Mashable

Reddit claims it caught Perplexity doing something it shouldn't have.

The popular message board website filed a lawsuit against Perplexity, a notable AI firm, alleging that Perplexity engaged in improper data scraping to feed its AI program. The complaint (courtesy of The Verge) lists Perplexity alongside three data scraping firms: AWMProxy, Oxylabs, and SerpApi. According to Reddit, Perplexity does business with at least one of these companies, allegedly using them to get data from Reddit without the site's permission.

SEE ALSO: Reddit request rate limited: Why you're seeing this message

While Reddit has signed agreements with other AI companies in the recent past, it has not done so with Perplexity. Reddit claims that it once sent a cease-and-desist letter to Perplexity for scraping Reddit content. Per Reddit's complaint, after the letter was sent, Perplexity started citing Reddit even more than before, not less. Where this really gets juicy is how Reddit claims it caught Perplexity in the alleged act of stealing data. In Reddit's words:

"To confirm this hypothesis, Reddit created a “test post” – the equivalent of a digital “marked bill” – that could only be crawled by Google’s search engine and was not otherwise accessible anywhere on the internet. Within hours, queries to Perplexity’s “answer engine” produced the contents of that test post. The only way that Perplexity could have obtained that Reddit content and then used it in its “answer engine” is if it and/or its Co-Defendants scraped Google SERPs for that Reddit content and Perplexity then quickly incorporated that data into its answer engine."

Perplexity provided a statement defending itself to The Verge.

“Perplexity has not yet received the lawsuit, but we will always fight vigorously for users’ rights to freely and fairly access public knowledge,” the company told The Verge. “Our approach remains principled and responsible as we provide factual answers with accurate AI, and we will not tolerate threats against openness and the public interest.”

We'll have to wait and see how the lawsuit pans out, but at least Reddit's tactic for allegedly catching Perplexity in the act is funny, if nothing else.

Christmas stocking stuffers have long been the afterthoughts of gift-giving, mere "Let's just get this out of the way" or "Oh no, I forgot again" presents like oven mitts, bulk chocolate candy, and anything bacon-scented. (Do not get us started on wh*skey st*nes.) Most of these last-minute gift ideas are just begging to be tossed in a junk drawer or the donation pile, never to see the light of day again. Granted, it's a fate they probably deserve.

But let's be clear on something: You don't have to buy stuff that's bad, boring, or cheaply made just because it's small in size and set to arrive before Christmas. Picking out the best stocking stuffers is a cinch, so long as you know who you're shopping for... and where to look.

You've already got enough on your plate this holiday season, so we've done the searching for you. Below, we've rounded up an extensive list of tiny-but-impressive presents at a range of price points that can work for everyone on your list. So, whether you're searching for stocking stuffer ideas under $25 or something fancier that will catch them by surprise on Christmas morning, we have more than 60 unique gifts to inspire you.

Let the holiday shopping commence.

Some people possess an innate talent for finding gifts on a budget. No matter the occasion (anniversary, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day) or recipient (wife, boyfriend, teens, in-laws), they somehow nail it every time — winning the unofficial "best gift-giver" award among those who are lucky to know them. If you're not the most intuitive gift giver, fear not. We've put together a list of the best gift ideas for under $50. These unique, budget-friendly gifts won't break the bank, and you might even see some solid discounts on them if you're lucky.

Shopping for gifts for gamers is a double-edged Master Sword. On the one hand, there are so many cool games, consoles, and accessories to choose from. But there's also just so much to choose from, to the point where you might feel under-leveled for the "simple" task of picking that just-right gift. That's where we come in.

To help you on your side quest to find the perfect present for a gamer friend or loved one, we've compiled a massive list of more than 50 gamer gift ideas for 2025 — including a bunch of games we've played and products we've tested ourselves. If you're gifting on a budget, you'll do well with a new accessory for your recipient's existing setup, a few months' worth of their favorite video game subscription service, or a copy of a popular game from the past few months. Leveling up over the $100 mark expands your options to high-end peripherals, while $200 and above unlocks current-gen consoles, bundles, and gaming laptops. We've peppered in a few limited-edition collectibles at different price points, too.

From weight loss culture to hemlines to current pop music hits, Gen Z is holding an open online conversation about recession indicators. But is the generation also in the midst of a sex recession?

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released last year showed a decrease in the amount of sex that Gen Z has compared to previous generations. Various reports over the years on this trend have snowballed into the interpretation that this decline in sexual habits is due to Gen Z's overall feeling of sexphobia (or fear of sex). 

