ICYMI: the 8 biggest tech stories of the week, from Google's new AI video magic to WhatsApp on the iPad

If you're diving into Elden Ring's challenging Nightreign expansion and feeling overwhelmed, this guide offers practical tips to help new players take down the dreaded nightlords. It’s like having a seasoned gamer buddy whispering advice in your ear—no fluff, just actionable strategies to survive the darkness.

Editor’s Note: Elden Ring's Nightreign expansion is notoriously tough, and players are always hungry for ways to level up their gameplay. This piece matters because it cuts through the frustration with clear, helpful advice, making the game more enjoyable (and less rage-inducing) for newcomers. Plus, who doesn’t love feeling like a hero after slaying a seemingly impossible boss?

If you're hoping to take Elden Ring Nightreign on the go with your Steam Deck, you might hit some snags. The game's demanding multiplayer features could push Valve's handheld to its limits, making for a less-than-smooth experience.

Editor’s Note: For Steam Deck owners, this is a bummer—especially if you were counting on portable Elden Ring sessions. It highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing cutting-edge games with handheld performance, and it might make you think twice before buying Nightreign for on-the-go play.

FromSoftware just dropped a patch for Elden Ring that might level the playing field for solo players. The notoriously tough game has often felt stacked against lone wolves, but these "Nightreign" tweaks could make going it alone a little less punishing—without sacrificing the brutal charm fans love.

Editor’s Note: Elden Ring is a masterpiece, but its steep difficulty has left some solo players feeling locked out. This update signals the devs are listening—balancing challenge and accessibility, which could keep more players in the fight (and the fanbase happy).

If you're diving into Elden Ring: Nightreign and feeling the struggle with limited healing, here's a handy tip—seek out churches with Statues of Marika early on. These spots let you upgrade your healing flasks faster, giving you a much-needed edge in the game's brutal world.

Editor’s Note: For players tackling Elden Ring’s punishing difficulty, every bit of healing matters. This tip helps newcomers and veterans alike by pointing them toward a key early-game advantage, making those tough early battles a little less daunting. It’s the kind of practical advice that can turn frustration into progress.

In a surprising twist, former President Donald Trump has reversed his decision on his chosen nominee to lead NASA just before the announcement was expected. The abrupt change adds another layer of unpredictability to the high-stakes process of appointing a leader for the space agency, leaving insiders and observers scrambling to understand the reasons behind the sudden shift.

Editor’s Note: NASA’s leadership is crucial for the U.S. space program, which involves everything from Mars missions to climate research. A last-minute flip-flop like this creates uncertainty—something science and policy experts hate—because it can delay key decisions and shake confidence in the agency’s direction. Plus, it feeds into the broader narrative of political turbulence around appointments, which isn’t great for stability in government roles.