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National NFL Analyst Attaches Vikings’ “Major Progress” to 1 Central Factor

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Minnesota Vikings fans watch the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Fans packed U.S. Bank Stadium on Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the Minnesota Vikings hosted the Philadelphia Eagles in a high-energy NFC matchup. The home crowd reacted to a tense first half defined by missed opportunities and questionable calls that shaped the game’s momentum. Excitement and frustration blended across the stands as fans anticipated a second-half turnaround. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Sometimes, different doctors offer different medical opinions. So, too, do national NFL analysts, but most would agree with the prescribed medicine.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Vikings aren’t looking too shabby. In fact, Fowler drops the 9-8 Vikings down into his “Few Moves Away” category for teams that missed the playoffs. Is that an accurate assessment of where Minnesota finds itself? Or, perhaps, is a more robust roster remodel needed?

NFL Analyst on Vikings’ Top Weakness

Currently, the Seahawks are the envy of the NFL. The reigning Super Bowl champions have the league’s best defense, a 28-year-old passer on a bargain of a deal, and more than $60 million in cap space.

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In the words of Shrek, that’ll do, donkey.

The Vikings aren’t in a world of hurt but they’re not travelling without any wounds. Coming off a 9-8 season, Minnesota fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah before then hiring Matt Thomas to help bridge the gap to a full-time GM replacement (formerly of the Seahawks). Best case involves one major free agent signing, some savvy, punch-above-their-weight-class deals for other veterans, and then a 2015-level draft haul. Maybe there will even be a slobberknocker of a trade that helps Minnesota.

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Fowler sees things in a glass-half-full manner.

Consider the initial assessment: “The hope for a quick turnaround: Kevin O’Connell’s 43-27 record through four seasons suggests the Vikings will be in the thick of the NFC North race yet again. The defense is among the league’s most physical and opportunistic. The offense is still full of playmakers, and the offensive line should be healthier.”

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Some further thoughts: “Why it might take longer than hoped: The quarterback position remaining a huge question entering the fifth season of this regime is concerning. It looks like Minnesota will add a veteran to compete with J.J. McCarthy. Several benched starters have resurrected their careers recently — including Sam Darnold with this franchise — and Minnesota offers a stable environment. But this is the one area holding the team back from major progress. That and an offensive line that couldn’t stay healthy.”

Fowler, to his credit, gives voice to both sides of the argument. What stands out, though, is a belief that Minnesota’s talented roster alongside Minnesota’s coaching staff will get things figured out. The key is competent play at quarterback.

Maybe that’s true.

Kevin O'Connell and J.J. McCarthy in Week 15 of 2025
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) slaps hands with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell after a made field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.

DC Brian Flores has proven to be an exemplary strategist. Sp/T Coordinator Matt Daniels doesn’t get the credit he deserves, but he has coaxed excellence out of LS Andrew DePaola, PR/KR Myles Price, P Ryan Wright, and first-team All Pro K Will Reichard.

Coach O’Connell, meanwhile, is better than most. A good coach. Very good, even. He won’t remain in that category for much longer unless he begins winning in the playoffs. Nobody will be impressed by going 12-5 to claim the No. 5 spot in the NFC before getting eviscerated in the playoffs. The Vikings need to do far more.

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The Vikings, like every NFL team, would benefit from improved QB play. Banking on competition for J.J. McCarthy is essentially a foregone conclusion. All that remains is who will get added, why that person gets added, what it costs to add that person, and how that person will play in the Twin Cities.

Seeing the OL get (and stay) healthy will be massive, as Fowler notes. Likewise, the defensive line needs a bounce back. Last year, the Vikings had top corners Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers stay healthy all year; can that occur yet again?

Seeing the run game become respectable, Justin Jefferson return to elite, and Blake Cashman play a complete season would be similarly huge.

Kevin O’Connell reacts on Vikings sideline during game at Soldier Field.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell showed visible emotion Sep 8, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, during second-half action at Soldier Field against the Bears. O’Connell’s reaction on the sideline reflected the intensity of the divisional contest as Minnesota worked to maintain composure and adjust strategy on the road in the NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.