SEE ALSO: 70 percent of Gen Z men say porn was first exposure to sex

From being named a population of "virgins" to being called sexless, the cultural conversation around these statistics has pushed the idea that Gen Z may be a sexually repressed generation. But is that really true?

Sexual culture in a chronically online world 

While the decrease in sexual activity for Gen Z can't be boiled down to one factor, the role of the internet and social media may be a huge catalyst for this new wave of sexual behavior. With 81 percent of Gen Zers using social media daily, and half reporting that they spend three hours or more on it per day, internet usage has become a constant influence for most of Gen Z. This undeniably contributes to their general health, well-being, and understanding of sex. 

This, however, is not a black-and-white story. Whether Gen Z is having less sex, and the function of the internet within this trend, isn't inherently good or bad. We are witnessing how aspects of ourselves and our relationships are affected by the conditions under which we are forced to create our values — such as for romance and sex. While medically accurate, comprehensive sex education is the most reliable gateway to explore those values for young people, it's not accessible to everyone. (Only 19 states require medically accurate information on any sex ed topic as of 2025.) 

The internet is offering a new — yet more complicated — route.

When internet and social media use become ingrained in the everyday lives of young people, the landscape in which they are exploring sexuality moves from physical to digital. This shift creates not necessarily a generational attitude of sexphobia at large, but a sexual culture shaped by the digital environment where they're immersed. 

For some, that leads to more open and authentic sexual lives, while others internalize repressive sexual messaging. 

A different kind of sex education

Gen Zers having less sex could be a result of seeing more perspectives around sexuality that are expanding their ideas of what sex can and has to be. 

When algorithms show social media users wide perspectives of real-life people who engage with sexuality in all types of ways, we see how "online spaces have given Gen Z free sex education, which has helped them feel more confident in listening to their desires, which can lead to having less sex," says queer sex therapist Ava Shakib. 

For individuals who discover that they are asexual or have experienced pressure to have sex, online sexuality discussions can offer "education around 'compulsory sexuality,' which can help explain parts of their experience. Feeling like an outsider can really tempt us into doing things we don't want to do," Shakib notes, which may have led to people in older generations consenting to sex they didn't really want to have.

When social media is able to show content to young people that broadens their understanding of sexuality, Gen Z engaging in less partnered sex can also be an outcome of less traditional definitions of sex. Sex educator Danielle Bezalel, MPH, says, "They may be defining sex as fingering, oral, anal, licking, kissing, masturbating, etc. This definition expansion around sex should be applied to sex for all people, as it's more inclusive and has less of an emphasis on straight cis-hetero sex." 

Consequently, lower reported sexual activity for Gen Z may also be a result of a growing gap between mainstream definitions of sex (partnered penis-in-vagina sex) and Gen Z's more expansive view on what sex can be (solo sex, sexting, kissing). When Gen Z sex statistics focus on heternormative partnered sex, there is no account for sexual activity that is happening for broader ideas of what sex can be. 

However, this expansive view isn't always the case. Content on the "For You" pages of social media is not immune to replicating in-person oppressive messaging around sexuality. "Some youth get affirming content, while others are funneled toward abstinence-only or purity-culture narratives. And beyond the algorithm, patriarchal and misogynistic culture is always in the background, reinforcing shame, silence, and control over young people's bodies," says sex educator, Irma Garcia, CSE. 

While social media access has the ability to deconstruct conservative sexuality narratives for some users, it also has the power to reinforce them. These algorithms can strengthen external shame around engaging in sex — in those cases, ultimately discouraging some Gen Zers away from it.

Some youth get affirming content, while others are funneled toward abstinence-only or purity-culture narratives. - Sex educator Irma Garcia

With increased online censorship at the hands of lawmakers and tech giants blocking or banning any sexual content, even medically accurate sexual health information, young people often don't have access to it. The Trump administration's demand to remove "gender ideology" from federally funded content, as well as emergent age verification laws that can block young people from accessing essential sexual health information, reveal how governmental efforts prevent Gen Z from coming into contact with inclusive, comprehensive sex education material. Meta's history of reportedly shadowbanning sex educators, specifically Black and queer content creators, also limits the perspectives on sexuality that young people are being directed towards — supporting monolithic or even shameful narratives around sexuality. 

Heightened anxiety around sex

Dr. Laurie Mintz, author of Becoming Cliterate and sexpert at the sex toy brand LELO, adds that increased access to sexuality via digital platforms such as social media and dating apps may magnify the commodification of people through allowing users to swipe away from potential dating situations based on a perceived flaw or imperfection. These circumstances often reward whiteness, thinness, and cis-heteronormativity, comments Garcia, making relationships more fragile and redefining intimacy for Gen Z. 

