Ah, AI. A word that a lot avoid like the plague. A word that can make a lot of players boycot the games that use such tools, just like they do with games that use Denuvo. And you know what? To a point, I can understand it. YouTube has been bombarded with fake AI videos. … Continue reading This AI Remake of The Witcher 3 Will Leave You Speechless→
As I wrote in my PC Performance Analysis a few months ago, Borderlands 4 had serious performance problems when it launched on PC. The game was poorly optimized and had many technical issues. Now, in December 2025, a big new PC update has been released, and it promises to fix many of those problems. Going … Continue reading Borderlands 4 Gets a Major Performance Update on PC→
Razer is offering a great deal on its best gaming chair for the holidays. Only at Razer.com, you can get the flagship Razer Iskur V2 gaming chair for just $399.99 with free delivery . That's $250 off its usual $650 retail price. This is a more premium product than both the Razer Iskur X and the Razer Enki.
Save $250 Off the Razer Iskur V2 Gaming Chair
We like the Razer Iskur V2 here at IGN. It made it into our 2025 gaming chair buying guide. We also reviewed it earlier this year and gave it a 9/10 rating. This is a premium chair through and through, featuring a durable steel frame with aluminum wheelbase, high-performance PU leather upholstery, an extra wide seat that covers heights up to 6'2" and decked out in dual density foam, and an included ultra-soft memory foam head pillow.
There's plenty of adjustability here too. Your customization options include 6D adjustable lumbar, 4D armrests, and 152 degrees of recline alongside more standard features like height and tilt adjust.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Audible's new Harry Potter full-cast audiobook series is already receiving its second entry. This new form of the Harry Potter books kicked off just last month with a unique interpretation of The Sorcerer's Stone, and you'll soon be able to listen to the second book starting on December 16.
If you're curious about this series, you can currently grab a free 30-day trial of Audible directly from Amazon to listen at no cost. Audible is also still running a deal that gets you three months of the service for only $0.99 until December 16. I had the chance to listen to the full audiobook for The Sorcerer's Stone when it released in November and genuinely loved it. At just over eight hours, I though it was a unique experience that landed somewhere between reading the books and watching the films. I'll definitely be listening to The Chamber of Secrets as soon as it comes out.
Audible has already announced release dates for the full line-up of these audiobooks. All seven of the books in the series will be getting the full-cast treatment with new releases every month from now until May 2026.
Who's in the Voice Cast?
The official Harry Potter website released a full list of voice actors we know about after the first audiobook. More cast announcements are on their way for the second book, but here's the core list of names we know so far:
Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore
Matthew Macfadyen as Voldemort
Riz Ahmed as Snape
Michelle Gomez as McGonagall
Mark Addy as Rubeus Hargrid
Adeel Akhtar as Argus Filch
Jude Farant as Draco Malfoy
Cush Jumbo as Narrator
Frankie Treadway as Harry (Books 1-3)
Max Lester as Ron (Books 1-3)
Arabella Stanton as Hermione (Books 1-3)
Jaxon Knopf as Harry (Books 4-7)
Rhys Mulligan as Ron (Books 4-7)
Nina Barker-Francis (Books 4-7)
As you may have noticed, the voice actors for Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the same for the first three books and then shift to new people. This is due to Audible launching all of these audiobooks within the span of seven months rather than over years of time. We don't yet know what these character's voices will sound like in the jump between The Prisoner of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire, but we can assume that they will be more mature.
Jacob Kienlen is a Senior Audience Development Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor's degree in communication and over 8 years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different pop culture topics -- from TV series to indie games and books.
Looking for a cheap (under $20) item that's sure to be a hit for your tech-savvy giftee? Then check out this really run STEM toy for both kids and adults, now on sale at a pretty deep discount. Amazon is currently offering Amazon Prime members the Syma S107H-E RC Helicoptor for just $19.88 after you apply coupon code "N5NYAFZR". According to camelcamelcamel, the price has hovered consistently around $50 for most of the year. Everything you need to get off the ground is included, including the remote control and rechargeable batteries.
Syma Remote Controlled Helicopter for Under $20
The S107H-E RC Helicoptor is easy to use, even if you've never flown RC choppers before. The helicopter itself is small, lightweight, with a sturdy metal alloy body that's built to withstand rough landings, bumps, and even crashes.
The remote is deceptively simple with just two joysticks. The left joystick controls throttle and yaw (up/down, left/right while holding in place). The right joystick controls pitch (forward and back). Beginner-friendy features include one button takeoff and landing, an "altitude hold" feature that keeps the chopper at a constant height, and two speeds.
The chopper can last about 8 to 10 minutes before needing to recharge. You don't need to remove the batteries, simply plug the included USB cable into the body of the chopper. Keep in mind that this chopper is mostly for indoor use; it's so lightweight that it wouldn't be able to cope with any kind of wind if you try it outside.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
The Lord of the Rings has maintained its cultural significance since the 1950s through books, movies, and now television, expanding a fandom that stretches across generations, which makes it an excellent starting point as you shop for the One Gift in 2025. Now that the holidays are almost here, a good LotR gift idea could be just what you need to bring some Middle-earth flavored joy into the equation.
Top The Lord of the Rings Gifts
There’s no shortage of options for the Lord of the Rings fans in your life, so we’ve narrowed down the best gifts across different areas of interest, from must-have movie and book sets to collectibles of all kinds. There's a little something for everyone here.
Gifts for Fans of the Books
Our top pick for Lord of the Rings readers is this gorgeous 1,248-page compilation of the full trilogy featuring 30 maps and sketches illustrated by Tolkien himself. With unique cover art and red-sprayed edges, this edition of Tolkien’s fantasy saga is an eye-catching addition to any bookshelf that holds within it one of the greatest and most beloved works of fantasy.
You can also pick up the massive Deluxe Illustrated editions of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion, all of which have reduced prices at Amazon. We've also included a couple of popular book sets as well and other coffee table books worth adding to your collection below. These are some of our overall favorite gifts for readers in general, so definitely worth considering.
Gifts for Fans of the Movies
Our top pick is a fairly new release that came out last December. This collection bundles the theatrical and extended cuts of all three Lord of the Rings movies with faux-leather packaging and a high-quality replica of the One Ring engraved with the same Elvish text seen in the book/movies: “One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
If you'd rather pick up each trilogy separately, you can do so in their own 4K collection. You can also pick up War of the Rohirrim, the most recent animated film as well. There are a lot of different LotR Blu-rays available, but we've found that the box sets make for the best overall gifts and are usually less expensive than buying individually.
Gifts for Fans of LEGO
The LEGO Balrog Book Nook set is great for fans of the books looking to give their bookshelves an extra flair, and the size of this set pair nicely with the Deluxe Illustrated Editoins of Tolkien's collected works. We built the set earlier this year, and highly recommend it for both LEGO fans and avid readers. It's one of the best LEGO gifts of 2025.
One of the other awesome Lord of the Rings LEGO sets we recommend is a majestic depiction of the Elven settlement Rivendell, complete with 15 minifigures and movable models of key locations like Frodo’s bedroom and the Council of Elrond. The 6,167-piece set is sure to keep its new owner busy well into the season. Kevin Wong, LEGO fanatic and builder, said the LEGO set is "an epic tribute to Fellowship" froom his LEGO build guide from earlier this year. And finally, more recently LEGO released a Shire set that is also quite delightful and about half the price of Rivendell.
