FlashFeed

Full text

The 2026 Razer Blade 18 is more of an iterative update on what came before, swapping out that Intel Core Ultra 275HX processor for a shiny new 290HX Plus model. Still, this is a machine that's keeping pace with the most powerful on the market - and doing it all in a premium, slimline chassis. Throw in a dual-mode 4K display that you'll either love or loathe, a sturdy battery life, and a solid deck of keys and you've got yourself a suitably expensive rig vying for best gaming laptop status.

I'll be primarily comparing the Razer Blade 18 against the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (as our current go-to 18-incher) and MSI Raider A18 HX for some 4K insights (and as the most powerful gaming laptop I've tested so far). The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX / RTX 5090 Scar I've had my hands on goes for $4,499.99, $900 less than the Blade, while the Raider packs an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and RTX 5090 for $5,609.99 - $210 more than Razer's.

Razer Blade 18 configurations

(Image credit: Future) This being such a premium machine, the Razer Blade 18 sticks to the top end of the GPU market. That means you're choosing between RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090 flavors, paired up with Intel's 2026 Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU. It's the processor that marks the biggest departure from last year's model, though the real-world performance upgrade is going to be minimal. That's why the price jump from $4,899 to $5,399 for an RTX 5090 model feels pretty squeaky.

Of course, with rising component costs everything is more expensive in 2026 - but when the previous generation model is still available (and starting at $3,499.99), it's worth sitting down with some priorities.

After all, this is the same dual UHD / FHD display with largely the same specs, and the same rock-solid chassis. RAM spans 32GB up to 128GB in the US (only 64GB in the UK), while 2TB and 1TB storage options are available as well.

Ports are bountiful, with both a Thunderbolt 5 and 4 at your disposal (though some kind of labelling system would have been appreciated), as well as three Type-As and an RJ45 for a wired connection.

Key Specs Tested

Also Available

Price

$5,399.99 / £4,999.99

$3,999.99 - $6,999.99 / £3,599.99 - £5,799.99

Display

Dual UHD+ 240Hz / FHD+ 440Hz

-

Processor

Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus

-

GPU

RTX 5090

RTX 5070 Ti | RTX 5080

RAM

32GB

64GB | 128GB (US)

Storage

2TB SSD

1TB SSD

Connectivity

WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

-

Ports

3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x Thunderbolt 5, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x RJ45, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x UHS-II SD card reader

-

Dimensions

1.1 x 10.84 x 15.74 inch

-

Weight

3.1kg

-

Razer Blade 18 performance

Well, this is about as close any gaming laptop has got to threatening the MSI Raider A18 HX A9W's throne. The previously 'most powerful' gaming laptop I tested has come in neck and neck with the Razer Blade 18 from my RTX 5090 tests, and at times Sneki's in with a shot at gaining an edge.

MSI beat Razer in two out of my three 3D Mark tests (Fire Strike, the easier run, and Steel Nomad, the hardest and most true to life run). An early point for the Raider. Then we get to the in-game benchmarks, where the duo tie in FHD and UHD wins, with Razer taking the crown for QHD performance overall. That's a tie so far.

* With DLSS x4 generation enabled, the Razer Blade 18 averaged 172fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K RT Ultra.

We can try and break that tie with CPU-only scores. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus scored 3,053 in its single core test and 20,387 in its multi core test. The first is good news for the Raider with its beefy AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D averaging around 3,186 in user tests. The second brings Razer right back into the race - AMD generally only musters a 20,220 position here.

The Razer Blade 18 has blown it out the park with its performance. This is a slimline chassis operating with half the RAM of the MSI Raider and still keeping pace with the monster.

That means we'll need to look deeper into the most important benchmarks; demanding QHD and UHD in-game runs and single core CPU performance.