When digital platforms become the main space for exploration, this can also create more opportunity for anxiety and hesitation that may lead to less sex, specifically around rejection and perfectionism. 

Bezalel discusses the rise in the number of Gen Zers who use AI to write break-up texts, noting "that number is only going to increase if we continue to teach young people that using AI and getting something 'right' is more valuable than trying your best, even if that means experiencing failure or rejection."

Time online for Gen Z may also translate to comparison through "the constant exposure to idealized bodies, idealized romance, or porn-shaped expectations can [also] heighten anxiety and make some young people hesitant to act on their desires," Garcia says. Therefore, making complicated situations like sex too anxiety-inducing to navigate. 

This hesitation around sex for Gen Z can be shaped by hearing the complexity of sex talked about so openly online. Women, especially, may encounter "misogynistic messages about sex (e.g., body-count) that turn them off to engaging sexually, especially with men," explains Mintz. 

For some, though, this may lead not to sexlessness, but rather a positive re-evaluation of wants around sex. Shakib says that, particularly for her femme clients, realizations around how sex can function as a means of validation may ignite alternate personal pleasure practices being prioritized. "My clients often find a fulfilling masturbation practice or find non-sexual activities, like dancing and reading, which fulfills their desire for pleasure."

Higher screen time, lower intimacy

More screen time for Gen Zers in comparison to other generations also means that in-person sexual experiences are getting pushed to the wayside. With most young people being raised in an era with social media and internet access being ingrained in everyday life, we can see how time spent on the internet might simply leave less time for sex. 

"Sunshine makes us more happy and horny! We're so often cooped up in our homes, at jobs, and in cars… and we're suddenly locked in a place where there isn't much mental or physical energy left to pursue horny endeavors," Shakib tells Mashable. Bezalel shares this sentiment in that time spent online is time "they could be spending with friends or a partner or a new hookup that they are likely spending alone."

Increased time on social media may also be intensifying a gap between interest in sex and engaging in it. Reports of Gen Z having less sex don't necessarily add up to sexphobia or a wide disinterest in sex as a whole; it could be an indicator of the internet creating a wedge between intrigue and action. 

Sunshine makes us more happy and horny! We're so often cooped up in our homes, at jobs, and in cars…there isn't much mental or physical energy left to pursue horny endeavors. - Queer sex therapist Ava Shakib

"Young people can explore desire through fantasy, porn, or conversation without moving immediately into partnered sex. For some, that gap is protective. It lets them be curious without being pressured, and that can be a positive shift." Garcia explains. 

"Yes, access to sex ed online can contribute to hesitation or delay. But it isn't simply fear or repression," Garcia continues. "It's discernment, survival, disappointment with the options available, and the complexity of navigating sex in a world where information is more visible than before, but safe conditions are still not guaranteed."

"They may receive the message that sex isn't the norm for everybody and that they can choose for themselves," notes Mintz. 

When young people have access to quality, comprehensive sex education classes coupled with exposure to shame-free messaging around sexuality online, sexual agency can look like having sex, not having sex, waiting to have sex, or exploring just because. 

A new email breach was recently revealed, and the number of affected accounts is pretty staggering. Some 183 million email accounts were reportedly compromised.

The breach was revealed by Have I Been Pwned, which notes it includes both email addresses and corresponding passwords. The breach occurred in April and was added to Have I Been Pwned this week. The email addresses and passwords were apparently stolen via malware.

While your email being breached might not necessarily mean you're going to be the victim of an attack of some kind, it's probably best to know if you were breached. Luckily enough, checking is pretty simple.

How to check if your email has been hacked

Simply enough, you can check on Have I Been Pwned, where the breach info was posted. They have a search page, where you just enter your email address and see if you've been hacked aka Pwned.

So, what do you do if your password has been breached? It's simple enough: Change your password and potentially enable two-factor authentication. When it doubt, it's best to be safe.

As a mom of two, I've spent many hours playing with my kids. I pay close attention to which toys and books bring them joy — and which get tossed into a corner. So when compiling this list of the best gifts for toddlers, I went right to the source. Part of our bigger series dedicated to finding the Best Gifts For Everyone, what follows is a list of the best toddler gifts, according to my 4-year-old and 1-year-old. What you won't see here is any distinction between genders: All toys are for all kids. Every single thing here is something that my kids play with often. And while the best gifts for big kids and teen girls can be heavily influenced by trends, the best gifts for toddlers are more timeless, encouraging open-ended play and learning. Every item here would make an excellent gift, whether it's Christmas, Hannukkah, a birthday, or otherwise.

