There are few things in gaming as intense and nerve-wracking as the Weekend League in EA FC 26, especially for those chasing that elusive Rank 1. In a competitive environment full of unpredictability, questionable matchmaking, and the ever-present specter of soft hackers on PC, even the best players find themselves emotionally overwhelmed [Fut 26 Coins](https://www.eld.gg/Fc-26/Coins.html). This article explores the raw, unfiltered experience of a Rank 1 grind in EA FC 26. It's not about tactics or meta formations. It's about the human side of the game: the stress, the passion, and the letdowns that come from putting everything on the line - only for the game to give back a mixed bag. The Pressure Cooker of Competitive Play It starts like many elite runs do - high tension, high stakes. At 14-0, the pressure is unbearable.Every touch of the ball, every defensive decision becomes magnified when you know a single misstep could ruin a flawless weekend. It's not just about the opponent - it's about the game itself. EA FC 26, like many of its predecessors, is notoriously unpredictable. One moment you're dominating, the next you're conceding from kickoff to a near-post driven shot from an 82-rated striker. The 15th Game: A Battle of Nerves The final game is always the hardest. At 14-0, the stakes are monumental. One win for glory, or a loss that throws everything into disarray.Despite an early lead, every phase of the game is played with tension. "It's not a goal until you defend the kickoff," the player explains. It's a brutal truth in FIFA culture: scoring is only half the job. You need to survive the madness immediately after. The Anti-Climax of Rewards After a flawless Weekend League run, you'd expect top-tier rewards, right? Think again. Despite achieving Rank 1, the player's packs deliver disappointment after disappointment.His red picks? Underwhelming. His Team of the Season pack? Filled with fodder. Grimaldo shows up repeatedly, becoming the unfortunate symbol of his unluckiness. "I didn't get one player that upgraded my team in the middle of Team of the Season. Not one." That hits hard. After 15 wins in the sweatiest format of FIFA, not one meaningful improvement to the squad. The PC Plague: Hackers, Broken Markets, and Madness One of the recurring themes throughout the player's journey is the chaos of playing on PC. EA FC 26 on PC is a different beast entirely. Market prices are bizarre - "86s go for 700 coins. They don't even sell for 1K BIN." - and the player community is riddled with suspicions of soft hacking. It creates an environment where victories are constantly questioned and defeats leave you feeling helpless. "All year I've been playing on PC. All year I've been fighting noobs in my chat when I lose to people and my 89 and 90 rated players play like 21-rated players." That's a problem that goes beyond personal skill. It's a structural issue with how the game handles AI, matchmaking, and cross-platform parity. The Last Hope: Icon Gamble With rewards flopping, there's one final chance to turn things around: an Icon pick. It's one of the only exciting moments - the possibility of snagging a legend like Kaka, Eusebio, or even a decent Team of the Year card. The anticipation builds.While others spam "L" in the chat, the player knows he's pulled something special. Not just a usable player, but a statement - sometimes, the game gives back. Yet even this doesn't undo the sting of what came before. Eusebio is great. But he's still only a small victory in a sea of frustrations.The EA Red Pick Conspiracy An interesting trend discussed throughout the session is how EA's red picks - especially the 1 of 5 choices - seem deliberately nerfed. "EA updated the reds and they made them worse for the great players on the game." Whether this is anecdotal or not, it's clear that players are noticing a significant drop in red pick quality despite performing better than ever. The frustration is compounded when lower-ranked players - even those finishing 10-5 - pull better red picks than flawless 15-0 grinders. One viewer comparison further drives the point home. Despite a Rank 1 finish, our main player's red rewards are outclassed by someone who finishes Rank 3. Something just doesn't add up. Mentality and Community: The Real Win Despite all the rage, stress, and disappointment, one thing shines through: resilience.In a game as volatile and emotionally taxing as EA FC 26, this is perhaps the best wisdom any player can take. The gameplay won't always go your way. The servers will mess up. The rewards will disappoint. But the real victory is staying strong and finding joy - even in the chaos. Conclusion: Is It Worth It? The story of this Rank 1 player is one that thousands of EA FC fans can relate to. It's about pouring your heart into a game that often feels unfair. It's about chasing perfection in an environment built to frustrate. And it's about staying passionate even when logic tells you to quit. EA FC 26's Weekend League isn't just a competition - it's an emotional gauntlet. And while the gameplay, rewards, and platform issues continue to leave players disillusioned, the highs - those fleeting, glorious highs - keep people coming back. Whether you're a casual chasing 11 wins or a warrior gunning for Rank 1 [FC 26 Coins for sale](https://www.eld.gg/Fc-26/Coins.html), remember this: the grind is brutal, but the community, the moments, and the passion are what truly make it beautiful.

