Even the toughest heroes sometimes need a little help from their friends. And if no friend is around, why not summon a loyal companion to aid you on your adventures?
With Titan Quest II’s next update just around the corner (coming soon™), it’s time to take a closer look at the new summons. In the new trailer, players can see the summons in action on the battlefield: a Core Dweller from Earth Mastery, an Automaton from Forge, the Wisps from Storm, and the Warbanner from Warfare.
Check out the video on YouTube:
Gear collectors can look forward to reforged Epics, a brand-new Talisman item type for mages (and even non-spellcasters), plus plenty of under-the-hood upgrades to make every drop matter again.
Read more details about each mastery’s summon and the refreshed Epics in the latest dev blog on Steam: https://thqn.net/4bNQN7I
GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) today announced its new MISSION 1 Series of cameras— the world’s smallest, lightest, and most rugged 8K and 4K Open Gate cinema cameras. Featuring a new 50MP 1″ sensor and GoPro’s new, ultra-efficient GP3 processor, the MISSION 1 Series cameras deliver category-leading resolutions, frame rates, runtimes and thermal performance for mission-critical reliability in even the most demanding environments. The new series is comprised of three camera models—MISSION 1 PRO, MISSION 1 and MISSION 1 PRO ILS which features an interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens system compatible with an even broader array of lenses via adapters.
Made for the Pursuit—the MISSION 1 Series is designed from the ground up to meet the needs of today’s demanding filmmakers and creators. Whatever your mission, GoPro.
The Mission Series and pricing for the new products will be unveiled at GoPro’s booth at the NAB tradeshow, April 19 -22; booth C5519.
“The MISSION 1 Series is the pinnacle of performance for low-cost, compact cinema cameras,” said Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO. “Our most demanding, pro-minded customers have asked us for years to make this very line of cameras, and we’ve finally delivered. The MISSION 1 Series is designed to go to hell and back, and that’s exactly where our customers are going to take them. The footage is going to look amazing.”
“With the launch of the MISSION 1 Series, GoPro is entering the premium end of the digital imaging market in a significant way,” said Pablo Lema, GoPro’s Senior Vice President of Product. “The combination of our new 50 megapixel 1″ sensor and ultra-efficient GP3 processor sets a new performance bar for compact cinema cameras, enabling resolutions, frame rates, low-light performance, runtimes and thermal capabilities never seen before in cameras this small. We expect the MISSION 1 Series to expand the creative potential of filmmakers and creators around the world, similar to the impact GoPro made when it pioneered the category for durable, ultra-capable compact cameras.”
MISSION 1 Series Lineup
MISSION 1 PRO: The flagship. Featuring a new, cutting-edge 50MP 1” sensor, incredible low-light performance, 8K60 / 4K240 / 1080p960 16:9 video capture, 8K30 and 4K120 Open Gate 4:3 video capture, 50MP RAW photo capture, all powered by a new, ultra-power-efficient GP3 processor that enables category-leading image quality, battery life and thermal performance for mission-critical reliability in extreme use cases.
MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition: The flagship camera bundled with an innovative versatile grip that transforms the camera into an even more rugged, ultra-capable feeling point-and-shoot camera designed for run-and-gun style capture. The grip functions as a 2-in-1 solution—as a lightweight, ergonomic grip for easy, one-handed on-the-move shots, or as a rugged, mountable metal cage for added protection with the option to mount vertically. Added features include cold shoe mounts, 1/4-20, magnetic latch mounting, and mounting fingers. Perfect for street photography, cinematography, travel and everyday convenience.
MISSION 1 PRO Creator Edition: The flagship camera bundled with the new MISSION 1 Series Media Mod for I/O port expansion and built-in microphone, the new Volta 2 Battery Grip for all-day power, and the new Wireless Mic Complete Kit for professional wireless audio. Perfect for vloggers and creators who want an ultra-capable and complete professional camera system that’s ready for any mission.
MISSION 1 PRO Ultimate Creator Edition: For creators looking for the best of everything and maximum flexibility, this is the flagship camera bundled with GoPro’s Fluid Pro AI gimbal for advanced stabilization in even the lowest light conditions as well as AI-driven subject tracking, the new Wireless Mic Complete Kit for a comprehensive professional audio solution, Light Mod 2 for compact, ultra-portable lighting and the new MISSION 1 Series Media Mod for I/O port expansion, enabling the addition of displays, microphones, headphones, lighting, batteries, and more.