SAVE $200: As of Oct. 23, get the iRobot Roomba 104 robot vacuum and mop for $249.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $449.99. That's a discount of 44%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon iRobot Roomba 104 robot vacuum and mop $249.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $200   Get Deal

Tired of spending all your time manually running a vacuum to clean up your place? Think a mop bucket may be one of the grossest things you have in your home? What if you never had to deal with either again and could count on a robot to handle all of that? Well, you can. And you can save some serious cash on a robot vacuum and mop combo that can do it all with gusto right now by shopping at Amazon.

As of Oct. 23, get the iRobot Roomba 104 robot vacuum and mop for $249.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $449.99. That's $200 off and a discount of 44%.

SEE ALSO: The top 5 robot vacuums for carpet all passed the cat hair test

This model uses 70x more suction than previous releases from Roomba, with a multi-surface brush, better edge and corner cleaning, an edge-sweeping brush, and a microfiber mop pad used to help tidy your hard floors. It can set up its own cleaning pathway thanks to LiDAR as well, so you don't have to be caught teaching it where to go and what to avoid since it can do all that on its own.

This combo robot vacuum and mop can even empty its own dustbin, with up to 75 days of hands-free cleaning for you. It will empty eveything into its dock with a bag that can trap up to 99% of allergens and pet dander, so when it handles its business at its dock, you're less likely to sneeze. And you can take the old bag and drop a new one in without having to see all the detritus.

With easy cleaning schedules, custom mop and vacuum modes, and other ways to change up the way this robovac works, it's a great option for getting your home tidy. And since you can save $200 on it right now, it's a no-brainer.

The Stranger Things series finale will be getting a theatrical release, Netflix revealed today.

Season 5's feature-length final episode will play in over 350 theaters in the US and Canada on Dec. 31, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026. Screenings start at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 31, timed to the episode's global premiere on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: The 'Stranger Things' cast rewatching Season 3 will get you pumped for Season 5

"We’re beyond excited that fans will have the chance to experience the final episode of Stranger Things in theaters — it’s something we’ve dreamed about for years, and we’re so grateful to [Netflix CEO] Ted [Sarandos], [Netflix Chief Content Officer] Bela [Bajaria], and everyone at Netflix for making it happen," Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer said in a statement. "Getting to see it on the big screen, with incredible sound, picture, and a room full of fans, feels like the perfect — dare we say bitchin’ — way to celebrate the end of this adventure."

These theatrical screenings are a reversal from Netflix's original plans to keep the finale solely on Netflix. In a Variety piece about Stranger Things Season 5, Bajaria rejected the idea of a theatrical release, saying, "A lot of people — a lot, a lot, a lot of people — have watched Stranger Things on Netflix. It has not suffered from lack of conversation or community or sharing or fandom. I think releasing it on Netflix is giving the fans what they want."

However, Netflix has recently seen success with theatrical releases of titles that already blew up on streaming. Case in point: KPop Demon Hunters, whose summertime singalong event was so popular, it's coming back to theaters in time for Halloween.

Netflix will release more information about how to attend these fan events and what theaters they will be playing in at a later date. Mashable will report with more news on this story as it develops.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things 5 premieres Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 26, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31.

If you've posted a Story on Instagram lately, you may have noticed Restyle — a new AI feature that lets users edit photos directly within Stories.

With Restyle, you can remove unwanted background elements (say, a photobomber or a stray thumb), add new ones, or customize parts of your image — like changing someone's hair color or swapping in a different sky.

Instagram is testing Restyle Text and rolling out a new batch of Restyle tools, and Mashable has the first look. The lineup includes Restyle Text, Restyle Video, and improved effect discovery, giving users even more ways to edit their Stories.

Restyle on Instagram Credit: Instagram

You can find all of the new Restyle tools by taking a photo or video in Stories and tapping the paintbrush icon. You'll then see options to add, remove, change, or apply themes.

Restyle on Instagram Credit: Instagram

There are also limited-edition seasonal themes and effects, including Halloween options like "ghost face" and "haunted mirror"; Diwali presets such as "fireworks" and "diyas"; and year-round effects favorites like "anime" and "sketch." You can browse or search these in the new effects browser.

Restyle on Instagram Credit: Instagram

Restyle Text, another new tool rolling out Thursday, uses AI to generate custom fonts for Stories. You can pick from presets like "chrome" and "balloon," or write your own prompt — for example, "Give all of my letters little hats."

Restyle on Instagram Credit: Instagram

Finally, Restyle Video adds AI-driven filters to motion clips, with preset effects like "snow," "underwater," "porcelain," and "golden hour."