The Vikings are sitting on more than $40 million in cap debt. A path exists to clear out a huge amount of open cap space. After the frenzy that is free agency, the Vikings will look to use their nine draft picks wisely, especially the No. 18 selection.

A pivotal offseason awaits.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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2026 Olympics men’s hockey odds, times, playoff picks: Tuesday predictions from expert on 26-12 NHL roll

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After exciting preliminary contests, it’s onto the playoff round for men’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The playoff stage begins early Tuesday with four qualification matchups before the quarterfinals take place on Wednesday. The semifinals will then be held on Thursday before the gold medal match for 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey takes place on Sunday. Canada enters the Olympics men’s hockey playoff as the top seed and -140 favorite to win gold, followed by the United States at +180.

For Tuesday’s contests, the latest hockey odds are: Italy (+980) vs. Switzerland (-2100), France (+550) vs. Germany (-820), Denmark (+320) vs. Czechia (-420) and Latvia (+660) vs. Sweden (-1050). The four winners advance to the Olympic hockey quarterfinals on Wednesday, while the four losers are knocked out of competition. The first faceoffs come at 6:10 a.m. ET. Before making any 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey picks or playoff predictions, you need to see what Matthew Severance has to say.

Severance is coming off an outstanding NHL season in which he went 235-155-21 (plus $2,022). He entered the Olympic break on a 26-12 roll on NHL money-line picks this season, returning $1,326 for $100 players. Anyone following his hockey picks at their favorite sportsbooks could have seen huge returns.

Now, Severance has turned his attention to Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey playoff rounds. He’s only sharing his best bets at SportsLine.

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New users can also check out the latest FanDuel promo code and get $100 in bonus bets instantly at FanDuel if your first $5 bet wins:

2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey playoff picks

For the 2026 Winter Olympics hockey playoff round, Severance is backing Under 6.5 total goals in Latvia vs. Sweden at 3:10 p.m. ET. These nations have squared off five times since the 2022 Olympic Games, including in each of the last four World Championships. Four of those five matchups saw under 6.5 goals, with them averaging five combined goals per contest.

With the winner just needing a victory and not needing to worry about goal differential to advance, Severance doesn’t anticipate either squad going all out to find the back of the net late in the game. “There is no need to be pushing hard up three goals or the like in the third period. Save as much energy as possible. Thus, I’d probably lean Under (but no lower than 6.5).” See his other picks at SportsLine.

New users can check out the latest Kalshi bonus code CBSSPORTS to get a $10 cash bonus after making $10 in trades:

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How to make 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey predictions

Severance also has puck line and O/U picks for all four Tuesday games, including backing a team to cover the puck line that finished last in its preliminary group. You can only see his playoff picks here.

So who wins the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey playoff contests, and which nations should you back on the puck line? Visit SportsLine now to see the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey picks and playoff best bets from a hockey insider, and find out.

2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey Tuesday playoff odds, schedule

See more picks at SportsLine.
(odds via FanDuel and subject to change)

6:10 a.m. ET: Italy (+980) vs. Switzerland (-2100)
6:10 a.m. ET France (+550) vs. Germany (-820)
10:40 a.m. ET: Denmark (+320) vs. Czechia (-420)
3:10 p.m. ET: Latvia (+660) vs. Sweden (-1050)

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San Francisco psyched for rematch vs. No. 11 Gonzaga at Warriors’ arena

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NCAA Basketball: San Francisco at GonzagaJan 24, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; San Francisco Dons guard Ryan Beasley (0) runs the lane against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Tyon Grant-Foster (7) in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga Bulldogs won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Graham Ike is one of the top players in the West but Gonzaga coach Mark Few feels the big man isn’t receiving the proper level of respect.

Ike will look to post a 20-point outing for the eighth consecutive appearance when the No. 11 Bulldogs visit San Francisco on Wednesday night in West Coast Conference play. The contest will be held at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors.

Gonzaga will be looking to defeat the Dons for the 35th consecutive time after surviving a close call last month.