Path of Exile 2 just dropped another patch. Dubbed 0.2H, this update continues the steady cadence of meaningful improvements since early access began on December 6th, 2024. And let me tell you, it's the kind of cadence I had hoped for when Grinding Gear Games (GGG) announced the start of the early access period. While there are still gaps-namely, a lack of character balance updates-the consistent rollouts of quality-of-life improvements, mechanic fixes, and system overhauls are a promising sign. The latest patch adds several fan-requested changes and quality-of-life features, along with new systems that enhance player experience. Let's break it all down [POE 2 Currency Orbs](https://www.eld.gg/Poe-2/Currency.html). Private Leagues Come to Path of Exile 2 One of the headline additions is the introduction of Private Leagues. This is something veterans from Path of Exile 1 will be very familiar with. Essentially, you pay a bit of money to create your own league-a fresh server where you and your friends (or random invitees) can start anew, separate from the global economy. It's like hosting your own private Minecraft realm, but with loot explosions and terrifying bosses. For now, these private leagues in POE2 are limited to the base game with no additional modifiers-meaning no "turbo speed" monsters or hardcore-only modes just yet. It's a fresh start and an exciting opportunity for community-driven economies, friendly races, or challenge-based events. Currency Quick-Use Interface If you're someone who gets annoyed by having to open your inventory every time you want to modify a strongbox or essence-this patch brings a fix. A new quick-use currency interface now appears directly over essences and strongboxes in the world, allowing for instant manipulation. While high-value orbs like Divine Orbs are excluded from this UI (to avoid accidents), you're still free to manually use them. It's a massive improvement to in-map flow and yet another way GGG is subtly reducing friction in how we interact with loot and crafting. Breach Gets a Makeover Breaches are back on the menu-and they've been reworked in several significant ways: Improved Monster Density: Breach encounters in awkward, narrow corridors (like Crypt maps) now spawn significantly more monsters. This fixes the infamous "bad breach in a hallway" problem and makes encounters much more satisfying. Vacuum Splinter Drops: No more tiny stacks of 2-3 splinters dropping like candy. Instead, all Breach Splinters now drop at the end of the encounter in a vacuum-style pile directly at your feet, much like how Delirium rewards are handed out. This is a game-changer for clutter reduction and player sanity. Duration Scaling: Previously, killing any enemy in a breach extended its duration the same amount. Now, killing magic or rare monsters gives more time, incentivizing targeting elite packs mid-fight. It's a great design that rewards player skill and targeting. Asrian Wisp Improvements The Asrian Wisps mechanic is also getting some love: Activating a second wisp now causes it to home in on the same rare monster as the first. Previously, wisps would scatter in opposite directions, wasting precious resources and making the system frustrating. This change makes investing in wisps far more rewarding. Spawn Rates Tripled for Fox Spirit and Spring Hare Spirit encounters. These elusive beasts drop talismans worth multiple divines and are central to some endgame strategies. If you're chasing currency or unique talismans, this change alone might be worth logging back in for. The Spring Hare especially offers a unique gameplay loop where the boss monster can respawn multiple times, each time dropping loot. And now, more players might actually get to experience this content before leaving the league. Rogue Exiles Still Feel Lacking While Rogue Exiles have technically been improved-reduced aggro range, more visible models, and mini-map icons-their presence and impact remain underwhelming. They're still too small, not threatening enough, and don't offer meaningful rewards. One popular suggestion is to increase their model size by 30-40%, making them stand out like mini-conquerors. There's a lot of potential in this system, but as of now, most players just obliterate Rogue Exiles without a second thought. GGG should consider adding guaranteed loot tiers or rework the Atlas passives to make investing into Exiles more lucrative.Loot and Gem Drop Changes Patch 0.2G made waves with its loot buffs, and 0.2H continues that momentum: Perfect Jeweler's Orbs, used to unlock the final gem slot on a skill, are becoming less rare. This is great, as they were previously so scarce many players reached endgame without ever seeing one. Level 20 Uncut Skill