Restyle Text is currently testing with a small group of users and will expand globally soon. The other new Restyle features are rolling out across the U.S., India, Pakistan, South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Australia, Ghana, Uganda, Singapore, Zambia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Malawi, and Canada.

TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Oct. 23. The Cozy Mystery eBook Blast offers you the chance to download 150+ free ebooks for your e-reader.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cozy Mystery eBook Blast Cozy Mystery eBook Blast (Oct. 23)   Learn More

We did warn you that the Stuff Your Kindle Day schedule is wild towards the end of October. We've only just recovered from Stuff Your Kindle Day: Crime Edition and now the Cozy Mystery eBook Blast has arrived to deliver a fresh batch of material for bookworms to enjoy.

The Cozy Mystery eBook Blast is live on Oct. 23, and does exactly what the name suggests by offering 150+ free cozy mystery reads from your preferred retailer. And better yet, the books that you download are yours to keep forever. You don't get much for free these days, so these special events always cause a stir.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The Cozy Mystery eBook Blast takes place on Oct. 23. There has been a shift away from one-day events in 2025, but this latest book blast is going old school by only lasting through the day. You don't have the luxury of perusing all your options over a number of days. You need to act fast and download tactically, because the next Stuff Your Kindle Day is coming on Oct 24.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

There are so many beautiful things about Stuff Your Kindle Day. Free books, obviously. But there's also a community of like-minded individuals who come together to celebrate lesser-known authors. And that's the truly great thing about these events: anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them directly from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

The Cozy Mystery Book Club is hosting the Cozy Mystery eBook Blast, and is making it easy for participants to find exactly what they need by organizing everything into three sub-genres on the hub page:

• Contemporary Cozies

• Historical Cozies

• Paranormal Cozies

The Cozy Mystery Book Club also includes links for alternative retailers, if you're looking to avoid the Kindle Store.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time. There's no reason to hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite + Kindle Unlimited (3-Month Plan)   Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle Paperwhite. Prices start at $159.99, but you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase.

Microsoft developer Obsidian Entertainment has had quite the year. In February, the studio launched Avowed, its fantasy RPG, followed by the co-op sequel Grounded 2 going into early access in July. Now, it’s rounding out the year with The Outer Worlds 2, a sequel to its highly acclaimed 2019 sci-fi RPG.

Obsidian’s games are known for their deep writing and worldbuilding, with an emphasis on player choice. In Avowed and The Outer Worlds, players are encouraged to pick their own paths when it comes to tackling story missions, solving side quests, and carrying out conversations. While The Outer Worlds 2 doesn’t do anything drastically different from its predecessor, it sticks with what worked the first time and does it well again. On the other hand, it has the same flaws, namely its heavy-handed writing.

The Outer Worlds 2 takes place in a new setting: a space colony called Arcadia. Here, the player works as an Earth Directorate agent, whose job it is to maintain the relationship between Earth and its other colonies. Rifts in spacetime have started appearing, and the player is sent to investigate it. After doing so, an astronomically destructive incident causes you to float around in space for the next decade before eventually being woken up. It’s a real attention-grabbing opener of a first mission.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable

Since then, Arcadia has been in a chokehold between two powerful entities: The Protectorate and Auntie’s Choice. The former has a monopoly over space travel technology, while the latter is a megacorp made up of two companies, the pharmaceutical firm Auntie Cleo and the manufacturer Spacer’s Choice. 

Throughout the game, these two forces are constantly at each other’s throats about how to use technology to control the rifts and use them for their own nefarious means. It’s an enticing setup, but it’s sometimes weighed down by the writing.

Laying it on thick

The criticisms of capitalism are too on the nose in The Outer Worlds 2. While the writing and dialogue choices are varied and entertaining, they often lack subtlety. During a side quest, I was tasked by Annie’s Choice to break a strike, and its vice president was disgusted that the workers had demands. My dialogue choices included snarky comments about collective bargaining and workers’ rights. While these themes can be explored well, such as in games like Bioshock, the holier-than-thou tone in The Outer Worlds 2 can come across as off-putting in many cases.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable

It’s also not lost on me how deeply ironic this tone is, given that the game is published by Microsoft and Xbox Studios, which has continually been laying off workers and simultaneously trying to go all in on AI. After Nintendo listed Mario Kart World at $80, instead of the standard $60 or $70 price point in the games industry, Microsoft seemed to follow the trend and raised the price of The Outer Worlds 2 to $80 before reversing the decision due to fan backlash. So the repetitive anti-capitalist quips in the game tend to lose their impact.