Ike registered 21 points and a season-best 15 rebounds as Gonzaga (25-2, 13-1 WCC) recorded a 94-86 road win over Santa Clara on Saturday night to overtake the Broncos for first place in the conference race.

Ike has scored 30 or more points in three of his last seven appearances, including matching his career best of 35 points in an 81-61 road win over Oregon State on Feb. 7. The fifth-year senior has made 31 of 43 shots (72.1%) over the past three games.

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“I think none of us can take 21 and 15 for granted or the 30-(point games),” Few said. “I think it’s time he starts seeing his name pop up on first-team All-American or second-team All-American (forecasts).

“I know we’re all obsessed with these (standout) freshmen, but he’s literally been delivering night-in, night-out at the highest level. I think he needs to start garnering some attention, at least nationally.”

Ike is averaging 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds. He missed the Bulldogs’ 68-66 home win over the Dons on Jan. 24, the final contest of a three-game absence caused by an ankle injury.

Adam Miller stood out against Santa Clara by scoring a season-high 21 points. Miller is averaging a career-low 7.7 points in the fifth season of a four-stop college career.

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“We talked about how unselfish our team is,” Miller said. “Any day can be a dog’s day. Coach reminds us of that all the time, but every day you’ve got to show up and do your role, however that looks, and I just tried to do my job and my teammates definitely did their jobs.”

The Bulldogs have been without Braden Huff (left knee) for a month, and Few’s update on Monday revealed that Huff (17.8 ppg) won’t return prior to the NCAA Tournament.

“We said four to eight weeks, it’ll be at least eight,” Few said on his weekly show. “He’s still on crutches. … He’s a long ways away from getting back.”

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San Francisco (15-13, 7-8) figures to gain some support by playing in the larger Chase Center as opposed to its cozy on-campus gymnasium.

Despite never leading, the Dons gave Gonzaga a battle last month in Spokane, Wash.

The Dons were down by eight before Vukasin Masic made consecutive 3-pointers in the final 1:20. However, a go-ahead 3-point attempt by Junjie Wang caromed off the backboard and rim with less than two seconds left.

USF’s Legend Smiley matched his season high of 18 points in that contest.

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“We have an unbelievable opportunity on Wednesday night at the Chase Center against a team that obviously is a juggernaut,” Dons coach Chris Gerlufsen said of the rematch. “We felt we played pretty well against them the first time.

“We’re going to roll our sleeves up and get to work Wednesday night and take advantage of the opportunity at hand.”

The setback vs. Gonzaga was the beginning of a stretch in which the Don lost five of six games. They halted that funk with a 92-79 road win at San Diego on Sunday.

Masic scored a season-best 22 points against the Toreros while David Fuchs contributed 21 points and a season-best-tying 13 rebounds.

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San Francisco’s most recent win over Gonzaga came in 2012, a 66-65 home decision.

–Field Level Media

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Norwegian skier throws poles after losing Olympic slalom gold in blizzard

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Blizzard conditions during the alpine skiing men’s slalom competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games led to chaos for the participants, and a medal favorite lost his cool at the end of Monday’s runs.

Out of the 96 competitors in the field, 52 of them were unable to complete their first runs on the mountain due to the snowy conditions. Skiers were having trouble keeping their balance, let alone hitting each gate.

Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, competing in his second Olympic Games, was leading the field after the disastrous first run for many of his opponents.

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Lie McGrath after skiing

Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath arrives at the finish area of an alpine ski, men’s slalom race, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

McGrath held a whopping 59-second lead heading into the second run, which is great for any slalom skier hoping to take home gold.

But, after straddling a gate on his second run, McGrath ruined his chances at taking home any medal, let alone gold.

McGrath knew that and reacted as such, launching his ski poles out of frustration. Then, after he was making his way off the course, he laid in the snow with his hands on his head, wondering what went wrong.

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In turn, Switzerland’s Loïc Meillard won the gold medal, followed by Fabio Gstrein taking home silver and McGrath’s Norwegian teammate Henrik Kristoffersen winning bronze.

“It’s amazing,” Meillard said after winning gold, per the New York Post. “It’s been long days, a lot of expectations and about what you want to achieve, a lot of pressure on yourself.”