MISSION 1 PRO ILS: The same 50MP 1” Sensor and GP3 processor as MISSION 1 PRO, but in a mirrorless form with an interchangeable lens mount that supports compatibility with the vast universe of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses and adapters that allows a virtually limitless range of lenses to be paired with the camera. MISSION 1 PRO ILS also supports in-camera HyperSmooth video stabilization with any rectilinear, prime focal length lens. This versatility, combined with its video stabilization, weatherproof design and trademark GoPro durability, makes MISSION 1 PRO ILS the world’s smallest, most rugged and versatile high-speed cinema camera at a fraction of the cost (and size) of comparable cameras. With more creative options than ever before—including telephoto, zoom, macro, and more—the possibilities are limitless, whatever your mission.
MISSION 1: The same as the flagship in every way but limited to 4K120 Open Gate video capture and 8K30, 4K120, 1080p240 16:9 video capture. 50MP photo capture is the same as in the flagship model. MISSION 1 is perfect for the creator who doesn’t require the higher Open Gate resolutions and category-leading frame rates of the flagship model but still wants the outstanding low-light and image quality benefits of the new 50MP 1” sensor and ultra-power-efficient GP3 processor.
MISSION 1 Series Lineup
MISSION 1 PRO: The flagship. Featuring a new, cutting-edge 50MP 1″ sensor, incredible low-light performance, 8K60 / 4K240 / 1080p960 16:9 video capture, 8K30 and 4K120 Open Gate 4:3 video capture, 50MP RAW photo capture, all powered by a new, ultra-power-efficient GP3 processor that enables category-leading image quality, battery life and thermal performance for mission-critical reliability in extreme use cases.
MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition: The flagship camera bundled with an innovative versatile grip that transforms the camera into an even more rugged, ultra-capable feeling point-and-shoot camera designed for run-and-gun style capture. The grip functions as a 2-in-1 solution—as a lightweight, ergonomic grip for easy, one-handed on-the-move shots, or as a rugged, mountable metal cage for added protection with the option to mount vertically. Added features include cold shoe mounts, 1/4-20, magnetic latch mounting, and mounting fingers. Perfect for street photography, cinematography, travel and everyday convenience.
MISSION 1 PRO Creator Edition: The flagship camera bundled with the new MISSION 1 Series Media Mod for I/O port expansion and built-in microphone, the new Volta 2 Battery Grip for all-day power, and the new Wireless Mic Complete Kit for professional wireless audio. Perfect for vloggers and creators who want an ultra-capable and complete professional camera system that’s ready for any mission.
MISSION 1 PRO Ultimate Creator Edition: For creators looking for the best of everything and maximum flexibility, this is the flagship camera bundled with GoPro’s Fluid Pro AI gimbal for advanced stabilization in even the lowest light conditions as well as AI-driven subject tracking, the new Wireless Mic Complete Kit for a comprehensive professional audio solution, Light Mod 2 for compact, ultra-portable lighting and the new MISSION 1 Series Media Mod for I/O port expansion, enabling the addition of displays, microphones, headphones, lighting, batteries, and more.
MISSION 1 PRO ILS: The same 50MP 1″ Sensor and GP3 processor as MISSION 1 PRO, but in a mirrorless form with an interchangeable lens mount that supports compatibility with the vast universe of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses and adapters that allows a virtually limitless range of lenses to be paired with the camera. MISSION 1 PRO ILS also supports in-camera HyperSmooth video stabilization with any rectilinear, prime focal length lens. This versatility, combined with its video stabilization, weatherproof design and trademark GoPro durability, makes MISSION 1 PRO ILS the world’s smallest, most rugged and versatile high-speed cinema camera at a fraction of the cost (and size) of comparable cameras. With more creative options than ever before—including telephoto, zoom, macro, and more—the possibilities are limitless, whatever your mission.
MISSION 1: The same as the flagship in every way but limited to 4K120 Open Gate video capture and 8K30, 4K120, 1080p240 16:9 video capture. 50MP photo capture is the same as in the flagship model. MISSION 1 is perfect for the creator who doesn’t require the higher Open Gate resolutions and category-leading frame rates of the flagship model but still wants the outstanding low-light and image quality benefits of the new 50MP 1″ sensor and ultra-power-efficient GP3 processor.