What really helps counteract and balance this tone is the game’s likable companions. There are six that you can recruit throughout, and they come with vibrant personalities. My personal favorites were Valerie and Aza. Valerie is a support drone that specializes in healing and damage reduction, and her personality is that of a typical dry robot who interprets what everyone says too literally. In one interaction, I asked Valerie how much she weighed to see if she could carry heavy items, but she took it as me trying to ride her like a transport vehicle. It's a different kind of sarcastic quip that’s actually a welcome change of pace to the game’s tone.

I asked Valerie how much she weighed to see if she could carry heavy items, but she took it as me trying to ride her like a transport vehicle. Credit: George Yang / Mashable

Aza is different from the other companions as she’s not affiliated with the Earth Directorate, Auntie’s Choice, or the Protectorate. Instead, she’s part of the Glorious Dawn, a cult that worships the rifts. She’s also wonderfully violent and bloodthirsty, which adds a real mean streak that reminds me of the aggressive humor found in Borderlands games.

You can also embark on companion quests, which provide deeper character development than what you'd typically experience by just sticking with the story missions. They’re always worth doing, as you’ll not only learn to appreciate the companions more, but also gain experience to level up and become stronger, and earn other valuable rewards.

Roleplaying goodness

The Outer Worlds 2’s other strong suit is its robust role-playing elements. The character creator has extensive cosmetic options, including changing your hairstyle, adjusting your head shape, and more. It’s easy to lose time trying to create your ideal character. But what makes it stand out more than other games is its trait and skill system.

You can pick up to two positive traits, such as Brawny, which gives you the ability to use brute force to open malfunctioning doors, and Lucky, which can sometimes allow you to solve sticky situations easily. For example, Lucky came in handy when I had to solve a math equation, and my character managed to get “lucky” and solve it on the first go. 

Depending on what traits you have, certain obstacles in the game can become easier or harder to clear. This simple choice made in the beginning can drastically change the trajectory of your playthrough, making each one different and increasing the game’s replayability. You’ll also have to pick. If you decide to go with two positive traits instead of just one, you also have to pick up a negative trait, like being constantly sick or dumb. The former decreases your maximum HP, while the latter permanently locks the number of skills you can learn. It’s an excellent trade-off that forces you to adapt.

The skill screen in Outer Worlds 2. Credit: George Yang / Mashable

You can also pick two skills to specialize in, which help gear your character to your specific playstyle. I like avoiding conflict and talking my way out of situations, so I chose Speech as one of my preferred skills. This lets me influence others in conversations and potentially convince them to give me store discounts. I can even skip boss fights entirely by persuading them to stand down if my Speech skill is high enough and I’ve collected specific information around the environment. Fortunately, you’re not locked to a specific playstyle, so you’re able to shift and invest in the other skills in case you discover a new approach that you enjoy more.

As you level up, you’ll also be able to unlock perks based on how many skill points you’ve allocated to certain skills. For example, after investing in the Lockpick skill, I learned how to Pickpocket, which came in clutch because, in some instances, I needed to complete a side quest to progress the story. Instead of doing what the quest giver asked for, I simply went behind them and stole what I needed from their back pocket.

There’s lots of room for synergy between the skills and perks. I loved sneaking around and killing enemies from behind, and the Sleight of Hand perk I unlocked by getting my Lockpick skill to level 8 not only made pickpocketing faster, but granted me bonus damage when executing sneak attacks. 

In fact, I spent so much time crouching and minimizing the sound of my footsteps that the game noticed, and I picked up a Flaw, an optional permanent trait that has both positive and negative effects. This particular one was called Bad Knees, and it increased my crouch speed, but every time I crouched, I would emit a cracking sound that would alert hostiles to investigate me. I decided that the pros weren’t worth the cons, so I declined the trait. There’s so much experimentation within these deep gameplay systems that makes every playthrough feel unique.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable Fighting words

Combat and gunplay were some of the weaker aspects of the first game, and that’s unfortunately the same story here. That’s partly why I also went with the stealth and speech routes that I did. I would pick off regular enemies one by one from behind, and then during boss fights, I’d convince them to step down so I wouldn’t have to attack them at all.

In any case, there are some marginal improvements. Like its predecessor, you can equip mods to enhance your weapons, such as reducing the ammo cost on certain guns. However, many of these mods make a negligible difference in the grand scheme of things, and I hardly felt these improvements during the moment-to-moment gunfights.

It’s a stark contrast to Avowed, which really showed off Obsidian’s combat systems at its best. The gunslinging in The Outer Worlds 2 just doesn’t have the same impact and satisfaction that the responsive magic hurling and swordfighting mechanics in Avowed impressed me with. Even when I started a new playthrough and picked more combat-oriented skills and perks, the shooting still felt flat and clunky in my hands.

Is The Outer Worlds 2 worth it?

If you enjoyed the first game, there’s really no reason you wouldn’t enjoy the sequel. Thankfully, The Outer Worlds 2 has an entirely new story and cast of characters, so you can jump straight in if you haven’t played the first. It’s got good writing and humorous writing, even if the anti-capitalist schtick is a bit overdone. 

The companions in Outer Worlds 2. Credit: George Yang / Mashable

The companions are genuinely deep and make the space odyssey much more bearable. And while the combat hasn’t improved much, the deep role-playing elements and the synergies between the skills and perks make the game fun to play.

The Outer Worlds 2 will be available on all platforms, including PC and PS5. It can also be played via Xbox Game Pass. With games like Keeper and Ninja Gaiden 4, the subscription is well worth getting for Microsoft’s releases this month, despite its recent price hike.

This year, Richard Linklater directed not one but two biopics about larger-than-life artists. After Nouvelle Vague, which focussed on the production of Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless (1960), there is Blue Moon, which focusses on the friendship between Broadway legends Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke) and Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott).

Mashable's Head of Video Mark Stetson sat down with Hawke, Scott, and Bobby Cannavale (playing an omniscient bartender Bobbie) to discuss their roles, and how they see the Hart-Rodgers relationship.

Blue Moon opens in limited release on Oct. 17, before going wide Oct. 24.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

TL;DR: Live stream Chargers vs. Vikings in the NFL for free on 7Plus. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with IPVanish.

The NFL action kicks off this week with the Chargers taking on the Vikings at the SoFi Stadium. The Chargers are looking to protect their positive record this season. The Vikings are 3-3 going into this hotly-anticipated matchup.

If you want to watch Chargers vs. Vikings in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chargers vs. Vikings?

Chargers vs. Vikings in the NFL starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on Oct. 23. This game takes place at the SoFi Stadium.

How to watch Chargers vs. Vikings for free

Chargers vs. Vikings in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 7Plus from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

Live stream Chargers vs. Vikings for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like IPVanish)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Live stream Chargers vs. Vikings for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: IPVanish IPVanish (2-Year Plan) $52.56 at IPVanish (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Chargers vs. Vikings in the NFL without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the NFL before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites to follow the whole season, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking streaming services is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7Plus?

IPVanish is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:

• 3,100 servers in 145+ locations including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• AES 256 encryption and operates with a zero-logs privacy policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Unlimited simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to IPVanish is on sale for just $52.56 — 83% off for a limited time. This plan includes advanced privacy features, threat protection, unlimited connections, 24/7 support, and the 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Chargers vs. Vikings in the NFL for free with IPVanish.

Editor's Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, Mashable's parent company. Any products featured on Mashable are covered independently by our editorial team.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a sports fan.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 17, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Splendid

• Green: Earnings

• Blue: Used in the Big Games

• Purple: A sack

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Peachy

• Green: Winnings

• Blue: Pieces of Olympic sports equipment

• Purple: ___ Bag

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #865 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Peachy: DANDY, DUCKY, FINE, SWELL

• Winnings: KITTY, POT, PRIZE, PURSE

• Pieces of Olympic sports equipment: BALL, BIRDIE, PUCK, STONE

• ___ Bag: DOGGY, GO, MIXED, SWAG

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a botanist.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 17, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Please don't eat me!

The words are related to plants.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe plants you shouldn't eat.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Poisonous.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 23

• Belladonna

• Azalea

• Poisonous

• Oleander

• Foxglove

• Hemlock

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a handyman.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A power tool.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter L appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

STUNT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

If you're looking to chop your YouTube Shorts time, there's a way to curb your doomscrolling.

On Oct. 22, YouTube announced a new setting for Shorts which lets you set a daily viewing limit. Only available on mobile, the feature ideally helps users (in particular, kids and teens) cut down on screen time. YouTube has added tools over the years including take a break and bedtime reminders as well as a sleep timer, but this one's especially made for Shorts.

"Setting a scrolling time limit on the Shorts feed allows for this exploration while helping users be more deliberate about their viewing habits and manage their time effectively," reads a blog post by YouTube owner Google.

SEE ALSO: How to restrict your TikTok screen time in app

According to a 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center, YouTube is still the most popular social media platform among teens ages 13 to 17, topping TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. According to the annual report, 73 percent of teens say they visit YouTube daily, with 15 percent describing their use as "almost constant." The survey also found the majority of Americans support time limits for minors on social media, which comes as no surprise considering the ongoing legal battles facing Big Tech.