Cyberpunk 2077 in RT: Ultra represents the biggest challenge in my test pool, and we're still pretty close here. The Razer Blade 18 ran at an average of 86fps in these conditions, with the MSI Raider eking ahead at 90fps. The script is flipped in 4K, with the Razer Blade 18 sitting at 60fps and the Raider dropping slightly to 59fps. These are both evenly matched machines.

Ultimately, then, it comes down to that single core performance. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus may be helping the Blade 18 keep its battery life in check, but it's not quite getting the machine over the line against the most powerful rig on the market.

What I loved about the Razer Blade 18

4K is a real luxury

You won't find too many 4K gaming laptops on the shelves right now, which is a little frustrating considering the RTX 5090 is the first mobile GPU I've seen that can actually natively tackle this kind of resolution in modern demanding games and DLSS 5 can get you there on lower cards as well.

Still, this is one of the few rigs I've tested in the last few years pushing that resolution up to a super crisp UHD+, and games look fantastic as a result. Doom: The Dark Ages is one of my favorites to run on these high-end panels, and every gnarly detail is offered up in incredible sharpness.

If you're spending big on immersive single-player content, this is a rare feature to keep an eye on. While other 4K rigs, like the MSI Raider A18 HX, opt for MiniLED panels, though, Razer has stuck with an IPS screen here. It's still got a card in its pocket, though, because at the flip of a switch (and a restart of the laptop), the Blade 18 can run in either 4K 240Hz or 1200p 440Hz.

(Image credit: Future) It's a double edged sword as we'll see below, but it does give Razer a unique leg up against the competition. This is a unique party trick, allowing for both immersive solo ventures at full UHD+ resolution or faster competitive endeavours that prioritize sky-high framerates over visual detailing.

I did, however, encounter a few times when my refresh rate seemed to become locked to 60Hz in full 4K. A quick jump into Nvidia Control Panel could generally rectify the issue, though not always, and Synapse software didn't quite seem to catch up with the change once I'd made it. I've reached out to Razer regarding the issue, and will update here once I've heard back.

Big doesn't have to mean chunky

I feel like I say it every time a Razer laptop is on my desk but yes, this looks like a Razer Blade. Sneki hasn't deviated from the all-black CNC-milled aluminum chassis in years and it's not about to now. Being an 18-incher, this thing is still a lot wider than the Razer Blade 16 or Razer Blade 14 perched on my desk, but it's far from the cumbersome giants I usually have to wrestle with.

(Image credit: Future) Measuring in at 1.1 inches thick with the lid closed, it's thinner than the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and MSI Raider A18 (both 1.26-inches) while also maintaining a lighter weight. You're adding 3.1kg to your backpack, compared to Asus's 3.3kg waistline and MSI's 3.6kg heft.

That's still by no means at the lightest end of the market, an 18-inch gaming laptop isn't designed to be karted around, but it is slightly more portable than the chunkier beasts.

Impressive battery life

I can forgive gaming laptops for lacking battery life, and 18-inch powerhouses get an additional pass, but the Razer Blade 18 manages to perform surprisingly well without its charger close by. That's a relief, considering the chunky power brick shipped in the box.

I generally aim for a comfortable two-odd hours of gaming time on a larger 18-inch machine, with power and graphical settings whittled down to a playable state. The Blade 18 held up for just over three hours of Doom: The Dark Ages during testing, with about six hours of work (Chrome tabs, Spotify, and the odd image edit) achievable in a more balanced productivity setting.

For reference, the MSI Raider lasted for just over an hour when gaming and about three hours in productivity with full Eco Silent Mode and 50% screen brightness.

That's certainly a win for the efficiency-minded Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.

Satisfying controls

With a full-sized keyboard and an expansive trackpad, the Blade 18 is outfitted with everything you need for both games and productivity - but it also feels fantastic.