The MISSION 1 Series Accessory Ecosystem
Wireless Mic System: Capture crisp, professional sound anywhere with the Wireless Mic System. Designed for easy pairing with the MISSION 1 Series, GoPro HERO Black cameras, 3rd party DSLRs and phones, this compact, professional wireless audio system delivers crystal-clear 24-bit/48kHz audio and Dynamic Noise Reduction, keeping voices front-and-center in any setting. The ultra-small and light 10g transmitters are magnetic and can be clipped to clothes or objects. Adjustable gain and a Safety Track mode (recording a backup track at -6dB) ensure balanced, reliable sound no matter how dynamic your shoot gets. With 6.5 hours of runtime per mic plus a charging case offering two additional full charges, and up to 150 meters of wireless range, you’re ready for any creative mission.
Media Mod for MISSION 1 Series: The new Media Mod for the MISSION 1 Series has been redesigned from the ground up with a built-in multi-pattern mic and expanded I/O capability of your camera for production. Match the width of your stereo audio capture to the FOV of your video with eight different pickup pattern options. Three 3.5mm ports include an external microphone port, a line-in port for timecode sync, and a headset port for live audio level monitoring. A micro-HDMI port enables up to 4K60 video output for use with external monitors, video recorders, or live output for broadcasting. The Media Mod also features its own mounting system, so you can quickly insert or remove the camera when desired.
Point-and-Shoot Grip: Transform your GoPro into an ultra-capable point-and-shoot camera with this ergonomic, lightweight grip. Perfect for street, travel, and urban shooting, the grip’s versatile design features cold shoe mounts for lights and mics, a 1/4-20 thread for tripods, vertical mounting and pass-through access to the camera’s integrated fingers and magnetic mounting system. For added flexibility, the grip converts into a rugged metal cage for your camera, providing added durability and vertical mounting versatility.
Enduro 2 Battery: The 2150mAh Enduro 2 Battery delivers longer runtimes, fast-charging and a wider range of thermal performance compared to previous GoPro batteries. It’s also compatible with HERO13 Black. The MISSION 1 Series cameras can also work with the older HERO13 Black Enduro battery (albeit for shorter runtimes).
M-Series ND Filters: The ND Filter 4-pack (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) delivers cinematic motion blur and exposure control for MISSION 1 PRO and MISSION 1. The MISSION Series cameras auto-detect which filter you’re using and auto-adjust the shutter speed for the desired blur and exposure effect. You can also manually control motion blur and exposure.
Protective Housing: When your mission calls for it, the protective housing will keep your MISSION 1 or MISSION 1 PRO camera waterproof down to 196ft (60m). The built-in mounting fingers allow you to capture content both horizontally and vertically. MISSION 1 and MISSION 1 PRO are waterproof to 66ft (20m) without a housing, while MISSION 1 PRO ILS is weatherproof.
Volta 2: The premium Volta 2 powered battery grip, tripod, and remote features a built-in 5800mAh battery, integrated camera control, and ¼-20 mounting for up to 9 hours of 4K30 recording time3.
Light Mod 2: Add compact yet powerful LED lighting to your adventure or studio setup with Light Mod 2’s 200 lumen brightness, 33% increased battery capacity, and up to 100% longer runtimes4. Light Mod 2 includes an optimized diffuser design and versatile mounting for cold-shoe integration on Media Mod and Point-and-Shoot Grip or standalone light use.
Dual Battery Charger for Enduro 2: The fastest way to charge your MISSION 1 Series Enduro 2 camera batteries. Charge two batteries at once and easily check battery levels and charging status, even when the charger is unplugged. Comes with a high-performance Enduro 2 battery and is compatible with HERO13 Black Enduro Batteries.
Vertical Mount Adapter: Use this adapter to easily capture social media-friendly footage with three convenient vertical mounting options: built-in mounting fingers, ¼-20 mounting threads, and Magnetic Latch Mount compatibility.
The entire suite of MISSION 1 Series accessories will be available on a rolling basis beginning May 2026 through Q3 2026. GoPro will announce on-shelf availability as each accessory becomes available.
GoPro Quik App & GoPro Subscription
The MISSION 1 Series of cameras is compatible with the Quik app and associated GoPro Subscriber benefits:
Highlight Videos Automatically Sent to Your Phone: Available with or without a subscription, simply plug in your GoPro when connected to your home Wi-Fi. While it’s charging, your footage is automatically uploaded to the cloud and used to make a highlight video complete with beat-synced music and effects. Videos are automatically sent to your phone and ready to share.
Edit Your Shots with the Quik App: Tap into an array of easy-to-use tools that let you edit your footage like a pro. You can tweak the highlight videos created by the app or make your own videos from scratch. You can also zoom in, crop, add filters and data overlays, and more with your footage.
Easy Transferring + Unlimited Cloud Backup: Transferring photos and videos to your phone via the Quik app is a snap with wireless upload. There’s also unlimited cloud storage with hassle-free auto-upload. Just plug in your camera when connected to your home Wi-Fi and your GoPro does the rest.
GoPro customers can unlock the above with the Premium or Premium+ GoPro subscriptions, available in the Quik app or at GoPro.com.
MISSION 1 PRO, MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition, and MISSION 1 will be available for preorder beginning May 21st, with global on-shelf availability starting May 28th. MISSION 1 PRO ILS, MISSION 1 PRO Creator Edition, and MISSION 1 PRO Ultimate Creator Edition will be available beginning Q3 2026. Sign up to be notified of product availability at GoPro.com.
About GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO)
GoPro helps the world capture and share itself in immersive and exciting ways.
The Last Gas Station, the cozy gas station sim developed by Alawar, will officially be open for business on April 28th on Steam! After an impressive showing during February Steam Next Fest, players will now be able to experience this laidback mystery in its entirety. After all, this gas station isn’t going to run itself — the previous owner is nowhere to be found, so it’s all up to you!.
In a world dominated by electric vehicles, The Last Gas Station is one of the last roadside havens for those who still cling to gas vehicles. After the previous manager went missing under mysterious circumstances, it’s now your job to transform a crumbling gas station (and other nearby stores) into a thriving business! Just try not to meet the same fate as the previous manager, don’t go outside at night!
Following SNF, the dev team has been hard at work adding new features, including the ability to restore other nearby shops, new minigames, exciting areas to explore, and so much more to uncover.
Boutique publisher SNEG has joined forces with Games Workshop and its developer & publisher partners to unveil their new label in classic video game preservation with Warhammer Classics. Now available on Steam in an accessible, future-proofed form, this massive undertaking restores more than 20 seminal and cult-favorite Warhammer video games, bringing them back to PC.
Warhammer has been a cornerstone of PC gaming since the 1990s, spanning genres from real-time strategy and turn-based tactics to fantasy sports, digital board games, and first-person shooters. With Warhammer Classics, these defining chapters of its legacy are brought back for modern audiences, with 7 games making their Steam debut and 12 returning to the digital storefront.
The initiative invites nostalgic fans to revisit formative experiences, while opening the door for a new generation to discover the games that helped shape Warhammer’s enduring presence in PC gaming.
To celebrate the launch, all titles are available with limited-time discounts and curated bundles for one week only.
Each debut and returning title has been updated for compatibility with modern systems, ensuring smooth performance on today’s hardware while maintaining the original gameplay experience that made them beloved by fans.
Classic titles making their Steam debut include Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat, Final Liberation: Warhammer Epic 40,000, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate, Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War, Warhammer: Dark Omen, Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior, and Warhammer: Mark of Chaos – Gold Edition.
Games returning to Steam include Space Hulk, Space Hulk: Ascension, Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon, Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach, Talisman: Horus Heresy, Talisman: Origins, Man O’ War: Corsair – Warhammer Naval Battles, Warhammer Quest, Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times, Legacy of Dorn: Herald of Oblivion, Chainsaw Warrior, Chainsaw Warrior: Lords of Night.
“Warhammer Classics is more than a collection of re-releases. It’s a clear statement of intent: that Warhammer’s foundational games matter, and that they are worth preserving, celebrated, and reintroduced to a global PC audience,” said Oleg Klapovskiy, Director at SNEG. “With so many titles lost to time and outdated hardware, Warhammer Classics was created to safeguard this legacy for future generations. Warhammer has a long history on PC, and we’re committed to ensuring the platform remains central to its long-term stewardship, giving these games renewed life for years to come.”
Warhammer Classics contains the following titles under its banner (developer, publisher):
Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat (SNEG, SNEG)
Final Liberation: Warhammer Epic 40,000 (SNEG, SNEG)
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate (SNEG, SNEG)
Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War (SNEG, SNEG)
Warhammer: Dark Omen (SNEG, SNEG)
Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior (Chilled Mouse, SNEG)
Warhammer: Mark of Chaos – Gold Edition (SNEG, SNEG)
Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times (Perchang, Perchang)
Legacy of Dorn: Herald of Oblivion (Tin Man, Tin Man)
Warhammer Underworlds – Shadespire Edition (Tin Man, Tin Man)
Dawn of War – Anniversary Edition (Relic, Relic)
Dawn of War 2 – Anniversary Edition (Relic, Relic)
Chainsaw Warrior (Auroch Digital, Auroch Digital)
Chainsaw Warrior: Lords of Night (Auroch Digital, Auroch Digital)
Dark Future: Blood Red States (Auroch Digital, Auroch Digital)
Space Hulk : Tactics (Cyanide, Focus)
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada (Tindalos, Focus)
Blood Bowl: Chaos Edition (Nacon, Cyanide)
Blood Bowl 2: Legendary Edition (Nacon, Cyanide)
Warhammer Classics is a collection of the greatest titles from the annals of Warhammer video game history, spanning the last 30 years, brought back to life as a series to celebrate their iconic legacy.
Because of their classic nature, some of the content may not accurately reflect current depictions, lore, or presentation within the current Warhammer universes and settings.
Independent developer 5PM Studio today announced that MEMORIAPOLIS – BANNERS & WONDERS launches April 28 on PC via Steam. Revealed alongside a new gameplay trailer, this isn’t a standard update but a complete overhaul of the game following a year of intensive development shaped by player feedback.
MEMORIAPOLIS built strong momentum during Early Access, earning great sales and a passionate player base. But when the full release did not meet all players expectations, 5PM Studio didn’t reach for a hotfix. Instead, the team made a bold call: step back, go dark, and come back only when the game was ready to deliver on its original promise.
The result is BANNERS & WONDERS, a reinvented experience already validated by an open beta that drew overwhelmingly positive reception.
In MEMORIAPOLIS, players build and grow a living city from Antiquity through the Industrial Revolution. Eras shift, roads sprawl organically, factions rise, and alliances form or fracture. Prosperity and betrayal go hand in hand as players write their city’s history across centuries.
With nearly 400,000 players already showing interest, BANNERS & WONDERS is not just a patch but a major update, built around three core pillars:
Wonders – A real Endgame: Each session now builds toward a definitive objective, constructing a Wonder in the Industrial Revolution, giving players a meaningful long-term goal and a powerful sense of payoff, as every decision shapes the city’s identity and leads to a final monument that stands as the ultimate expression of the player’s rule.
A Streamlined, More Accessible Experience: Core systems have been redesigned from the ground up based on direct player feedback. The friction is gone. What’s left is pure strategy, creativity, and meaningful decision-making, front and center, where it belongs.
Living Factions & Political Strategy: Factions have their own banner, personality, and political agenda. Players navigate alliances and negotiations at their own pace, adding depth and replayability without ever weighing down the experience. More freedom, more possibilities, more fun.
Albion Online, the free-to-play fantasy sandbox MMORPG developed by Sandbox Interactive has today launched its new Radiant Wilds update. The update brings a complete visual overhaul to the game which freshens up Albion’s open world whilst keeping the characteristic style, as well as bringing a number of performance improvements and new features.
With Radiant Wilds, each biome of Albion’s open world has been refreshed with improved lighting, textures, water graphics and biome-specific environmental effects to make the world feel more alive. In response to requests from the core community, extensive work has also happened behind the scenes to introduce technical and performance improvements, and going forward large-scale combat in particular will feel smoother and more stable. All of this comes with no increase to required system specs.
Players will also gain access to a brand new feature called The Armory which will provide suggested builds for different gameplay modes based on real data, making it easier for players to find the build best suited for any activity. The Arena, which currently offers a 5v5 mode, has also added a 1v1 mode for players looking to get accustomed to solo PvP in a non-lethal space.
Beginning on 17 April, Albion Online will also be hosting a creator event called The Crucible II. Full details are available on the website, and the event will see a stacked lineup of content creators ready to rally their community and lead a guild to victory. Guilds will earn points by taking part in in-game activities, and major prizes will be available for the champion and runners up.
Finally, on 21 April Albion Online will also take its first step into the console space when it launches on Xbox Series X|S with cross-platform play, meaning players will be in the same world and the same servers, fully adapted for Xbox.
TomorrowHead Studios has announced a revised release date for their upcoming debut title, WILL: Follow The Light. The game is now scheduled to launch on 7 May 2026.
TomorrowHead Studio explains that the original date of 28 April became more crowded than expected, and that this extra week gives the team the opportunity to run final checks on the build and make sure everything is working exactly as intended.
As TomorrowHead’s debut project, the team wants to be confident in every part of the experience, while not jeopardising the opportunity to share their debut game with as many people as possible.
The studio remains committed to delivering a polished and complete experience for players while also positioning the game for the widest possible audience reach.
WILL: Follow The Light will still release simultaneously across PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on 7 May.
The chaotic climb out of the afterlife continues as Death By Scrolling arrives on consoles on April 16, launching simultaneously on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The console release will coincide with a major update for the PC version, bringing new content and quality-of-life improvements across all platforms.
Set in the ever-shifting bureaucratic nightmare of Purgatory Inc., Death By Scrolling is an endlessly scrolling action roguelite where players must fight their way upward through monsters, hazards, and relentless pressure from the Reaper herself. The world never stops moving, the floor is always rising, and the only escape is to keep climbing.
Players choose from a cast of unique characters, each with their own abilities and playstyles, and attempt to survive the vertical chaos long enough to collect the gold needed to pay the Ferryman’s exorbitant crossing fee. Along the way, players will encounter bizarre enemies, strange vendors, unexpected side quests, and plenty of opportunities to improve their build mid-run.
Thick as Thieves, is the exciting first step into a stealth adventure set in a distinctive 1910’s alternative history world, is coming to PC on May 20.
Previously unveiled at The Game Awards, the Triple-i Initiative trailer showcases the heart-racing heists waiting for players next month.
Thick as Thieves offers a grand introduction to Kilcairn, a fictional Scottish city full of intrigue and adventure. It’s a tightly curated, multi-hour experience that includes two thieves, two dynamic and highly replayable maps, 16 contracts, and 6 unique pieces of gear.
Offering immersive and dynamic stealth gameplay, the game can be played either solo or co-op. Every heist will be different as players take on contracts, find new gear, explore the history of Kilcairn and its influential families and seize their fortune to become a master thief.
Thick as Thieves comes from developer OtherSide Entertainment – led by industry legends Warren Spector (Thief ® III and Deus Ex ®) and Paul Neurath (Thief® and Thief® II) – and publisher Megabit®. The game is Directed by Jeff Hickman (Star Wars: The Old Republic ®, Warhammer ® Online and Dark Age of Camelot ®.)
Jeff Says, “Unveiling Thick as Thieves to the world feels like finally springing a long-planned heist. Every mechanic and choice has been made with intent—there is nothing accidental, nothing wasted. Players aren’t just stepping into a game; they’re joining our crew, cracking the lock, and pulling off the score we’ve been quietly building for years. Watching the world slip into this world of thieves and schemes is thrilling, and I can’t wait to see the clever chaos they create.”
Honestly, it’s been six long years since the original Max dropped, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably spent that time watching the competition eat GoPro’s lunch in the 360 space. But is the GoPro Max 2 the “game-changer” we were promised? Or just a very shiny stop-gap? After dragging this little box through the dirt and hanging it off a motorcycle for a few weeks, I have some thoughts.
Does “True 8K” Actually Matter?
Let’s get into the weeds for a second. GoPro is shouting from the rooftops about “True 8K.” You know what? It actually makes a difference. Most 360 cameras play a bit of a shell game with pixels, but the Max 2 feels crisp. When you reframe your footage, which is basically just zooming into a flat portion of that 360 bubble, you’re still getting a solid 1440p image. It doesn’t look like a blurry mess on a big screen, and that’s a huge win for anyone trying to cut 360 clips into a 4K timeline.
The 10-bit color and GP-Log encoding are the real MVPs here, though. If you’ve ever filmed a bright blue sky and seen those ugly “bands” of color, you know the struggle. The Max 2 smooths all that out. It gives you a billion colors to play with, which is a massive upgrade if you like to spend your Sunday afternoons color-grading in Premiere.
I’m Clumsy, and GoPro Knows It
Here’s the thing: 360 lenses are terrifying. They stick out like little fish eyes just waiting to meet a rock. In the past, a single scratch meant your $500 camera was now a very expensive paperweight. But the “Twist-and-Go” lens system on the Max 2? It’s genius. You literally just twist the lens off with your fingers and pop a new one on. No tools, no sending it back to the factory, no tears. I actually dropped mine while mounting it, and being able to just swap the glass was a life-saving moment for my wallet.
The Elephant in the Dark Room
Okay, let’s be real: don’t take this thing to a rave. Or a dimly lit dinner. Honestly, the low-light performance is just bad. Because the sensors are still relatively small, the image gets noisy and grainy the second the sun starts to go down. If you’re a night owl looking to film city streets at midnight, you’re probably better off with a competitor that has a 1-inch sensor.
GoPro tried to fix this with some “Blur Reduction” firmware, and it helps a little, but physics is a tough opponent. For a camera that’s meant to be “professional,” this is a bit of a letdown. But then again, if you’re using an action cam for cinematic night shots, you might be asking too much from a device the size of a deck of cards.
Living that “Invisible” Life
One of my favorite things about 360 is the “invisible” selfie stick effect. It makes you look like you have a personal drone following you around. GoPro launched about 16 new accessories for this, including some really slick carbon fiber poles that are stiff enough to keep the camera steady even when you’re moving fast.
The new 1/4-20 mount on the bottom is a blessing, too. It means you can use standard tripod gear without those annoying adapters. And for the gamers and vloggers out there, you can finally connect your AirPods via Bluetooth to use them as a wireless mic. It’s not “studio quality,” but for a quick walk-and-talk, it beats fighting with wind noise on the built-in mics.
The Workflow: Quik vs. The World
Editing 360 footage used to be a nightmare, but the Quik app has gotten surprisingly smart. There’s this “MotionFrame” thing where you just move your phone around to reframe the shot. It feels very natural, almost like you’re holding a physical camera inside the video.
However, if you’re looking for crazy AI effects or “one-tap” edits, the competition still has a bit of an edge. GoPro is leaning more into the “pro” side of things with GoPro Labs, which lets you do stuff like HDRI capture for VFX work. It’s a bit geeky, but if you like to “hack” your gear for extra performance, it’s a dream.
So, Should You Buy It?
If you already live in the GoPro ecosystem and you want a tank that can survive a mountain bike crash, the Max 2 is a no-brainer. It’s rugged, the 8K looks great in the sun, and those replaceable lenses take all the anxiety out of shooting action.
But here’s the kicker: GoPro just announced their next-gen GP3 chip. We’re seeing rumors of a “Max 3” that might actually solve the low-light problem and give us even higher frame rates. Is it worth waiting? If you need a camera today for your summer trips, the Max 2 is a solid pick. But if you’re a spec-chaser, you might want to keep one eye on that NAB 2026 reveal.
Basically, the Max 2 is the best “action” 360 camera out there. Just don’t expect it to see in the dark, and make sure you carry a few extra batteries if you’re planning on a long day of 8K shooting. It’s a reliable, punchy, and tough-as-nails tool that finally feels like the camera the original Max should have been.
Strategic Conclusion
The GoPro Max 2 is a foundational device that successfully stabilized GoPro’s position in the spherical market. While it does not solve every technical challenge, most notably low-light performance, it addresses the practical needs of the “action” demographic through lens durability, mounting versatility, and a streamlined software pipeline.
As the company transitions to the GP3 processor in mid-2026, the Max 2 serves as the ultimate expression of the GP2 generation. It has successfully moved 360-degree capture from a gimmick into a professional tool capable of delivering “True 8K” content that can be seamlessly integrated into high-end production workflows. For professional peers and creators, the Max 2 remains a highly recommended acquisition for daylight action, while the forthcoming GP3-powered cameras represent the next frontier in low-light and cinema-grade compact imaging.
Overall Rating 4 out of 5
Pros
“True 8K” recording.
The innovative “Twist-and-Go” lens system.
Professional 10-bit color and GP-Log support.
The rugged, stable form factor.
Currently the only 360-degree camera on the market to feature built-in GPS.
Cons
Not the greatest low-light video performance.
The camera tends to run hot.
Battery runtime is shorter than the industry standard.
GoPro’s editing workflow is mostly smartphone app-based.