Gems and Spirit Gems will also become more common. These are essential for min-maxing and customizing your build, and locking them behind extreme RNG felt punishing. This is a big win for build experimentation. Players shouldn't have to grind 100+ hours to unlock their skill's full potential. Hopefully, this pushes POE2 closer to its ideal of being a build-your-own-action-RPG. Shrine System Overhaul Two of the least useful shrines-Greed and Corrupting-have been removed. Greed turned all drops to gold (worthless), and Corrupting forced corruption on all drops (also mostly a downside). Their removal is a W. Meanwhile, rare shrines like Divine and Diamond (invincibility and guaranteed crits) now appear more often. On top of that, shrine durations are being increased from 45 seconds to 60 or even 90 seconds, which means more fun, more power, and better gameplay moments. New Stash Tabs and Interface Improvements Two new stash tabs are launching: 1.Ritual Stash Tab: Holds omens and "Audience with the King" fragments. 2.Sockable Stash Tab: Designed for runes, talismans, and soul cores. Comes with a built-in rune upgrade button-finally removing the need to use the reforging bench! 3.These changes will be available in the MTX store shortly after patch launch, and frankly, many players will find them essential for stash management. Other notable interface changes include: Quick stat allocation buttons for STR/DEX/INT nodes in the passive tree. Charms now compatible with the Flask stash tab. Quick travel button to town from the waypoint screen-finally a small but much-needed feature. Arbiter of Ash Boss Improvements The corridor "dancing" skill from Arbiter of Ash has been made visually clearer, hopefully resolving a lot of player frustration. This boss has been infamous on Reddit for one-shot mechanics that seemed nearly invisible. Interestingly, GGG says they want to retain one-shot mechanics as part of the fight's challenge. Whether that's a good idea or not is up for debate, but clarity is always appreciated when it comes to telegraphed danger. Should You Return to POE2? There's no denying that many players have already left Path of Exile 2 during its early access period. And if you've moved on, this patch might not be enough to bring you back just yet. However, if you're on the fence, this patch might be worth logging in for. The loot feels better, the mechanics are improving, and the cadence of updates is finally where it should be. Even without balance changes, the speed at which GGG is responding to community feedback is a great sign. If you're still waiting for 0.3.0, 0.4.0, or even full release, that's valid too. But for those sticking around-or looking for a reason to jump back in-patch 0.2H makes it clear that Path of Exile 2's best days are ahead. Final Thoughts Patch 0.2H may not include meta-defining balance changes, but it brings a tidal wave of quality-of-life enhancements and mechanical fixes that show GGG is listening and evolving. From private leagues to smarter loot drops and smarter wisps, this update offers hope that POE2 is steadily maturing into the ARPG experience we've been dreaming of [Path of Exile 2 Currency for sale](https://www.eld.gg/Poe-2/Currency.html). Now, we just need that 0.3.0 patch to bring in some serious skill balancing-and maybe a few new support gems.

If you've been bricking open shots and hearing nothing but groans from your teammates, it might be time to overhaul your jump shot in NBA 2K26. Whether you're running the point, posting up as a dominant center, or slashing as a lockdown wing [NBA 2k26 MT](https://www.nba2king.com/Nba-2k26-Mt.html), having the right jumper can make or break your performance. This article breaks down the best jump shots and shooting settings in NBA 2K26, tailored for every type of build-from undersized guards to towering bigs. First Things First: Best Shooting Settings Before we dive into the jump shots, you need to set your shot timing profile and feedback to optimize performance. Shot Timing Profile: High Risk: If you're an above-average or competitive player, go with High Risk. It offers the highest ceiling for consistency and green windows. Normal: For casual players, especially those who just hopped on after a long shift, Normal Risk will give you more leeway with slightly mistimed shots. Timing Visual Cue: Choose Push for the most intuitive cue. This activates the shot window based on when you push the ball out of your hand-not the actual release. It feels similar to older 2K titles and is generally more consistent for most users. Shot Meter: Turn it off. You'll get a shooting boost for having the meter disabled. It's harder at first, but it rewards muscle memory. Shot Feedback: Set to All