Gstrein added, “The feeling is great, really nice and cool,” after winning his silver medal.

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Lie McGrath skiing

Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath speeds down the course, during an alpine ski, men’s slalom race, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.  (AP Photo/Gabriele Facciotti)

McGrath’s wipeout despite being the gold-medal favorite heading into the second run is just another example of how these Winter Games have not been going according to plan for many of the top athletes competing.

On the United States’ side, snowboarder Chloe Kim and figure skater Ilia Malinin are just two examples of expected gold-medal finishers who had wipeout moments in their decisive events.

Read More About The 2026 Winter Olympics

Kim needed higher than a 90 on his third attempt at the women’s halfpipe to make Olympic history with three straight gold medals after 17-year-old Gaon Choi of South Korea had a clean final run to overtake first place.

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Kim fell after attempting a trick, thus leaving her with the silver medal.

Lie McGrath after skiing

Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath arrives at the finish area of an alpine ski, men’s slalom race, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

As for Malinin, he wasn’t on the podium like Kim, falling twice during the men’s free skate. The 21-year-old, nicknamed “Quad God,” finished eighth in the event, shocking everyone in Milan.

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But that’s the nature of the high-pressure moments the Olympics can bring out in these athletes. Execution is key, and when things don’t go the way they are hoped to, frustration can leak out.

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In McGrath’s case, that frustration involved some pole throwing.

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Tyson Fury makes sensational claim about trainer for comeback fight

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Tyson Fury has claimed he will “train alone” for his comeback fight, as he prepares to emerge from retirement for the fifth time.

On 11 April, Fury will box Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the former heavyweight champion and the Russian held a press conference on Monday.

And after the press conference for the Netflix fight, a host for DAZN put it to Fury that he “might be adding” to his team.

Fury, 37, responded with a reference to Mr T’s character in Rocky III, saying: “Yeah, I’m like Clubber Lang, I’m gonna train alone. I’m gonna train alone.”

Heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis, who was offering punditry for DAZN, chimed in, “Well, he’s been through it so many times, he knows what to do,” before Fury explained his thinking.

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“I know how to do it, I know how to go 12 rounds, I know how to push myself when I need to, and I know how to take a rest when I need to.”

When Fury returned to boxing in 2018, following a two-year hiatus, he did so with Ben Davison in his corner. Davison coached the “Gypsy King” to wins over Sefer Seferi, Francesco Pianeta, Tom Schwarz and Otto Wallin, and a draw against Deontay Wilder.

Tyson Fury (left) will take on Arslanbek Makhmudov in April

Tyson Fury (left) will take on Arslanbek Makhmudov in April (PA Wire)

Fury then switched trainers for his second bout with Wilder, and Sugarhill Steward guided the Briton to a stoppage win and the WBC heavyweight title in 2020. With Sugarhill in his corner, Fury stopped Wilder again in 2021, and a knockout of Dillian Whyte followed.

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That gave way to a close shave against ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, whom Fury narrowly outpointed, before he suffered two decision losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.

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Fury’s latest retirement ensued, and now fans wait to see if he will really fight Makhmudov, 36, without a coach, or whether he was simply having fun.

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The Briton has been training in Thailand as he prepares to put his 34-2-1 (24 KOs) record on the line against Makhmudov, who is 21-2 (19 KOs).

Fury’s father John (right) with the boxer’s most-recent coach, Sugarhill Steward

Fury’s father John (right) with the boxer’s most-recent coach, Sugarhill Steward (Getty Images)

“I thought he’s a good opponent, he’s a dangerous opponent,” Fury told The Independent and other publications on Monday. “If they’d have said I was going to fight some random person no one’s heard of, then that wouldn’t have turned me on, so I wouldn’t have even been interested.

“But considering I’ve got a No 5-ranked WBA heavyweight, who’s known to the British public because he just had a good fight with Dave Allen… and he wrestles bears for fun, and he’s as big as me, and as ugly as me, [it] makes him a very worthy adversary.”