Gifts for Fans of Board Games
Our top pick is the perfect gift for experienced board game players. War of the Ring is an expertly crafted, fairly advanced strategy game for 2–4 people that pits the armies of the Free Peoples against those of the Shadows in a battle for Middle-earth.
Outside of that game there are actually quite a few other Lord of the Rings tabletop options available. If you're looking for a re-skinned version of a classic, you can pick up LotR Monopoly or even a themed chess set. Tolkien's world makes for a really cool chess set if you don't mind spending a bit of money to snag one.
Gifts for Fans of Magic the Gathering
The Lord of the Rings starter kit provides two gifts in one: the cards themselves and the ability to immediately jump into the game with two ready-to-play, 60-card decks. It’s a great value at $20, and it’s our top pick for those looking to learn the ins and outs of MtG with a friend. Be sure to also see the best Magic the Gathering gift list which also includes these LOTR highlights!
Gifts for Chronic Puzzlers
There are a lot of great jigsaw puzzles for adults out there, but Lord of the Rings puzzles are some of the most enticing. J.R.R. Tolkien's world has been expanded beyond well beyond the movies and books all kinds of merchandise, so it shouldn't be too surprising that there are some enticing jigsaw options worthy of gifting as well.
We've featured the theory11 puzzle because it has the same look and feel of illustrated Lord of the Rings books. It's a cool design that is worthy of hanging on the wall when you're done. But there are plenty of other Lord of the Rings puzzles where that came from, including 3D builds that are a much cheaper LEGO alternative.
There are a lot of great jigsaw puzzles for adults out there. If anything, there are way too many options to choose from. Because of this, it can sometimes help to narrow down your search to a specific franchise you love and then start looking for options within that. You can never go wrong with a puzzle depicting one of your favorite stories or characters, and the end result can sometimes even be display worthy.
One such franchise that has some great puzzle options is The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien's world has been expanded beyond books to be portrayed in movies, video games, and even LEGO sets, so it shouldn't be too surprising that there are some enticing jigsaw options too. I've found seven of the best best Lord of the Rings puzzles that are available online right now. All of these would make for a great gift for any adult LotR fan in your life.
TL;DR — These Are the Best Lord of the Rings Puzzles
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Puzzle
Best Overall
If you're a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies like I am, then this Return of the King puzzle is an excellent option. It features main characters and scenes from the final film in the trilogy and has a nice border around the whole thing. You've got Frodo struggling to drop the ring into the fires of Mount Doom, Gandalf in the heat of battle, and Aragorn accepting his rightful role as king. What more could you need?
This puzzle was also made by Ravensburger, which is one of the best overall puzzle brands out there. Every piece is unique and fits together perfectly. If you like the idea of a movie-themed puzzle, there are actually quite a few movie poster puzzles available I'd recommend you check out. We also have a pretty substantial guide for the Lord of the Rings movies on Blu-ray that's worth checking out if you don't already own the films.
theory11 Lord of the Rings Jigsaw Puzzle
Coolest Design
The main reason this theory11 puzzle is featured here is because it just flat out looks awesome. The design of this 1,000-piece puzzle has a similar look and feel to some of the original illustrations from J.R.R Tolkien himself. The green and gold colors also go really well together with the illustrated style.
If you like the look and feel of illustrated Lord of the Rings books, you'll like how this puzzle comes together. It's a great option if you are looking for something to frame and display once it's completed. This brand also has some really cool Harry Potter puzzles if you're interested in more like this from a different franchise.
Barad-Dur Eye of Sauron 3D Model Kit
Best 3D Puzzle
Although the standard jigsaw puzzles on this list are all great options, there's a growing market of model kits for adults out there that bring puzzles into 3D space. This particular puzzle kit from 4D Build features the massive tower of Sauron in all its glory. Unlike many other model kits, it doesn't require any glue or tools to put together.
Another great option for anyone looking for a puzzle worthy of displaying somewhere is this 1,000-piece map of Middle Earth. The map features prominent locations from the story with the Shire as a focal point. Since this is the map from the Hobbit, it doesn't include every location in Middle Earth, but it is the overall best Lord of the Rings map puzzle I've been able to find. You can always browse the interactive map online if you want to see where Mordor and Gondor are located.
Hobbit House Puzzle
Best for Beginners
While I prefer the challenge of a good 1,000- or 2,000-piece puzzle, not everyone likes digging through a mountain of pieces to complete a picture. This simple 100-piece puzzle is a great option for beginners or casual puzzlers who just want something easy to put together in an afternoon. The image itself depicts a lovely Hobbit home in New Zealand and it's an actual destination you can visit!
Aquarius Lord of the Rings Triptych Puzzle
Best Movie Poster Alternative
This last puzzle is my top pick for anyone looking for an alternative to movie posters. This is essentially all three movie posters from the trilogy on top of a map, but in puzzle form. So you'll be able to piece together the image and then have something worth hanging on your wall. This is an awesome gift for any Lord of the Rings fan who loves the movies and puzzles.
LotR-Themed Book Nook
Best Book Nook Puzzle Kit
Technically, there is an official Lord of the Rings book nook you can buy, but it's actually a LEGO set. The LEGO version is a recreation of Gandalf taking on the Balrog in that epic "You shall not pass" moment from the books and movies. But that LEGO set will cost you $130. If you're interested in the idea of building an LotR book nook of your own that won't destroy your budget, I recommend checking out this knock-off version on Amazon. It comes complete with a ring, and nice little scene, and LED lighting. If you ignore the fact that it says 'Spirit Valley of Magic Rings' on the side then you're golden.
There are actually a ton of cool book nook puzzle kits out there, but none of them are licensed to specific IP in the same way other puzzles are.
Tips for Choosing the Best Puzzle for You
If you're fairly new to puzzles or are looking to purchase one as a gift for someone else, there are a few things you'll need to consider before you buy, even for Lord of the Rings puzzles.
How many pieces is it?
You can determine how difficult a jigsaw puzzle will be based on a few factors. The first and most obvious question to ask is how many pieces is it? A 100-piece puzzle is more ideal for kids or beginners, a 500-piece puzzle is great for intermediate puzzlers, and a 5,000-piece puzzle is a true undertaking. If you want a relaxing puzzle you can do in an afternoon or with a young kid, you should stick to 300 pieces or less.
What size is it?
Another important thing to consider is how much room it's going to take up. Even smaller puzzles can be pretty big and if you don't have room for it on your table, it's going to be hard (or even impossible) to put together. This is especially true for larger puzzles that will take days to complete; the table where you eat meals might not be its ideal home if it's going to take up the whole thing. This is where a decent puzzle board or mat can really make a difference.
What does the picture look like?
The last thing to consider is the actual image itself. Obviously you want to choose a puzzle of something you like, but you should also consider the composition of the image itself – certain qualities will make the puzzle more of a headache to put together than others. Do the colors blend together? Is there a lot of empty space? Puzzles with more unique elements will be easier to put together than something with a bunch of clear blue sky, for example.
Do you plan on displaying it?
In many cases it's fun to just put a puzzle together and then pack it back into a box for later. But if you're looking for a more permanent situation for your finished puzzle, you'll want to think about that ahead of time. If you are planning on putting it on your wall or framing it, then you'll want to pick up a puzzle that works well for that. Map puzzles are a great option for displaying as well as 3D puzzles that are more akin to a model kit.