Shots. This way, you see everyone's feedback and can adjust your defense or timing based on how others are hitting or missing shots. Stop Bricking: Best Jump Shots for Centers (Big Men) Let's face it: most bigs in the Rec or Pro-Am can't shoot. But if you're a stretch 5 or want to space the floor, these jumpers are exactly what you need. Best Big Man Jump Shot #1: John, Isaiah, Donovan (Clean + Chet) Requirements: 80 mid-range, 83 three-point Why It Works: Ultra fast, clean release with high green window. Even on a 73-rated shooter, you can splash consistently. Grades: A+ Speed, A+ Release Fastest Jumper for Bigs: Mike Muscala Blend Requirement: Only an 84 three-ball Why It Works: It's the fastest possible jumper for centers in the game. If you want to get your shot off before a closeout, this is your go-to. Smooth Jumper (Lower 3 Ball Friendly): Marc Gasol Inspired Requirement: 80 three-ball Why It Works: Great for pick-and-pop centers with average shooting. Easy to time, rhythm-friendly, and consistent. Elite Base for Bigs: Chris Bosh Base + DeMarcus Cousins/John Collins Uppers Requirement: 85+ three-ball Why It Works: Bosh's base has arguably the best smooth elevation and follow-through. Perfect for stretch bigs who want a clean look every time. Blend: 50/50 Best Guard Jump Shots: Under 6'5" Builds Guards need ultra-fast releases to create separation and knock down shots off the dribble or catch. Favorite Guard Jumper: Allen Iverson Base + Isaiah Collier/Kyrie Irving Requirement: 83 three-pointer Why It Works: Quick off the gather, minimal hitch, and smooth follow-through. Great for Westbrook-style slashing guards who occasionally pop out. Meta Jumper: Steph Curry Base + Double Oscar Robertson Requirement: 92 three-pointer Why It Works: A+ across the board. At max speed, this becomes a green-machine jumper. Still an A-rating if slowed down. For elite sharpshooters. No-Brainer Option: Kyrie Irving Pure Jumper Requirement: 90 mid-range or 93 three-pointer, under 6'5" Why It Works: One of the smoothest releases in the game. A+ for speed and timing, consistent greens. Kyrie fans and small guards alike will fall in love. Wings and Lockdowns: Best Jump Shots for 6'5" – 6'9" Builds If you're in that hybrid role of a two-way slasher, lockdown, or iso wing, you need a jumper with solid speed and defensive immunity. T-Mac Special: Tracy McGrady Base + Deni Avdija/Kobe Bryant (70/30 blend) Why It Works: Smooth blend of elevation and snap release. Brought back from 2K24 and still elite. Budget Wing Jumper: AJ Johnson Base + Deni Avdija/Quentin Grimes Requirement: ~78 three-pointer or 80 mid-range Why It Works: Low requirement, feels like 2K20's Base 38. Super simple and reliable. Low Three Ball Lockdown Build: Deni Avdija + Michael Jordan Why It Works: Perfect for a 76–78 rated three-pointer. A-speed rating, simple form, and easy to green with lower shooting ratings. KD-Style Shot: Kevin Durant Base + Danton Blend Requirement: 89 mid or higher Why It Works: Highly recommended by the community. A+ across the board. Great for taller wings with higher ratings. Classic Sniper: Ray Allen Base + Default Swing Why It Works: All A grades. Smooth and clean. Ideal for users who want a traditional shooting form.Bonus: Pull-Up Jumpers & Dribble Pull-Ups When you're not catching and shooting, your pull-up game matters just as much.Best Guard Pull-Up: Pro 2 WhyIt Works: Great elevation and timing window. Feels natural in iso or step-back scenarios. Backup Pull-Up: Devin Booker Note: Might be locked behind MyCAREER progression (starter-only) Why It Works: Super smooth, ideal for fadeaways and moving middies. Tall Build Pull-Up: Kevin Durant Why It Works: If you're a 6'5”–6'9” build, KD's pull-up is ideal. Great separation and easy to time. Avoid These Pull-Ups: Nikola Jokic: Too slow and clunky. MJ's: Surprisingly bad pull-up this year. Difficult to time and lacks fluidity. Go-To Jumpers for Quick Heat Checks Sometimes, you just want to plug and play. These are your “instant green” options. Ja Morant Go-To Shot: Best for guards with 80+ mid or three-ball. Super fluid and rewarding once mastered. Kobe Bryant: Still elite, though locked behind MyCAREER walls. Michael Porter Jr.: A hidden gem. 90 mid/three required. In-game testing proves it's butter. Final Thoughts There's no universal “best” jumper in NBA 2K26. Your skill level, build, height, and shooting attributes all influence what's optimal for you. That said, this guide gives you the tools to stop selling your teammates and start greening consistently [NBA 2k26 MT for sale](https://www.nba2king.com/Nba-2k26-Mt.html), no matter your build. So go ahead-tweak those settings, equip the right jumper, and light up the court in NBA 2K26.