(Image credit: Future) 1.5mm key travel and a 63g actuation force make for a nicely snappy set of switches with a firm base and energetic bounce. Of course, I'd expect a $5,000+ gaming laptop to offer a nice typing experience but it can't be taken for granted. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, for example, has a little more flex than I'd expect from this kind of price and the MSI Raider (despite its SteelSeries mechanical keys) is particularly wobbly.

While both its competitors do away with Razer's half-sized up/down arrow keys, then, it's by far the best option for those typing over longer periods.

What to consider about the Razer Blade 18

Price doesn't keep up with incremental update

The only major difference between the early 2025 Razer Blade 18 and this one is that processor. The Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus has stepped in and taken the reins from the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU. That's a processor that averages out at 2,799 single-core and 17,783 multi-core on Geekbench 6. We're looking at a 9% increase in the former test, and a 14.6% increase in the second.

The problem is that overall 10% price increase. While it sits inline with CPU performance upgrades (though slightly higher than single-core performance uplift), the 275HX is unlikely to meaningfully downgrade your experience. These are very similar chips - you'll feel that RTX 5090 start to sag long before the CPU starts presenting problems.

Screen investment only makes sense for niche players

Back to that dual UHD+/FHD+ display, then. One can only assume it's adding to the final price tag, and potentially in no small way. Considering we're already paying a premium compared to last year's model, I'd argue the ability to swap down to high-speed 1200p isn't in the best interests of most players. It's only going to be the ultra-competitive among us who are unhappy with the kinds of framerates that RTX 5090 can spit out at full throttle, and only those players who will even be able to take advantage of the sky-high 440Hz refresh rate.

(Image credit: Future) Considering Mini LED options are rife across the rest of the high-end 18-inch market, offering a boosted punch to colors and vibrancy compared to the Blade 18, I'd rather invest the cash in that panel type or keep it in my pocket.

Runs a little warmer than chunkier models

The Blade 18's slimline design comes with its own drawbacks as well. The machine becomes noticeably hot to the touch after around half an hour of intensive gaming. Poring over a sweltering keyboard in a heatwave isn't exactly my idea of comfort, even if thermals never climbed to a throttling level. Using the Blade 18's keyboard becomes a slightly sticky endeavour after a short while, by virtue of that more condensed unibody design.

Chunkier machines may be more difficult to transport but, as a desktop replacement, I'd take the extra vents and grills instead.

Should you buy the Razer Blade 18?

(Image credit: Future) See, now this is why I love and hate Razer laptops. I can spend a thousand words talking about how great it looks, feels, and plays, and then ultimately have to say it's difficult to recommend.

Up there with the best Alienware laptops , these are some of the most expensive models on the market and the 2026 Blade 18 not only upcharges by $500 compared to last year's, its dual-mode display is adding potentially unnecessary costing into that final price. It's vastly more expensive than the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and a good chunk of change costlier than larger 16-inch models.

And yet, in some lights, it's worth it.

The older model I mean, definitely buy the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX variant while it's still around.

This thing is packing just as much power as the MSI Raider A18 HX A9W, for slightly less cash than MSI's $5,609.99 MSRP. For your money you're getting the same performance, a faster UHD+ refresh rate, a far more premium build quality, an actually workable battery life, and a more compact form factor. That's pretty compelling.

It's not a decision without sacrifice; the Raider wins for its overall screen quality thanks to that Mini LED panel and it also adds an additional Thunderbolt 5 rather than reserving one USB-C for Thunderbolt 4. The final ace in MSI's deck is its SSD. It's one of the few gaming laptops packing a full Gen 5 drive.

Ultimately, if you're shopping in these upper echelons with your heart set on a machine that looks and feels like its price tag, Razer's going to be your best bet. If you just want 60fps QHD power on a larger, immersive 18-inch display, Asus still wins for overall value for money.

How I tested the Razer Blade 18

The Razer Blade 18 became my central control panel for a period of two weeks, with some testing overlapping the Acer Nitro 18 AI . In that time I used the machine for work, play, and everything in between, running Doom: The Dark Ages, High on Life 2, and Planet Coaster 2 for day to day sessions.