Holiday shoppers, there's still time. We're still in that peak window where you can reliably get your orders delivered before Christmas, often with free shipping. If you've missed out on the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals bonanza, don't fret. You still have opportunities to pick up some amazin gifts for the holidays and save a ton of money while you're at it. There are plenty of great deals on popular tech products like gaming handhelds, AirPods, video games, and more. In fact, most of these prices are lower than what I saw during Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Xbox Ally Z2 A Windows Edition
The Xbox Ally was released just two months ago, with the AMD Ryzen Z2 A model retailing for $599.99. Just for the holiday season, Walmart has docked it down to $489 after a nearly 20% off instant discount. The Xbox Ally is based on the ROG Ally platform but with Microsoft's collaboration. Alongside the new Ryzen Z2 A CPU is a 7" 1080p panel with 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. This gaming handheld runs off Windows 11 with Xbox integration.
Attack Shark X11 63g Gaming Mouse with Charging Base for $13
You don't need to overpay for a lightweight gaming mouse. The Attack Shark X11 costs about $30-$40 on Amazon, which is already pretty cheap. However, you can get it for way less than that directly from the manufacturer. Attack Shark's official AliExpress storefront currently has it for a mere $13.47. It ships free from a local US warehouse, so you don't need to worry about long shipping times or hidden tariff fees. The Attack Mouse X11 weighs only 63 grams and has 2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity options. It even comes with a charging base!
Buy Meta Quest 3, Get $100 Amazon Credit
Amazon just kicked off an excellent VR gaming deal for the holiday season. It's offering $100 in bonus Amazon digital credit when you purchase a Meta Quest 3 VR headset for $499.99 and apply coupon code "QUEST30". Order it now and you'll receive it before Christmas, even with the free shipping option for non-Prime members. The Meta Quest 3 is the best standalone consumer-oriented VR headset and is a significant upgrade compared to its cheaper Quest 3S sibling.
AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds (New All-Time Low Price)
Heads up: AirPods Pro 3 earbuds just got a new price cut that beats all previous deals, including Black Friday. Amazon and Walmart have once again lowered the price of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, this time dropping it down to $199. That's $20 lower than the Black Friday sale price, and a big drop compared to the retail price of $249. This would make a fantastic (albeit extremely generous) gift for any iOS user, even if that person already has an older generation AirPods Pro. The upgrades are more than just incremental this time around.
Syma Remote Controlled Helicopter for Under $20
Looking for a cheap (under $20) item that's sure to be a hit for your tech-savvy giftee? Then check out this really run STEM toy for both kids and adults, now on sale at a pretty deep discount. Amazon is currently offering Amazon Prime members the Syma S107H-E RC Helicoptor for just $19.88 after you apply coupon code "N5NYAFZR". According to camelcamelcamel, the price has hovered consistently around $50 for most of the year. Everything you need to get off the ground is included, including the remote control and rechargeable batteries.
40% Off LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant 71426
Nintendo and LEGO fans rejoice, because one of our favorite sets just got a major discount ahead of the holidays. Amazon has lowered the price of the LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant 71426 to just $35.99 after a 40% off instant discount. This happens to just barely clear the free shipping threshold for non-Prime members. The 18+ rating means that this set is relatively challenging, but I've built this one myself and I think it's a great set for builders of all ages. It would make a pretty amazing gift for the holidays and, unlike many new LEGO sets, won't cost an arm and a leg.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 SteelBook Cross-Gen Bundle for PS5
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 came out just a month ago and already there is an absolutely huge discount on it for the holiday season. Best Buy has the PlayStation Cross-Gen bundle, which includes both the PS4 edition and the enhanced PS5 edition, for just $39.99. Better yet, it even comes with a steelbook. Love it or hate it, BO7 is still one of the bigger releases of 2025. Seth Macy found the multiplayer component to be enjoyable, according to his review of the game.
Xbox Wireless Controller in Grinch Color
If you're planning to gift someone an Xbox or PC gaming controller for the holidays, then look no further than the official Xbox wireless controller. The Electric Volt colorway is down to $39.99 with free delivery at Amazon (it's normally $65). Not only is this one of the best Xbox controllers at this price point, it's also one of the best PC gaming controllers.
SteelSeries Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
Steelseries direct is currently offering PC gamers an outstanding deal on its top rated gaming headset. Right now you can pick up a blemished box SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless gaming headset for just $239.39 after coupon code "FROST10". Free delivery on your order as well. This is the lowest price I've seen for this headset, which is especially impressive now since SteelSeries recently raised the prices on its headsets as a response to the tariffs. Blemished box just means the packaging is slightly damaged, but the product itself is in perfect condition and has the same 1 year warranty.
Apple Watch Series 11 for $299
The recently released Apple Watch Series 11 just dropped to a price that's lower than the best deal I saw during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Amazon currently has several models available for just $299, or $100 off the retail price. This beats the Cyber Monday price by $30, making this the new lowest price I've seen. An Apple Watch would make a worthwhile upgrade for yourself if you're still rocking an Apple Watch 8 or older, or a great gift idea for any iPhone user.
$20 Cordless Electric Air Duster for PC
Keeping a tidy desk doesn't have to be labor intensive or expensive. Compressed air canisters used to be the standard but nowadays there is a better way. Most electric air dusters under $50 on Amazon are pretty much identical, so I'd recommend just getting whichever one is least expensive.
For Black Friday, Amazon is offering the JVSCAM Cordless Rechargeable Electric Air Duster (Air Blower) for just $19.98 after coupon code "U6C8Z5P7". Although I've seen this deal in the past, it is usually reserved only for Amazon Prime members. During Black Friday, it's available for everyone.
Fantik S1 Ace Precision Electric Screwdriver Set
Walmart is offering a great deal on a wonderful gift idea for anyone who is constantly fiddling with small electronics, building PCs, or modding consoles and controllers. Right now you can get the Fantik S1 Ace 3.7V Precision Cordless Screwdriver for just $21.99. Walmart states the list price is $100, but I've generally seen it closer to $50. Nevertheless, this is still a great deal on a versatile product.
$250 Off Razer's Top-End Iskur V2 Gaming Chair
Razer just dropped the price on its highest end gaming chair. The Razer Iskur V2 is normally priced at $649.99, but right now you can pick it up for $399.99 with free delivery. This is a more premium product than the Iskur X because it has 6D lumbar (vs fixed lumbar), 4D armrests (vs 2D), high-performance PU leather upholstery, and included memory foam head pillow.
34" Alienware AW3423DWF QD OLED Gaming Monitor
Follow these instructions for the extra $50 off:
You'll need to create an account if you haven't already (don't worry, it's free)
Once you've logged in, click on "My Account" under your account name on the top right
Click on "Dell Rewards" in the far left panel
Copy the 10% off Alienware Monitors coupon code
During Black Friday, Dell lowered the price of its venerable 34" Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED gaming monitor from $900 to just $499.99 shipped. That was a new historical price low, but today there's a way to get it for even less - $449.99 to be exact. It does require a bit of legwork to get the extra discount, but everyone should be eligible. The AW3423DWF is one of Alienware's highest end gaming monitors, with a gorgeous QD OLED panel, WQHD resolution, and a respectable 165Hz refresh rate. Alienware OLED monitors also include a 3 year warranty that includes OLED burn-in protection.