YouTube is currently facing multiple lawsuits alongside Meta's Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, over their social media platforms' roles in the ongoing youth mental health crisis. The tech giants are accused of failing to implement protective limits for children and teens around the frequency and duration of social media use — among many other things.

Companies including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more have added parental monitoring tools and screen time limits for kids and teens in recent years. However, at the same time, YouTube Shorts has added longer form videos and more TikTok-like editing tools, expanding the capabilities of the site to serve up more screen time-tempting content.

Featured Video For You 3 simple tips to optimise your ChatGPT search

Notably, setting time limits on social media apps isn't just for teens, with adults in just as much need to find a healthy screen time balance — if a 2025 study about toilet scrolling won't ring the digital detox alarm for you then we don't know what will.

How to add time limits to YouTube Shorts

According to PC Mag, the feature is currently rolling out to users but might take a little time to reach your account.

If you have the time limit tool, it will appear in YouTube's Settings — tap your account profile picture in the bottom right of the app, then the Settings cog in the top right. It's likely to sit in the General tab beside YouTube's existing "take a break" and bedtime reminders.

Here, YouTube says you can set and adjust how long you'd like to scroll on the Shorts feed. Once you've hit that time limit, you'll get a (notably dismissible) prompt which will pause the Shorts feed.

For parents, YouTube said it's planning to add the Shorts time limit to the app's parental controls to incorporate "later this year," which will give parents and guardians controlling supervised accounts the ability to turn the setting on and make it non-dismissible.

SAVE OVER $10: As of Oct. 23, the Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night set is on sale for $150 at Amazon. This is $19.99 off its list price of $169.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night $150 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $19.99   Get Deal

Lego has some excellent sets for adults to look through, though some can come with high price tags. However, with Black Friday around the corner, we're already seeing some nice deals start to appear on select Lego sets at Amazon. One deal that's recently crossed our radar is on the Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night set, which has dropped to $150.

This is a 12% discount from its usual price of $169.99, which means you get to keep $19.99 in your pocket. This is also the price the Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night set was at during October Prime Day, so now is as good a time as any to grab it.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away free Witch models for Halloween — here’s how to get yours on Oct. 26

This Lego set looks like a lovely wall art build, especially if you're a fan of Vincent van Gogh's work. It comes with 2,316 pieces that build up The Starry Night painting as 3D wall art that can be either hung up or put on display as a freestanding piece once you're finished. Not only does the art itself really pop, but it also comes with an adjustable display arm where you can place the Van Gogh minifigure with his paintbrush and palette.

This set is recommended for adults aged 18 and up. Don't miss out on the Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night set down to $150 at Amazon.

There's plenty more Lego deals to explore right now at Amazon. If you're in the holiday spirit, you can also save on Lego Advent calendars right now.

SAVE $6.95: As of Oct. 23, the Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Team Rocket Tin is $40.99 at TCGplayer, compared to $47.94 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Destined Rivals Team Rocket Tin $40.99 at TCGPlayer
$47.94 Save $6.95   Shop Now

With Mega Evolution out in the wild and Phantasmal Flames preorders going in and out of stock, the Scarlet and Violet era of Pokémon TCG is looking a bit fuzzy. Well, Destined Rivals has some of the best artwork of the last generation and you shouldn't miss out. Right now trainers can grab a Destined Rivals Team Rocket Tin containing five booster packs for $40.99 at TCGplayer, which is $6.95 cheaper than Amazon's $47.94 listing.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Focusing on the generation one and two bad guys, Team Rocket, and Pokémon Gold and Silver's protagonist Ethan, Destined Rivals continues the trainer Pokémon revival in Journey Together. The last time we saw these cards was back in the early 2000s Wizards of the Coast days, so for long-time trainers and collectors this set is a shot of nostalgia.

Most valuable Destined Rivals Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

There are some incredible chase cards in Destined Rivals, with Team Rocket evil vibes to Ethan and Cynthia rocking their partner Pokémon. It's such a cool set, but ripping packs to find these cards can get extremely expensive. After ripping open a booster box with a set, I tend to hunt down single cards and buy them, potentially saving hundreds of dollars over chasing that $500 Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR.

Here's the top chase cards from Destined Rivals alongside their current values and where to buy them right now:

1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182

   Near Mint Holofoil: $495.99
   Market price: $581.93
   Most recent sale: $504.66

2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182

   Near Mint Holofoil: $289.99
   Market price: $296
   Most recent sale: $291.01

3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182

   Near Mint Holofoil: $220.03
   Market price: $242.87
   Most recent sale: $221.30

4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182

   Near Mint Holofoil: $145.93
   Market price: $153.59
   Most recent sale: $149.84