I used 3D Mark's Time Spy, Steel Nomad, and Fire Strike benchmarks with the Blade set to a Turbo performance setting while testing in-game across Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered, and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p, 1600p, and UHD+ in each game's high and highest settings. Each test was completed three times, with the final result above representing an average of each run.

For more information on how we test gaming laptops , check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy .

I've been testing plenty more of the best Razer laptops , as well as all the best Asus gaming laptops on the market. For something a little more reserved, though, check out the best gaming handhelds available.

Full text

In a rare reversal of live service demise, a beloved but "dead" live service FPS will not shut down, but instead receive custom server support that ensures it'll be playable forever. Long live Deceive Inc.

The story of Deceive Inc. played out like countless other live service games. The PvP Hitman-like shooter launched to good reviews, was beloved by a modest community (including yours truly ), and received substantial seasonal updates for over a year. Then in 2024, the updates suddenly ceased and its developer, Sweet Bandits, closed its doors.

"After a long and difficult road of trying to get Deceive Inc. in a state where it could thrive, we have reached the breaking point for the studio," Sweet Bandits wrote in a December 2024 Steam update .

At the time, Sweet Bandits said it was "exploring options" for maintaining the game long term, but noted that the path would be "charted by our partners at Tripwire Interactive." Servers remained online, but for how long was anybody's guess.

That was a year and a half ago, which is why I was surprised to find a fresh Deceive Inc. update on my Steam home page dated July 16.

"Although Sweet Bandits had to close their doors, we don't believe Deceive Inc. should quietly disappear because the services behind it aren’t sustainable forever," the unsigned post reads . "We're actively rebuilding Deceive Inc.’s backend to be sustainable indefinitely and support community-hosted dedicated servers.

Behold, a beautiful server browser. (Image credit: Sweet Bandits) "When this work is complete, you'll be able to host your own servers using a dedicated server application, browse community servers directly from within the game, and join community-hosted matches just as you do today."

Once upon a time, most multiplayer games were built with a flexible server infrastructure that made custom lobbies a natural fit, but today's standard practice of dedicated server stacks and integrated matchmaking means redoing a lot of backend work. The effort is extensive, but worth it.

"Replacing the backend for a live multiplayer game means rebuilding much of the technology that players never normally see. This touches nearly every part of how players find matches, join servers, manage progression, unlock content, and more," the post reads. "Our goal is that when everything is finished, all of your account progress, unlocks, and stats are maintained—even though much of what's happening behind the scenes has changed."

(Image credit: Sweet Bandits Studios) The post shares screenshots of the rudimentary custom server tools coming in the update, and also sets expectations accordingly. "Right now, our priority is completing this migration successfully. Because of that, we have very little room to incorporate extra feedback or requests while this work is underway."

The cherry on top? The new version of Deceive Inc. will also remove "as many technical barriers to modding as we reasonably can," which could open the door to long-term fan updates down the road.

It's a feel-good development for a brilliant game. Deceive Inc. was never going to rake in millions of players—it's too strange for the mainstream, yet too skillful and complex to qualify as "frienslop"—so this is the best case scenario.

"This work is ultimately about one thing: making sure the future of Deceive Inc. is in the hands of the community that continues to play it," the post concludes.

Full text

Archaeologists in Spain have discovered the remains of a 2,400-year-old bronze chariot that was used to honor the gods and may have had links to the ancient Etruscans, who lived in what is now Italy. ‪The discovery is "without known parallels" in Iberia, according to the research team.

The roughly 24-inch-long (60 centimeters) chariot was designed with a flat, table-like top that people would have used as a surface for burning incense as a divine offering, according to a translated statement .