Sofirn High-Powered Flashlights for 50% Less Than Amazon
It's smart to have a light source on hand for emergencies, especially since everyday carry flashlights can be had for a throwaway price. Just in time for the holidays, Aliexpress is offering a great deal on two powerful Sofirn flashlights. These are popular amongst the enthusiast flashlight community. They're much more expensive if you bought them from Amazon, so why not save over 50% off by getting it direct from Sofirn's official AliExpress storefront. They ship free from a local US warehouse, which means no hidden tariffs or obnoxious shipping times. These would make a pretty great, and extremely practical, gift for the holidays, since they'll arrive before Christmas.
Sonos Cyber Sale Discounts Refurbished Speakers
Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be over, but Sonos has decided to continue the deals extravaganza with a new Cyber Sale. For this week only, you can score some new discounts on select certified refurbished soundbars, speakers, and subs. Sonos refurbished products come like new, in pristine packaging with all the original accessories. They even come with the same one year warranty as a brand new product.
Bambu P1S Combo with Multi-Filament Printing
Bambu is widely considered one of the premier 3D printer brands. The Bambu P1S printer is one of its most popular models and it went on sale for Black Friday, but sold out relatively quickly. Fortunately, it's back in time for the holiday season.
Best Buy has the Bambu P1S Combo 3D Printer with Automatic Material System for multi-color printing for just $549.99 after a $200 off instant discount. This printer was $899 when it first launched, but prices have been steadily dropping since then. This was one of the best 3D printer deals I saw during Black Friday and I'm glad it's back.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
The new LEGO Goonies set is just about perfect. It is a LEGO Ideas set, which means that a fan pitched a proof-of-concept model, which the LEGO community voted on. After approving the set, the LEGO designers formalized an "official build" of the original idea. The fan gets a percentage of the subsequent profits – a finder's fee or his or her contribution.
The set's 12 minifigures account for the film's entire main cast: Mike “Mikey” Walsh, Clark “Mouth” Devereaux, Richard “Data” Wang, Lawrence “Chunk” Cohen, Andrea “Andy” Carmichael, Stephanie "Stef" Steinbrenner, Brandon "Brand" Walsh, Sloth, Mama Fratelli, Francis Fratelli, Jake Fratelli, and One-Eyed Willy. On its outside, the set is a wreck of The Inferno, One-Eyed Willy's ship. On the inside, it is a tribute to every major set piece in the film. This is a thorough build that doesn't miss a narrative beat.
The LEGO Goonies set comes in a stylized box with a massive, detachable Copper Bones Skeleton Key on its front. Opening the box reveals a smaller, standard box inside, which contains 21 plastic bags – apparently, LEGO is still transitioning from plastic to paper. The instructions are spread across two instruction booklets. There is a single sticker sheet, but thankfully, most of the graphic elements are printed onto the bricks themselves, which will save you the anxiety of setting them on straight.
You build the set in four main chunks, which are fastened together at pin connection points to form the ship. The build felt like it took longer than it usually does, thanks to a whole lot of small, angular pieces. The process can occasionally feel fussy, because you're counting studs to ensure that every detail is in its right place. There's nothing so satisfying as bringing the two halves of the ship together, and having them meet in the middle. And there's nothing so demoralizing as being a single row off and having to redouble your efforts.
The build is fragile while you're putting it together. The designers incorporated holes to create the impression of rotting wood, which occasionally compromises structural integrity. But once the entire build is complete, the bricks reinforce against each other to create a stasis, and the set is sturdy enough to move around and place on the shelf of your choice.
There are so many little, neat details scattered throughout the build. Mikey, for example, has his inhaler, and Sloth has his Superman shirt with suspenders. Mama Fratelli (who always terrified me as a kid) has her signature black beret.
There's enough set locations in this build that if you wanted to, you could make a Goonies stop-motion movie out of it, and it would make perfect sense. There's the top floor, where Mama Fratelli gives the Goonies dirty glasses of water. There's the fireplace, which shifts to the side to reveal a hidden passage. There's the TV room where Chunk and Sloth meet for the first time, which has shackles hanging from the ceiling. There's an above-ground wishing well, which leads to a flat area covered with coins. The pirate ship area includes the Treasure room, which is covered with gold bars, doubloons, a pirate skeleton, and One-Eyed Willy himself. Elsewhere in the build, you can find the skeleton of Chester Copperpot.
Below ground is every major booby trap from the film, and most of them have mechanical functionality. Hit the organ keys, and the floor gives way. Turn the dial, and the trap door opens, leading to a bed of spikes. Crank the massive rocks up to the ceiling and then trigger them to fall, crushing the minifigures below.
LEGO The Goonies is expensive, retailing for $329.99. High prices demand a high standard, but too many companies take their audience for granted. To use a personal example: I took my family to Disneyland in California three years ago, despite increasingly prohibitive pricing. We had a great time, overall. But the most galling thing was when I went on The Haunted Mansion – my favorite ride since I was a kid. I realized that the Hitchhiking Ghosts effect – the climax of the entire experience – was broken. And when I got off the ride and asked an employee about it, she acknowledged that yes, they knew it was broken, and no, they didn't know when it would be repaired. For the prices Disney charges (at the time, $180 for a single-day pass), that's inexcusable.
"Cheap, efficient, good. Pick two," the saying goes – not one.
The simultaneous increase in price and decrease in quality – getting less while paying more – erodes brand trust, and it is an all-too-common pitfall for companies – like Disney – that make "quality" their reputation. For years, I've wondered if LEGO, in the midst of its global expansion, would fall into a similar complacency, and occasionally, I thought I saw signs of it. Because at the prices that LEGO charges, "good" is never enough. The sets have to be "great," every time.
But I'm happy to report that the LEGO Goonies set easily meets the company's highest standard. There's usually something missing – a minor character, a silly aside – even in sets that outwardly claim to be "complete." But this one follows through on its promise. I am hard pressed to think of anything noteworthy that the designers could have added but did not. It even includes the octopus, a "final boss" that was ultimately cut from the final film. That's the next-level sort of dedication that all sets like these should have.
LEGO The Goonies, set #21363, retails for $329.99, and it is composed of 2,912 pieces. It is available now, exclusively at the LEGO Store. It's currently on backorder (place an order and it will ship in 60 days), and for good reason.
Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He's also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.
Ever consider replacing your gaming headset with a pair of earbuds? Just in time for the holidays, Steelseries has dropped the price of its blemished box Steelseries Arctis Gamebuds for PlayStation 5 or PC to $125.99 (normally $200 new) with coupon code "FROST10". Get free delivery before Christmas. This is lowest price I've seen for the best dedicated gaming earbuds of 2025, even beating out Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
Steelseries Arctis Gamebuds for $125.99
I don't see as many gaming-specific earbuds as I do gaming headsets. In fact, this is Steelseries' first product release in the category. What makes this earbud more gaming focused is that it can be paired with a mobile app (for console, you use the Steelseries GG software for PC) preloaded with over 100 different audio presets customed tailored to specific video games and genres. Each earbud contains a 6mm neodymium magnetic driver that can simulate bass and spatial audio effects. Also, the Gamebuds connects to your PS5 or PC over a fast and reliable 2.4GHz wireless networking with the included USB Type-C dongle. No headset is complete without a built-in microphone, and the Gamebuds has a decent one, although not nearly as good as an extendable boom mic.
The Gamebuds can be used outside of gaming, of course. Like any good pair of in-ear buds at this price point, the Gamebuds features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and active noise cancellation. Three different sized eartipsa are included for a more customized fit. The battery life is below average at 10 hours, but a charging case is included that extends playtime to 40 hours before needing to recharge.
I have a pair of these myself and quite like it. I prefer these over standard headphones on hotter days, because my ears sweat profusely when I use traditional over-ear headsets. Not so with these Gamebuds.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
After a surge of popularity across streaming and social platforms, Canadian streaming service Crave and HBO Max announced the renewal of Heated Rivalry, the blockbuster hockey romance drama for a second season.
The announcement came from the stars of the show, Hudson Williams (who plays Shane Hollander) and Connor Storrie (who plays Ilya Rozanov) in an Instagram video. The two unwrapped a gift box which had "Heated Rivalry" written on one side of a hockey puck, and when turned over, the words, "Season 2" appeared.
Heated Rivalry is an orginal series on Crave, created by director, writer, and producer, Jacob Tierney and based off a fictional enemies-to-lovers novel by Rachel Reid, which follows rookie professional hockey players as they come up as superstar hockey players in the league, while also developing feelings for one another. Not only do they have to navigate being rivals – which the league and media are loving pushing into the limelight – but also their (somewhat confusing) feelings for one another, while hiding their personal secrets from everyone in their lives.
Since Heated Rivalry Season 1 released, it has become Crave's top original series of all time, with its viewership having increased almost 400% since it premiered on November 28.
Tierney and Executive Producer, Brendan Brady shared in a statement, “Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary. We’re profoundly grateful to everyone that has been on this journey with us. Being renewed for a second season so early is a true honor, and we can’t wait to bring you even more of what you love.”
Just one week before Heated Rivalry was set to air on Crave in Canada, HBO Max picked it up for US and Australian distribution, Storrie told Vanity Fair. Since then, other countries have been added for streaming rights, including New Zealand and Spain. HBO Max is making more deals to expand distribution globally in territories including Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Season 1 consists of six-episodes dropping weekly on Fridays at Midnight ET / 9pm PT, with episode 4 having dropped today, and the remaining episodes coming out on December 19 and the finale on December 26. Season 2 is rumored to have a longer season, and will follow the sequel book in Reid's LGBTQ+ series.
Stay tuned to IGN for more news on Heated Rivalry as the Season 1 finale gets closer!
Jessie Wade is Associate Director of Editorial Programming at IGN. You can find her playing cozy games on her Switch or watching the latest fantasy and drama shows, as well as getting lost in way too many fantasy romance books.
Give the gift of Sonos for Christmas. As part of a greater Sonos Cyber Sale on select certified refurbished sound bars, speakers, and subs, you can pick up the Sonos Arc for just $399 with free delivery before Christmas. That's nearly $500 less than its original retail price of $900. It's a better value than picking up the Arc Ultra, currently "on sale" for $879.
Sonos refurbished products go through rigorous testing; they come with all accessories, manuals, and documentation and are reshipped in "pristine" packaging. Most importantly, Sonos includes the same 1-year warranty as buying new. I like when retailers offer the same warranty as new because that means they have faith in the reliability of their refurbs.
Sonos Arc Soundbar (Refurbished)
The release of the Arc Ultra doesn't make the Arc any less of an outstanding speaker. The 45" soundbar houses eleven precisely engineered internal speakers, including three tweeters and eight midwoofers each paired with Class-D amplifiers. It's capable of room filling audio by itself, but you'd still benefit from a separate subwoofer to round out the low end. Unlike the Sonos Beam, which only has virtual height channels, the Arc has two physical height channels for true Dolby Atmos support. The Arc also has a built-in microphone for smart assistant compatiblity, including voice control.
Pair it with a subwoofer to round out the low end
The audio savvy knows that a single speaker isn't enough to reproduce an entire soundstage. If you could pick only one other speaker to supplement your existing one, then a subwoofer would make the most meaningful impact. If you want to add ground-shaking bass to your Sonos setup, there's still nothing better than a separate standalone subwoofer. The Sub 3 boasts plenty of power in the form of dual inward-facing 5"x8" woofers and a ported design that allows for a louder and deeper low-end.
Why Sonos?
If you're looking for an easy solution to add great sound to your home, then you've probably already heard of Sonos. Sonos speakers are very easy to set up, don't take a large amount of space, and most importantly, offer distortion-free room-filling audio. They're definitely pricier than budget options, but the sound quality is comparable to speakers that cost hundreds more or take up much more space.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has officially been named Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025, alongside multiple other wins. If that winning sweep has you jumping in for the first time (or returning for another playthrough), IGN has you covered with guides, explainers, and wikis to help you get started for your journey across The Continent.
What Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? Should You Play It?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG (it's kind of like Final Fantasy VII... kind of) set in the world of The Continent. It follows a group called Expedition 33 on a mission to destroy The Paintress, a mysterious figure who wipes out anyone over a certain age in a yearly ceremony called the "Gommage."
Alongside extremely unique turn-based combat, which emphasizes various skills and parries to deal damage to bosses with "tells" and plenty of secret weak points, you and your party explore various different areas, encountering enemies, finding treasure, and discovering what happened to other Expeditions that ventured out to beat the Paintress - and failed - before. You also can also build your team to deal ridiculous combo-based damage, something that hardcore players have come to love about Expedition 33.
If you're an RPG fan but don't have time to sink 100+ hours into them, Expedition 33 may be perfect for you. If you solely focus on the main story, you can expect to roll credits in around 28 hours. With side quests, this increases to 45 hours. If you're set on completing everything, it'll take roughly 65 hours. And if you want to beat a bunch of optional bosses with crazy builds, you can do that, too. Oh and we gave Expedition 33 a great score in our review if you want a more in-depth take!
How Combat Works in Expedition 33
As mentioned previously, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 features turn-based combat, which means that everyone in battle, including enemies, attacks one at a time, rather than everyone at once - think classic Final Fantasy, Persona, or Baldur's Gate 3.
You don't just wait for enemy attacks to hit you, though. Here, one of the main selling points is the ability to parry, dodge, and jump to avoid and counter attacks. When an opponent uses a move, you're able to press a button that, when timed right, either dodges, jumps, or parries to avoid damage completely or deal damage back to them.
When it comes to your own skills, these are powered by Pictos and Luminas. Pictos are special pieces of equipment that you equip to characters to grant special benefits and increase stats. Luminas, working hand-in-hand with Pictos, are special skills that unlock after you've won a battle with a Picto four times, and can be carried over and used with every member of your party.
Builds are a crucial part of combat in Expedition 33, and you'll need to pay mind to not only your Pictos and Luminas, but weapons and attributes. No matter the character, we've got Build Guides to help you plan, so you're always suited up in the best gear and stats.
If all this sounds confusing or overwhelming to you, head to our Combat Guide that explains everything you need to know about Expedition 33's battle system in more detail, including the more intricate mechanics we haven't covered here. For more combat and party-adjacent Game Help, check out:
After you set off on your journey to defeat the Paintress, you'll arrive at The Continent, which is essentially a giant overworld. Not only is this how you travel to new areas during the main story, but there are also enemies that roam around, waiting to be defeated (or avoided).
In addition, The Continent is home to various collectibles to find, Optional Bosses to take down, and Side Quests to complete. If you're a completionist, you can spend hours just on The Continent overworld alone, tracking down every item, Secret, and Easter Egg possible.
Our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 interactive map is the perfect companion tool to aid you in exploring The Continent. Not only does it lay the entire area out to help you plan your next move, but it also tracks essential locations, such as new areas, side quests, collectibles, and bosses, so you always know where to go to meet your objective.
We have plenty of Game Help available to help you in exploring and collecting everything that The Continent has to offer, including:
Released as a thanks to the community, the free Expedition 33 "Thank You" update was surprise-dropped during The Game Awards on December 11, 2025. It added new content, such as Luminas and weapons, bosses, Photo Mode, and a new environment to explore, plus a handful of improvements and bug fixes.
We'll have a full walkthrough of the new content soon, which we'll link here when available. For now, you can check out everything that was added on our Update 1.5.0 Patch Notes page.
Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her playing an RPG, getting Victory Royales in Fortnite, or cuddling her corgi.
Amazon just kicked off an excellent VR gaming deal for the holiday season. It's offering $100 in bonus Amazon digital credit when you purchase a Meta Quest 3 VR headset for $499.99 and apply coupon code "QUEST30". Order it now and you'll receive it before Christmas, even with the free shipping option for non-Prime members. The Meta Quest 3 is the best standalone consumer-oriented VR headset and is a significant upgrade compared to its cheaper Quest 3S sibling.
Buy Meta Quest 3, Get $100 Amazon Credit
The Meta Quest 3 costs $200 more than the Quest 3S at retail, and for good reason. Although the two share several similarities - they have the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, Touch Plus controllers with inside-out tracking, and mixed reality passthrough - the Quest 3 features far superior optics. The Quest 3 adopts a new pancake lens design that's slimmer, has a higher resolution (30% more pixels), wider FOV display, and a bigger "sweet spot". The Quest 3 also starts with more storage. I own it myself (and I reviewed it for IGN) and have logged over a thousand hours in Beat Saber alone.
TL;DR:
Quest 3 has sharper resolution (2064x2208 vs 1832x1920)
Quest 3 has better lens array (pancake vs fresnel)
Quest 3 has wider FOV (104°/96° vs 96°/90°)
Quest 3 has higher storage capacity (512GB vs 128GB)
Same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor
Same Touch Plus controllers
Same 120Hz refresh rate
Same Mixed reality passthrough functionality
Same tetherless and tethered functionality
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Through its (near-)consistent excellence, innovation, and longevity, Resident Evil games have earned their crown as the king of survival horror. Capcom debuted its world of mutants and mercenaries in 1996 and has since grown Resident Evil into a multimedia franchise that spans over two dozen console games, six films, two recent Netflix series, novels, comics, and even stage plays.
It can be an exciting franchise to explore given the amount of content it houses, though for the same reason, it can be an equally daunting series to approach in 2025. With the upcoming launch of Resident Evil: Requiem, this article focuses exclusively on video games and cuts out the convolution by presenting two ways to play only the most narratively significant and accessible Resident Evil games in order.
There are 10 core Resident Evil games: RE 0-7, Village, and Code: Veronica. However, the total number of Resident Evil console games — including spinoffs and remakes — sits around 30. That number rises near 60 when accounting for mobile and pachinko games.
Which Resident Evil Game Should You Play First?
Our overall suggestion for where to begin is with Resident Evil 4 Remake. It's the most visually/technically impressive RE remake to date and, thanks to its masterful mix of action and horror, arguably the best overall Resident Evil game in the franchise's nearly 30-year history. It's a largely self-contained story that doesn't require you to play each game that came before it.
However, if you prefer first-person horror, we recommend starting with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. It's the beginning of the Ethan Winters storyline and an excellent game that uses the more immersive first-person camera to heighten the horror.
How to Play the Resident Evil Games in Chronological Order
For this list, we’re focusing on 12 Resident Evil games: all 10 core entries and the two Revelations spinoffs. While many others are considered canon, this is not an exhaustive chronology, but rather an approachable guide to entering and enjoying the world of Resident Evil video games.
Missing from this list are mobile and pachinko games, light gun and Wii shooters (Resident Evil Survivor, Survivor 2, Dead Aim, Umbrella Chronicles, Darkside Chronicles), and non-canonical/non-consequential/difficult to access spinoffs (Resident Evil Gaiden, Outbreak, Outbreak: File #2, Mercenaries 3D, Operation Raccoon City, Resistance, Umbrella Corps, Re:Verse)
With series newcomers in mind, the brief plot synopses below contain only mild spoilers such as broad plot points and character introductions.
1. Resident Evil 0
Resident Evil 0 is the fifth game released in the series but the first chronologically. It takes place just before the events of Resident Evil, with Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) medic Rebecca Chambers and former marine Billy Coen discovering a train full of zombies in the Arklay Mountains (home to the Spencer Mansion). Billy and Rebecca uncover valuable information related to series villains Albert Wesker and William Birkin. We also learn more about the origins of the sinister Umbrella Corporation and its deadly T-Virus. The game wraps with Rebecca headed toward the mansion, where she’d serve as a supporting character in RE 1.
2. Resident Evil
The first Resident Evil came to PlayStation in 1996, though for those coming to the franchise in 2022, you’ll want to play the 2002 remake (or its more recent HD remaster), as it improves gameplay and expands on the story.
RE 1 picks up right after RE 0. You play as one of two S.T.A.R.S. agents — Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine — who come to the Spencer Mansion while investigating a series of murders in the woodlands outside of Raccoon City. Chris/Jill encounters the murderous, mutated victims of the T-Virus and uncovers key information about Umbrella and its biological experimentation.
3. Resident Evil 2
Taking place two months after RE 0 and 1, Resident Evil 2 introduces two new protagonists — rookie cop Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield (Chris’s sister) — each with their own connected yet distinct campaign. RE 2 also introduces the recurring character Ada Wong and the iconic Tyrant enemy.
We learn more about William Birkin and his work on an even more threatening virus called the G-virus. Leon/Claire uncover more disturbing details about the clandestine work of Umbrella, as well as its ties to the Raccoon Police Department.
The chronology gets dicey with Resident Evil 3, but for the sake of simplicity, we recommend playing it after 2. The first part of RE 3 takes place before the events of RE 2; the second part takes place after. You could play halfway through 3, pause, play through 2, then return for the second half of 3. However, playing RE 3 after 2 won’t detract from the experience or your understanding of the story. We chose to place it fourth on this list seeing as its conclusion progresses the overall narrative beyond RE 2.
You begin RE 3 as Jill Valentine, still coping with her experience from RE 1, trying to escape from an overrun Raccoon City. For part of the game, while Jill is indisposed, control shifts to her mercenary ally Carlos Oliviera. RE 3 also introduces Nemesis and reveals the fate of Raccoon City.
5. Resident Evil: Code – Veronica
Resident Evil: Code – Veronica advances the timeline by a couple of months and sees Claire Redfield continue the search for her brother Chris that began in RE 2. This time Claire’s search takes her to an Umbrella facility in France, where she escapes captivity and follows the trail to the southmost region of Earth.
Chris Redfield, one of the protagonists from the original game, returns as a second playable character in Code Veronica. Chris, like Claire, is looking for his sibling, and the search results in a meeting with series antagonist Albert Wesker.
6. Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4, arguably the series' most beloved entry, puts players back in the shoes of Leon Kennedy six years after his time in Racoon City during RE 2. Leon travels to a rural village in Spain on a mission to rescue the U.S. president’s daughter.
There, Leon encounters a cult and explores its ties to a mind-controlling parasite. The story that unfolds weaves together the narratives of two characters from Resident Evil's past: Albery Wesker and Ada Wong.
Resident Evil Revelations is set between the events of RE 4 and 5. It explores another consequence of Umbrella’s bioweapon development and introduces players to the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA).
Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield are now BSAA agents, with Jill serving as the game’s primary protagonist. The duo head to the Mediterranean to combat the use of T-Abyss, a new variant of the T-Virus.
8. Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5 is set five years after RE 4. Chris Redfield, as part of the BSAA, flies to Africa with his partner Sheva Alomar to prevent the black market sale of a bioweapon. The people of Kijuju, however, have already been infected with an enhanced version of the mind-controlling parasite seen in RE 4.
It’s a larger-scale story than past Resident Evils, though Chris also embarks on the more personal mission of finding his long-lost partner, Jill Valentine. We also learn of Albert Wesker’s latest nefarious plot.
Unlike past games in the series, RE 5 can be played cooperatively; the second player controls Sheva.
9. Resident Evil Revelations 2
Resident Evil Revelations 2 is set between RE 5 and 6. It brings Claire Redfield back into the spotlight for the first time since Code Veronica. The game is split into four episodes, with each episode divided into two parts: a past sequence with Clarie and Moira Burton and a present sequence with Barry Burton (Moira's father) attempting to locate them. The story introduces another antagonistic Wesker.
10. Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil 6 is an action-heavy adventure that tells an even more sprawling (and convoluted) tale than that of RE 5. It weaves together four campaigns starring Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Ada Wong, and a mercenary named Jake Muller.
The BSAA introduced in Revelations plays an important role in 6, as the quartet of protagonists work to squash the bioterrorist group Neo-Umbrella and prevent the spread of yet another mutant-creating virus (the C-Virus).
11. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
With Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Capcom reinvented the franchise in several ways: It’s RE’s return to mass acclaim and fandom following the largely disappointing fifth and sixth entries, it introduces a new protagonist in Ethan Winters, and most notably it switches the series’ longrunning perspective from third-person to first-person.
Despite all these changes, RE 7 still exists on the series canonical timeline, presumably taking place in the modern-day sometime after RE 6. The game is set in rural Louisiana, with the first part taking place in the home of the wonderfully insane Baker family. Its ties to past RE games are rather loose, though many of the series staples are here: clandestine human experimentation, bioweapons, and toward the end, a familiar face.
12. Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village is a continuation (and the conclusion) of Ethan Winters’s story, set three years after the events of RE 7. Biohazard and Village stand on their own as a duology of games. Though Village includes a few more ties to the series’ past, including a more prominent role for the aforementioned “familiar face” and further information about the origins of Umbrella.
A post-credits scene extends the timeline even further. We’ll save the details, but those curious can read on to the next section for a bit more context.
Bonus: Shadows of Rose DLC
Picking up shortly after Village’s post-credits scene (16 years after the main story of Village), Shadows of Rose progresses the Resident Evil timeline further than any game before it. Assuming the events of Village take place in 2021, Shadows of Rose brings the franchise into the near future of 2037.
The 3-4 hour DLC stars Ethan’s daughter Rose, who attempts to rid herself of the unwanted powers inherited from her father.
How to Play the Resident Evil Games by Release Date
Resident Evil (1996)*
Resident Evil 2 (1998)*
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)*
Resident Evil: Code – Veronica (2000)*
Resident Evil 0 (2002)*
Residet Evil 4 (2005)*
Resident Evil 5 (2009)*
Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)
Resident Evil 6 (2012)*
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)*
Resident Evil Village/Shadow of Rose (2021/2022)*
*Mainline Resident Evil games
The Future of Resident Evil Games
There's plenty to look forward to from this iconic horror series. In late 2023, Capcom confirmed they're working on more RE remakes, and some reports suggest Resident Evil Zero and Code Veronica are up next.
Capcom isn't just looking to previous games, however. The studio confirmed that Resident Evil 9 was in development last year, and a full reveal trailer for what is officially titled Resident Evil Requiem was presented at Summer Games Fest.
Helmed by Resident Evil 7's director Koshi Nakanishi, the first trailer showed Raccoon City after it was destroyed in an attempt to contain the virus. The trailer also introduced Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst and daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft.
While some theorists were early to believe the game would feature none other than Leon Kennedy, Capcom initially outwardly denied those rumors with an interesting justification. Then, of course, Leon was revealed as the game's second protagonist at the 2025 Game Awards. Grace's gameplay will place greater emphasis on story and survival, while Leon will bring the good ol' actoin.
An RTS mobile game allegedly developed in close collaboration with Capcom, titled Resident Evil Survival Unit, is also set to hit Android and iOS in late 2025. In the meantime, Capcom's social media has presented Leon with a particular strong threat: the Duolingo owl.
Jordan covers games, shows, and movies as a freelance writer for IGN.
When it comes to fantastical book series that shaped our childhoods, Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians is one of the best. With season two of the Percy Jackson Disney+ series now available to stream, we're here to lay out what makes the books so special and the order you need to read the books in to make the most of the series. Below we've outlined the full timeline to help guide you on your reading journey.
Imagine a world where modern Greek gods have children with the powers of demigods. That's the fantastical concept at the center of the Percy Jackson and The Olympians book series. Created by Rick Riordan, the stories begins following the titular son of Poseidon as he traverses the secret world of mythical gods, goddesses, and their superpowered offspring. Over the original series and two sequel series The Heroes of Olympus and The Trials of Apollo, the world has expanded massively bringing new characters and new generations of fans to the Greek-myth inspired universe that has been enchanting readers since 2005.
How Many Books are in the Series?
There are a total of 18 books in the Percy Jackson universe, which are spread across three different series. The original Percy Jackson and the Olympian series features 7 books as of 2025 with the release of Wrath of the Triple Goddess just last year.
Percy Jackson Book Sets
If you're looking to add a collection of books to your shelves at home, there are a few box sets available. Below are links to both the paperback and hardcover versions for each series:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Books in Order
Below is how to read the Percy Jackson series chronologically. There's a bit of a time jump between The Last Olympian and Chalice of the Gods, but the timeline is further explained on Rick Riordan's website if you need more info.
1. The Lightning Thief
In the original novel that sparked off the series, Percy Jackson, discovers that his normal life is not what it seems. Rather than being a normal 12 year old trying to get through school with ADHD and Dyslexia, he's actually a demigod! His life is turned upside down when he's accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. It's not just that he's accused of being a thief though, as he also learns that he's the son of none other than the god Poseidon. Soon he's swept away to a summer camp for demigods known as Camp Half-Blood where he must solve the mystery of Zeus' stolen master bolt and find his way as the son of a god that he's never known.
2. The Sea of Monsters
After discovering Camp Half-Blood and his new life in the first book, in The Sea of Monsters Percy and his friends have to come together to save the place they first met. When the magic that protects the camp begins to fail the crew must head to the titular ocean in order to find a powerful artifact. But they don't have much time and in case you didn't realize the Sea of Monsters is filled with just that. Many, many dangerous creatures fill the pages of this epic adventure, as Percy navigates rough seas and family secrets as he tries to save the day.
3. The Titan’s Curse
As the title hints, this story pushes the Greek mythology of Percy Jackson into the realm of the legendary Titans. When Percy is enlisted to help his old friend Grover he knows something dangerous must have happened, but not even he can guess what's coming. New demigods are on the horizon and with them comes the threat of one of the oldest beings in the world Kronos who hasn't forgiven the teens for besting him. That's not all though as there's also the matter of a massively powerful ancient monster, and the titular curse to keep them busy.
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth
Though he's starting freshman year, things are far from normal for Percy Jackson. With the war between the Titans and the Gods threatening to spill over into every part of life he can barely catch a break, so when demon cheerleaders show up at school he can't believe his bad luck. Reimagining the classic Greek Myth of Daedalus and the Minataur, Percy and his Camp Half-Blood buds have to venture deep into the depths of the Earth to defeat the challenges of an intricate maze in order to stop the destruction of all that they hold dear.
5. The Last Olympian
It's a race to save the legendary Mount Olympus as Percy and his friends must come together in order to defeat the Titans. Luckily they've been training all year for just this but as Kronos starts his attack on New York, can the young demigods actually stand against him? This is the epic finale to the battle that began long ago in The Lightning Thief and throws the mythical world of Camp Half-Blood onto the streets of Manhattan for a world-changing fight of the ages.
The Heroes of Olympus Books in Order
1. The Lost Hero
Introducing a new roster of young characters to root for, this book centers on a demigod named Jason who loses his memory on a school trip and ends up becoming entangled in the world of the Olympians. After revealing his powers and being taken to Camp Half-Blood, Jason and his friends must help find the now missing Percy Jackson. But as they undertake their quest they discover some shocking truths about Camp Half-Blood and come up against its rival Camp Jupiter. This super fun expansion of the Percy Jackson universe melds Greek and Roman mythology to set up a whole new series of Olympian adventures!
2. The Son of Neptune
Fans were desperate to know what happened to Percy and in the second Heroes of Olympus book they got an insight into his new status quo. Just like Jason, Percy has lost his memory and in a shocking twist finds himself on the run in California with nowhere to turn. Helped by Roman deities and new friends, Percy manages to reach Camp Jupiter discovering that Camp Half-Blood isn't the only demigod training ground in America. As always Percy ends up wrapped up in a mythological battle with huge stakes but this time he's surrounded by Roman gods!
3. The Mark of Athena
What should have been a celebratory reunion for Annabeth and Percy is overshadowed by the threat of war as Camp Jupiter prepares to face down a foe of mythological proportions. The young Demigod takes center stage in this epic seafaring adventure that sees our young heroes travel to Rome in order to connect with the Demigods there, all the while Annabeth tries to work out her place in the story as the daughter of Athena and hero of Olympus.
4. The House of Hades
It's a quest to escape the underworld when Annabeth and Percy find themselves there after the events of Mark of Athena. In their journey to find the Doors of Death, the duo and their friends who are still in the mortal world will have to work together in order to survive. As if Hades wasn't enough to contend with someone trying to raise the Greek iteration of Mother Earth, Gaea, which the kids also have to stop. Who said it would be easy being a Demigod?
5. The Blood of Olympus
In the final novel from The Heroes of Olympus series, Percy and Annabeth have to battle the horror of Gaea along with their crew in order to stop the deities' horrific plan. As the title suggests she needs the blood of Demigods to truly rise but luckily the Demigods have each other, though they'll have to solve the brewing tension between Camps' Half-Blood and Jupiter before they can really come together and solve their Titan sized problem.
Bonus: The Demigod Diaries
Although not directly connected to the Heroes of Olympus series, The Demigod Diaries includes additional short stories set in the Percy Jackson universe. Also included is new artwork and some games.
The Trials of Apollo Books in Order
1. The Hidden Oracle
In the second spin-off of the Percy Jackson and the Olypians series, Zeus is back to his old terrible father shenanigans as he transforms his son — the god Apollo — into a teenager and banishes him to New York City. Once on Earth he has to enlist the help of a Demigod named Meg and of course the heroic Percy Jackson to save the day and earn the forgiveness of his father. This means he'll have to wrangle control of the Five Oracles which will take the crew on another mythologically charged adventure through Riordan's fantastical world.
2. The Dark Prophecy
Continuing the story of Apollo and his quest to find the Oracles in order to take his place as a god once again. Alongside his Demigod buddies, Apollo must venture across America in order to free the next Oracle, all the while battling against mythical creatures and the mysterious Triumvirate Holdings, along with one of its leaders Commodus. Expanding the new lore introduced in The Trials of Apollo this is a gripping continuation of the Percy Jackson series.
3. The Burning Maze
Apollo's battle against the evil emperors of Triumvirate Holdings takes center stage here as he comes up against multiple mythological creatures and famed historical figures. You'll catch appearances from Caligula, Madea, Strix, and even Caligula's favorite horse Incitatus. This is another epic adventure that pits Apollo against fearsome foes and tragic losses as he unravels the Triumvirate's shocking plans and tries to regain his immortality while keeping his friends safe. And trust us when we say that's not an easy set of responsibilities to juggle.
4. The Tyrant’s Tomb
The penultimate book in the Trials of Apollo series takes Apollo and friends to the edge as they find themselves up against the brutal Caligula and his followers. In order to help protect Camp Jupiter from the onslaught of Triumvirate Holdings, Apollo and his crew must venture into the ancient tomb of a terrifying tyrant that will put them in more danger than ever before. It'll also lead to the final trial of Apollo, which will define and seal his fate forever.
5. The Tower of Nero
In the final Trials of Apollo book the stage is set for an epic battle back in New York City. It's all been leading to this as the young god and his demigod buds have come up against their biggest foe yet. It's an epic finale with massive stakes as mythical families are reunited, friendships are tested, and Apollo finally learns whether or not he's done enough to return to his place on Mount Olympus. But if you're desperate for more stories in this universe, don't despair as there's one more standalone novel that ties into the world of Percy Jackson.
6. The Sun and the Star
Bringing two fan favorite characters to the forefront of their own story, The Sun and the Star centers on Nico di Angelo and Will Solace who were introduced in earlier Percy Jackson novels. Nico is the son of Hades which means that life is far from easy for him, and as the son of Apollo, Will has had his fair share of adventures too. But when Nico starts hearing a voice calling him to the depths of the underworld the pair are tested like never before, in this story that will sate the appetites of Percy Jackson fans everywhere, especially those who miss Camp Half-Blood.
What's Next for the Percy Jackson Series?
Following the recent release of Wrath of the Triple Goddess, Rick Riordan will be adding a final book to this trilogy. He stated this clearly in a November 2024 update where he confirmed he "will be writing the third and final ‘Senior Year Adventure’ about Percy Jackson’s quest to get into college". We don't yet know the name of the upcoming book, but we know it will somehow involve Percy acquiring his final recommendation letter. Once that book wraps up, the future of the Percy Jackson books is unclear. Rick Riordan did mentione in a recent interview with IGN that he has dozens of unfinished novels, but it's unclear if those will ever become part of the Percy Jackson universe.
As for the TV show, we already know that season 3 of the series has begun filming. The third installment of the show will be adapting the third book, The Titan's Curse. Whether or not the show gets renewed for more seasons will likely be dependent on how well season 2 does on Disney+ this year.
Rosie Knight is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything from anime to comic books to kaiju to kids movies to horror flicks. She has over half a decade of experience in entertainment journalism with bylines at Nerdist, Den of Geek, Polygon, and more. Rosie is a published comics author who has written titles including Godzilla Rivals vs. Battra and The Haunted High-Tops. She co-hosts the weekly Crooked Media pop-culture podcast X-Ray Vision. When she's not writing, you can find her playing Dragon Ball FighterZ or rewatching weird old horror and martial movies in her free time. She loves making comics and zines as well as collecting VHS and reading much manga as humanly possible. You can find her on social at @rosiemarx.
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