With three sub-functions captured, its time to focus on capturing HEPHAESTUS. All things considered, HEPHAESTUS seems to have done well for itself after separating from GAIA. It’s not contained to a single device, its processing power rivals GAIA, and its created some killer (in both the literal and cool way) machines. It seems that HEPHAESTUS has even been able to rewrite parts of its own code to protect itself from Aloy. This won’t be easy, but with the help of Beta, there is a plan. Before executing, though, we take some time to catch up with team at the base, as well as head south so we can explore more of The Stillsands.

In this episode:
– Merging DEMETER with GAIA
– The plan to capture HEPHAESTUS
– Stillsands Tallneck
– Devil’s Grasp [Rebel Camp]

Hosts

Jarret Redding

Jarret is Executive Director as well as one of the founding members of Mash Those Buttons. He plays all types of games, but tends to lean more toward FPS, Stealth, and Combat games.

Christina Zammarrelli

Gaming has been a core part throughout Poptarts life. Though her specialty is JRPGs, she tries to branch out and try new things. Most of her time gets put into the MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV, but she still finds time to play new games.

The Latest from Mash

WoW! Talk! #327: Embracing Forever
September 24th, 2026

The gang is back from Blizzcon with more thoughts on what was revealed, as well as their experiences in the WoW Forever beta!

WoW! Talk! #326: Blizzcon 2026: Linecraft Forever
September 17th, 2026

The gang (& Chip from Squad Goals) react to all the Blizzcon news! Also, listen to find out how to enter for a chance to win a Warcraft Forever Collection which includes Warcraft III: Reforged and the Forsaken Kingdom expansion! World of Warcraft Forever launches Nov 4th! #wow_partner