The side of the chariot showcases a face sticking out its tongue. This face appears to be an unusual fusion of a gorgon , an ancient protective symbol associated with Medusa ; and Achelous , a powerful river god in Greek mythology who could turn into a bull, Guiomar Pulido González , an archaeologist at the Mérida Institute of Archaeology (part of the Spanish National Research Council) who was involved with the discovery, told Live Science.

Archaeologists unearthed part of the chariot, including two legs and two wheels, at an archaeological site called Casas del Turuñuelo (Spanish for "Houses of Turuñuelo") in Spain's Badajoz province, close to the border with Portugal. The two legs look like two people holding up the table part of the chariot.

A face on the chariot appears to be an unusual fusion of a gorgon and Achelous, a river god in Greek mythology who could turn into a bull. (Image credit: Construyendo Tarteso Project ) Both of the short sides of the chariot feature a mythical creature associated with safeguarding: a lion with wings and an eagle head, called a griffin . "All the figurative parts of the chariots point to protective divinities," Pulido explained, though "we are not sure what they are protecting ‪—‬ maybe the content of the chariot, or the viewers looking at them."

Archaeologists have previously discovered similar chariots made by the Etruscans , a pre-Roman people who lived in Italy from about 900 to 100 B.C. However, the newfound one is the first known chariot to feature a gorgon-Achelous face mashup, and the first of its kind to be found in the Iberian Peninsula, according to Pulido, who is also a doctoral student at the Autonomous University of Madrid studying ancient Mediterranean imports throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

Both of the short sides of the chariot feature a griffin, a mythical creature associated with safeguarding. (Image credit: Construyendo Tarteso Project ) Restorers working on the artifact noticed that the two people holding the chariot are wearing skirts, which would be unusual for an Etruscan chariot; typically, Etruscan-crafted bronze figures are naked, Pulido said. Despite this anomaly, the theory is that the chariot was made by the Etruscans and arrived in modern-day Spain via trade routes.

The chariot was found in a layer suggesting it was discarded around the end of the fifth century B.C., though the design of the gorgon-Achelou face's iconography indicates that it could have been made as early as the sixth century B.C.

The humanlike figures on the chariot are clothed, which is unusual because other Etruscan-crafted bronze figures are naked. (Image credit: Construyendo Tarteso Project) An enigmatic people

The archaeological site that yielded the bronze chariot is in an area known as the Middle Guadiana River Valley, which has 14 known sites left behind by an enigmatic people that completely disappeared from the archaeological record around 400 B.C., Pulido noted. They were probably local populations that were heavily influenced by or mixed with the Tartessians , a civilization that settled in the Iberian Peninsula around the eighth century B.C. and was known for its elaborate writing system .

Each of the 14 sites holds the remains of burnt buildings that were subsequently filled in with soil and fragmented objects, Pulido said. The recently discovered chariot had been intentionally broken — it has no other damage besides being halved — and included in the debris.

Construyendo Tarteso Project Construyendo Tarteso Project Related stories

Pristine Etruscan tomb discovered in Italy contains more than 100 untouched artifacts

2,500-year-old tomb of a 'warrior prince' with chariot and helmet discovered on Italy's Adriatic coast

'Nailed-head ritual' in Iron Age Spain was more 'complex than initially thought,' severed skulls reveal

The current leading theory regarding these ruins is that, for some unknown reason and around the same time, the inhabitants of these centers burned down their buildings, filled them in and then abandoned the sites. The burning and filling seem to have been too intentional for it to have happened in the context of an enemy attack, according to Pulido. "Instead, they may have formed part of a carefully planned ritual of closure, a symbolic farewell to buildings that were intentionally decommissioned," she said.

Then, this culture "disappeared from the archaeological record," Pulido said. But other evidence, including imported pottery from Greece and other Etruscan bronze objects, suggests that whoever these people were, they participated in the ancient trade networks stretching across the Mediterranean, with their elite having enough wealth to afford imported objects, she said.

See if you know what these mysterious artifacts are with our archaeological fragments quiz!