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Legend of the Cosmicon Collective quest guide

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Legend of the Cosmicon Collective in Honkai Star Rail is an adventure mission that was released alongside version 4.0. Compared to others released with the aforementioned update, this one is exceptionally easy to complete. All you have to do is play and win a couple of Cosmicon matches.

This article details how to complete the Legend of the Cosmicon Collective quest in Honkai Star Rail.


Legend of the Cosmicon Collective quest guide in Honkai Star Rail

Legend of the Cosmicon Collective quest location

Sampo's location (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)Sampo's location (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)
Sampo’s location (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)

Teleport to the Tavern Lobby anchor in Planarcadia’s World’s End Tavern. After spawning, walk straight towards the bar counter. There, you will see Sampo standing on the left side. Talk to him to start the mission.

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Defeat Umbralle in Dovebrook District

Umbrallle in Dovebrook District (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)Umbrallle in Dovebrook District (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)
Umbrallle in Dovebrook District (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)

First off, teleport to the Furbobo Weekly Editorial Headquarters Space Anchor in Dovebrook District. Then, walk down the stairs and turn right. After reaching the end, take a left turn where you’ll see Umbralle standing near a store with a giant disco ball. Go close to the NPC and interact to initiate the battle.

Since Umbralle is level 5, make sure to use a card that can easily beat the opponent. In this case, the best choice will be Firefly. Moreover, you can “Gild” the card to increase your chances of winning.

While fighting, make sure to select dice with the highest numbers. When you attack, this will boost your damage. As for defending, it will allow you to negate the corresponding damage dealt by the opponent. If you roll low numbers, make sure to reroll, as you will get plenty.


Defeat Magical Middleager

Magical Middleager (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)Magical Middleager (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)
Magical Middleager (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)

For this particular enemy, you must go to Graphia Academy using the Academy Atrium anchor. When you spawn, turn right and head towards the stairs. The opponent will be standing right beside the stairs.

Unlike the previous one, defeating Magical Middleager will be quite easy, as this adversary is only level 3. Same as before, use the Firefly card to fight this opponent. Regardless of whether you are attacking or defending, select the dice with the highest numbers.

Moreover, you can also try to activate the card’s power by making sure there are at least two pairs of the same number. Since the Enemy has a low HP pool, you can defeat them in very few turns.

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Defeat Kendor

Kendor (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)Kendor (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)
Kendor (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)

Teleport to the @EntertainmentPlaza anchor in Duomension City and head south. When you reach a small food cart, turn right and walk up the stairs. On top, you’ll see Kendor on the left side. Interact with him to start the battle. Once again, using Firefly is the optimal choice since the opponent can only choose three dice while attacking and two when defending.

During your attack turn, make sure to deal as much damage as possible to quickly deplete the adversary’s HP. When you do so, start heading to the last challenge.


Defeat Singafar

Go to World End Tavern’s Lobby. Turn left when you reach the bar area and interact with Interplanar Jump! Difficulty II. Traverse the area to go to the other side, then head up. There, you will see Singafar standing near the railing.

When you start fighting, make sure to use the Prismatic Dice while attacking to make the most out of it. If you end up getting max rolls on three dice twice, you can defeat the adversary in two turns.


Defeat Dinocto

Defeat Dinocto to finish the Legend of the Cosmicon Collective quest (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)Defeat Dinocto to finish the Legend of the Cosmicon Collective quest (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)
Defeat Dinocto to finish the Legend of the Cosmicon Collective quest (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || HoYoverse)

After defeating all four adversaries, head down to floor 1 and talk to Sampo near the bar counter. After burning through the dialogues, another enemy will show up. Among all enemies, this one is the toughest as the opponent uses a gilded Phainon card.

Same as before, use the Firefly card to defeat this adversary. To maximize the damage output, utilize the Prismatic Dice and reroll (if needed) to get two pairs of the same number when attacking. If you end up activating the card’s bonus effect, winning will be much easier.

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When you are done, finish talking with Sampo to conclude the Legend of the Cosmicon Collective quest. You will receive the Aventurine Card as a reward alongside some Stellar Jade, Credit, and Refined Aether.


For more articles related to this turn-based gacha title from HoYoverse, Honkai Star Rail, check out the following section: