new character to be able to play the seasonal content. As such, don’t worry too much about grinding to level 100 and getting the best gear to prepare for new content. Here are some things you should focus on doing before Season One:
Once you unlock mounts for one character you can easily get them on another character, making questing that much faster.
Altars of Lilith are scattered around the map and each provide a stat bonus to all of your characters on all classes. This means when the new season starts your new character will have all of the stat bonuses from any Altars of Lilith you’ve found before then. Use the interactive map on d4builds.gg to search for any altars around you and track which ones you’ve already visited.
As you are exploring the map, completing missions, and visiting Altars of Lilith, you will be acquiring Renown for each of the regions you are in. Collecting the rewards for the tiers of renown you reach in each region will earn you bonus potions, stats, and other boosts to make your character more powerful. Your Renown will reset when Season One starts, except the renown earned for visiting Altars of Lilith. Additionally, areas of the map that you’ve uncovered will remain so after the seasonal reset.
If you’re struggling with anything in Diablo IV like what class or build to pick, leave us a comment or ask us in one of KontrolFreek's Twitch Streams. And please, if you’ve been thinking about getting something from the Diablo IV Limited Edition Collection from KontrolFreek and SteelSeries, don’t hesitate and get the Best Diablo IV loot before it’s gone!
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest Diablo IV and gaming news. Join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries Diablo IV products! Some lucky viewers will win a complete kit with the entire collection of KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products, so you don’t want to miss any KontrolFreek streams this month!
]]>The Diablo IV Limited Edition Collection
Before you start your epic quest, equip yourself with the best gaming gear for Diablo IV with the Diablo® IV Limited Edition collection from SteelSeries and KontrolFreek.
Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks
Experience increased grip and control while you hack, slash, and cast through the nightmarish dungeons and besieged towns of Sanctuary. The official laser-etched design and blood-red color will immerse you in the fight for the fate of the world.
Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks (Collector’s Edition)
The Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks were specifically designed to provide more grip and increased control while you hack, slash, and cast to conquer the nightmarish dungeons and besieged towns of Sanctuary. Limited Collector’s Edition features black on red thumbsticks and comes in an exclusive Diablo IV Heroes Cube Case based on the playable classes!
Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Diablo® IV Edition
Hear every slash with the Nova Acoustic System and High Fidelity Drivers, enabled by a multi-platform wireless USB-C dongle.
Aerox 5 Wireless Diablo® IV Edition
Instantly access your library of skills with 9 programmable buttons while safeguarded by AquaBarrier™ technology.
QcK Heavy XL Diablo® IV Edition
Artisan Keycap: Diablo® IV Edition
Customize your keyboard with a unique, artisan keycap depicting Diablo's demonic visage. There are only 2,160 of these Legendary-quality items.
Best Settings
Now that you’ve upgraded your controller and the rest of your gaming setup, let’s talk about the best controller and game settings to set you up for the best gaming experience in Diablo IV on controller! First thing you should know about playing Diablo IV on controller is that the Diablo franchise and gameplay was not designed for controller in the past, but all of that has changed for Diablo IV. Controller settings are now natively supported for Diablo IV, but that being said, the controls are somewhat complex, so it’s important to optimize them to your playstyle.
First up in Controller Settings, we’re going to leave controller vibration on for this game.
Next up is Cursor Sensitivity, which we increased to 6 but this is largely personal preference.
Our theory with Dead Zone settings is to leave them as small as possible without experiencing unintended inputs or “drift”, but this will change for each controller base on a variety of factors, so test this out for yourself, decreasing those numbers until you experience an issue and then increase the dead zone by 1 or 2 so that unintended input is covered up by the dead zone.
In the Gameplay Settings, we’re going to turn off Combine Interact and Basic Skill. This will enable us to have a different button for interact and basic skill.
For the Controller Bindings, you want to find something that’s comfortable for you to use. We use X for Interact, L2 for Basic Skill, and R2 for Core Skill. Square, Triangle, Circle, and R1 for Skill Slots 1 through 4 respectively. We have Evade set to our L3, but only because we use a controller with paddles on the back that we have Evade mapped to. If you are using a default PS5 or Xbox controller, we recommend remapping evade to one of the buttons like Circle or maybe R1, to make it easier to activate mid fight while you are moving around with the left stick. For those who have a controller with back paddles, we mapped our other paddle to Core Skill 4 (R1), so that we can quickly use that skill in combat. Use potion we have mapped to L1. We have Mount Combat dismount mapped to L2 as well to be consistent with our Basic Skill.
Hold to Lock Target we have turned off and Persist Target Lock is also turned off. You can still press R3 to lock target, but turning these off will make it easier to Cycle Locked Target, which we have turned on.
Lastly, our D-pad settings are Up for the Action Wheel, Right for Mount, Down for Town Portal, and Left for Respond to Social Request.
Diablo IV is incredibly fun on controller. The game takes full advantage of all the functionality of the controllers to provide you with a complex yet intuitive gameplay experience that makes it super fun to endlessly slay hoards of enemies. Once again, do not forget to check out the Diablo IV Limited Edition Collection from KontrolFreek and SteelSeries.
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest Diablo IV news, as we will be covering this game even more leading up to and through the opening of the server gates on June 6th! Join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries Diablo IV products! Some lucky viewers will win a complete kit with the entire collection of KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products, so you don’t want to miss any KontrolFreek streams this month!
]]>The Diablo IV Limited Edition Collection
Battle unstoppable evil and slaughter countless demons equipped with the Diablo® IV Limited Edition collection from SteelSeries and KontrolFreek.
Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks
Experience increased grip and control while you hack, slash, and cast through the nightmarish dungeons and besieged towns of Sanctuary. The official laser-etched design and blood-red color will immerse you in the fight for the fate of the world.
Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks (Collector’s Edition)
The Diablo IV Performance Thumbsticks were specifically designed to provide more grip and increased control while you hack, slash, and cast to conquer the nightmarish dungeons and besieged towns of Sanctuary. Limited Collector’s Edition features black on red thumbsticks and comes in an exclusive Diablo IV Heroes Cube Case based on the playable classes!
Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Diablo® IV Edition
Hear every slash with the Nova Acoustic System and High Fidelity Drivers, enabled by a multi-platform wireless USB-C dongle.
Aerox 5 Wireless Diablo® IV Edition
Instantly access your library of skills with 9 programmable buttons while safeguarded by AquaBarrier™ technology.
QcK Heavy XL Diablo® IV Edition
Artisan Keycap: Diablo® IV Edition
Customize your keyboard with a unique, artisan keycap depicting Diablo's demonic visage. There are only 2,160 of these Legendary-quality items.
Diablo IV In-Game Mount Trophy
Any purchase of a Diablo IV Nova 7 Wireless, Aerox 5 Wireless, or Collectors Edition Thumbsticks also unlocks a “Bound Faith” in-game Mount Trophy Cosmetic Code.
What We’re Looking Forward to in Diablo IV
While we can all agree that these Diablo IV KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products are fire as hell, but we’re equally as excited to get our hands on this game to start exploring and conquering sanctuary. Here are 5 things we’re most excited to do in Diablo IV when it releases on June 6th.
Create A Character That’s Truly You
While it's true that we won't spend that much time looking at our character model, Diablo IV does offer the deepest level of character creation to date in the series. There's still something very appealing about making a character that looks just the way you want (or as close to yourself as possible).
With dozens of skin tones, hair options, and face customizations, there are so many options. You can put everything from makeup, face marking, eye shadows, tattoos, applicable to either gender. The classes still retain their overall body shape, which is part of the class fantasy and fits the armor appropriately.
Having already experienced the beta, we're incredibly hyped up to play the classes (for me, the Sorceress and the Rogue in particular!).
Ride Mounts and Dismount in Style
This is something we haven't tested in the betas yet, as this will be only available once we finish the entire campaign. There's a lot to explore in Sanctuary, so we don't want to miss anything! However, we've loved seeing previews of mounted movement. It's a first for Diablo, and given that the world is larger than ever, traveling on horseback to places adds so much to the fantasy of the game.
Additionally, all the dismount attacks are so badass. Imagine greeting a squad of enemies with a powerful AOE attack! We can't wait to unleash the signature technique that's unique to each class.
There are also so many mounts! And don't forget that some of the Limited Edition items come with a special mount decoration made by Blizzard exclusively for this collab!
Experiment with the skill tree and Paragon Board
I don't know about you, but we love skill trees. The joy of slotting in points. Unlocking new passives. Strengthening the skills we fell in love with. It's so good.
The Paragon Board has been explained already, but we just can't wait to try it ourselves, available once you reach level 50. It's like a fun puzzle for your character that lets them grow stronger. It contains various nodes that range from very simple to Legendary. From minor stat bonuses to major, build-changing effects, this is a whole other layer for the personalization of your class.
And did you know that you can rotate a whole board to make it suit more to your path? Can't wait to start figuring this out and creating powerful builds.
Find Legendary and Unique Loot
Let's be real here, there is one thing that Diablo players really want, and it's the loot. From good old normal items all the way to Legendary and Uniques, it's the shiny objects that we all really want. Nothing beats finding just the right dagger or staff or gloves or ring or amulet for your character, cementing your build, or perhaps suggesting a new direction. From what we've seen so far, items in Diablo IV feel better than ever, as Rare items once again feel purposeful, and when it comes to Legendary items, you can imbue Aspects that you find into whatever item you want. This means that you can create your own Legendary item!
There are also powerful Unique items, some callback to the previous games... Diablo veterans will feel right at home here.
Defeat Lilith and Other Major Bosses
Boss fights are always the highlight of the Diablo games. The act-ending encounters are epic and memorable. We assume that at some point, you will have to battle Lilith, the face of Diablo IV, and we cannot wait to see what Blizzard has in store for that fight but expect something truly remarkable.
That being said, what other horrors await? Will we be graced by Diablo himself at the end of the game? I can't even begin to imagine how momentous and epic that showdown will be. We're picturing a partial homage to the Diablo from the past with some huge surprises.
Once again, do not forget to check out the Diablo IV Limited Edition Collection. Have you pre-ordered the game yet? Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest Diablo IV news, as we will be covering this game even more leading up to and through the opening of the server gates on June 6th! Join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries Diablo IV products! Some lucky viewers will win a complete kit with the entire collection of KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products, so you don’t want to miss any KontrolFreek streams this month!
]]>KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Switch Pro and Joy-Con
To fully appreciate the glory that is Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, you need the right equipment to help you feel as connected and in control of Link as possible. KontrolFreek now has No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con and Switch Pro Controllers! These extra-grippy thumbstick caps are super easy to apply to any Switch Pro or Joy-Con Thumbstick. Just flip the Thumb Grip inside out, place it on the thumbstick with the opening facing up so you can see the logo in the hole, then flip the edges of the Thumb Grip securely around the corners of the joystick.
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con come in an 8-pack with fun colors to mix and match with for only $12.99! We’re proud to share this solution for all of you Switch gamers in FreekNation that don’t use a Pro Controller. The best part about the Switch is it’s portability. We can play Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom from anywhere in the world with premium grip and control on the Nintendo Switch, while using the Joy-Con controllers, attached to the screen or not. Those Joy-Con thumbsticks aren’t the grippiest to start off with, and they can wear down over time. If you’ve been using the same Joy-Cons that came with the console since Breath of the Wild, then you can avoid having to buy another pair of Joy-Cons for close to $100 by buying an 8-pack of KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con for just $12.99! With KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con, upgrading the grip and control of your Joy-Cons is easier than ever.
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Switch Pro controllers come in an 8-pack of extra-grippy thumb grips for only $12.99 as well! These grips provide all the top-of-the-line grip and control you expect from KontrolFreek, but without the added height that you normally experience with Performance Thumbsticks. If you have larger hands or you are looking for some extra height on your Switch Pro Thumbsticks, check out our Performance Thumbsticks for Switch Pro. We’re playing Tears of the Kingdom using a Switch Pro Controller with a KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grip on the left stick for the added control and comfort while moving Link around, and a Mid-Rise Galaxy Performance Thumbstick on the right stick for a slightly increased arc distance when aiming or moving the camera around.
Settings
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s talk about any settings you are going to want to look at and adjust before you start playing. Honestly, as a Nintendo game, there aren’t too many adjustable options for Switch players to tinker with but there are a few notable settings that can make a difference.
Starting with Camera Sensitivity, if you’ve read any of our other controller tips articles, you’ll know that we always recommend setting your sensitivity to the highest you can and still be able to do a consistent 180-degree turn. The Default setting is painfully low, in our opinion, so we recommend increasing this to Very High.
Next up, let’s talk about Motion Controls, and this setting is going to be controversial. Personally, we loved when the Wii U Zelda games like Skyward Sword incorporated this feature into the game. It’s fun to point your controller at the screen and make fine aiming adjustments with motion controls before you let loose an arrow at your enemy’s crit spot, and you can still make the major aiming adjustments with your controller’s thumbsticks. Which is why we recommend turning motion controls ON, and we also recommend you experience how much easier it is to aim with No-Slip Thumb Grips or Performance Thumbsticks!
We recommend Locking the Minimap to North. This helps us remain oriented in the world around us so it’s easier to keep track of where we’re going and where we came from.
Tips For Beginners
Since there aren’t too many settings that can help you out in this game, we thought we’d offer a few very high level (spoiler free) tips for Legend of Zelda beginners and veteran heroes that are just getting started in this new installment.
Progress is everything in this game. Unlike recent games like Jedi Survivor, if you get a game over, you lose all progress that you made since your last save. We recommend you save as often as possible, and especially if you are low on hearts or in a scary situation. There is no shame in being scared and you will thank yourself when you prevent a major loss of progress due to game over.
Learning to Cook is essential to success in Tears of the Kingdom. Unless you are a god that never takes any damage, you are going to need to heal, and uncooked food will heal you half of the amount as that same food cooked, sometimes even more for certain recipes. Also, be sure to read the ingredient descriptions for what the potential effects are and stack items with similar effects. If you put speed boost ingredients and heat resistance ingredients in the same pot, the results will be a weakened version of only one of those effects, so pay attention to what you are cooking together. Most importantly, you want to keep a stock of at least 10-15 cooked meals at any time that you can heal yourself with or provide resistance to any elemental obstacles that might come up in your journey.
Fusing Weapons with other weapons and objects is not just tons of fun, it’s also very useful. A wooden stick will break easily and can only be used to smash other wooden objects, but a wooden stick fused with a boulder on the end has more durability, does more damage, and can smash boulders and other stone objects. Play around with fusing weapons and other items to create new weapons to take on your enemies and puzzles in any way you can dream of! Tears of the Kingdom offers the player and unparalleled level of freedom to create your own objects in the world of Hyrule that can change the game forever.
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content. Join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
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KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Switch Pro controllers come in an 8-pack of extra-grippy thumb grips for only $12.99! These Thumb Grips are super easy to apply to your controller. Just flip the Thumb Grip inside out, place it on the thumbstick with the opening facing up so you can see the logo in the hole, then flip the edges of the Thumb Grip securely around the corners of the joystick. These grips provide all the top-of-the-line grip and control you expect from KontrolFreek, but without the added height that you normally experience with Performance Thumbsticks. If you have larger hands or you are looking for some extra height on your Switch Pro Thumbsticks, check out our Performance Thumbsticks for Switch Pro.
For an adventure game like Legend of Zelda, we normally recommend a set of Low-Rise or Mid-Rise Thumbsticks but we’ve been rocking the No-Slip Thumb Grips on our Switch Pro controller for the last few weeks while we refresh ourselves on Breath of the Wild and they feel so good in our hands. We don’t need the added height from Performance Thumbsticks in Breath of the Wild, but the No-Slip Thumb Grips make our controller feel like it’s always even better than brand new!
KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con come in a separate 8-pack with fun colors to mix and match with! We’re proud to share this solution for all of you Switch gamers in FreekNation that don’t use a Pro Controller. The best part about the Switch is it’s portability. You can play your favorite games from anywhere in the world only on the Nintendo Switch, but most gamers utilize the portable features of the console with Joy-Con controllers, attached to the screen or not. Those Joy-Con thumbsticks aren’t the grippiest to start off with, and they can wear down over time. If you’ve been using the same Joy-Cons that came with the console since Breath of the Wild like us, than you can avoid having to buy another pair for close to $100 by buying a pack of KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con for just $12.99! KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Joy-Con, upgrading the grip and control of your Joy-Cons is easier than ever.
To apply them to your Joy-Con joytick, flip the Thumb Grip inside out, place it on the joystick with the opening facing up so you can see the logo in the hole, then flip the edges of the Thumb Grip securely around the corners of the joystick. Upgrading the grip, control, and style of your Joy-Cons and Switch Pro controllers has never been easier with KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Switch Pro and Joy-Con!
Check out our other KontrolFreek Blogs and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest gaming content. Join our Twitch streams for some always entertaining gameplay and opportunities to win free KontrolFreek and SteelSeries products!
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