There’s something about first-person shooters (FPS) that just gets people going. Last year, hip-hop lovers saw a track with a similar title reignite the long-brewing feud between stars Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Beyond music, FPS games have dominated the mobile gaming scene in Africa (and the rest of the global community), with both heavyweights (Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG) and fresh titles (Blood Strike, Farlight 84) taking over screens all year long.

But no conversation about FPS titles is complete without mentioning Garena Free Fire. And for good reason, too. This January, the game announced an epic collaboration with one of anime/manga culture’s most prominent icons, Naruto, complete with themed events, skins, and abilities. And that’s not all.

To help break down what the Free Fire space is set to look like in 2025, I had a scrim-chat (a quick game with lots of talking) with Bonnke, a pro-Free Fire player who lives and breathes this game. Excerpts next.

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What’s New in 2025?

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Kicking off the new year in grand style is the aforementioned collaboration with the creators of Naruto, everyone’s favourite Jinchūriki and the 7th Hokage of the Hidden Leaf village. It’s not the first time Free Fire has had such a celebrity collaboration; if you remember, they’ve rolled out partnerships with fellow anime Demon Slayer and One Punch Man and celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo or Indonesian action star Joe Taslim.

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But there’s something different, like other collaborations, with this venture into the famed shinobi lore. Bonnke, for one, holds that this year’s Naruto crossover is already a game-changer.

“The flashy skins and emotes will interest players, but the most exciting thing about this collab’ is that it presents a new way to play for the Free Fire community,” says Bonnke.

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“The ninja abilities and themed weapons are so slick. But what really has my attention the most are the new skins that make you feel like you’re part of an anime battle royale. The Hidden Leaf tour, the Nine-Tails Strikes Bermuda event and the Konoha ninja headband and avatar are the icing on the cake for me. Without pushing a button, it’s already every anime fan’s dream.”

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But this collaboration’s appeal isn’t solely based on cosmetics. The new gameplay has improvements, allowing for sharper graphics and smoother animations, making matches a more immersive experience. 

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In summary, This update is a win-win for those who care about looks and performance.

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What are Free Fire Redeem Codes?

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Let’s keep it simple. The redeem codes you’ve probably been hearing a number about in Free Fire are free rewards that give you access to in-game currency (diamonds), weapon skins, character upgrades, and more.

Now, while they don’t have to be items you lose sleep over, according to Bonnke, these redeem codes can completely flip your Free Fire gaming experience.

“They instantly improve your gameplay and add more confidence overall. The weapon skins are also great because they usually come with stat boosts like better damage or accuracy, which can turn the tide (for you) in competitive matchups.” Let’s not forget there’s something about flexing an exclusive skin that intimidates opponents.

If you’ve never used a redeem code, now’s as good as any time to start.

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Pro Tips: How to Maximise Redeem Codes

Bonnke breaks it down for us with a few must-know tips:

1. Watch out for updates: Follow the official Free Fire accounts on social media, join forums, or subscribe to reliable YouTube and TikTok creators who post codes first. You can also keep up with the Rewards Redemption page. 
2. Act fast: The codes apparently don’t last forever. Some expire in hours, others in days. So, it’s in your best interest to “redeem them ASAP, so you don’t miss out.” There’s also a redemption limit, which means after several players (500) have redeemed a particular code, others can’t.
3. Use them strategically: Don’t waste rewards. Use the diamonds and skins where they’re more likely to make the most significant impact for you, like upgrading a character you already main or unlocking weapons for ranked matches.
4. Community is key: Make sure you’re a part of key Free Fire communities (Discord, Whatsapp). They’re the best place to get codes from other players and tips on using them best or using real-time strategies.

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P.S: For some weird reason, fake codes are abundant out there. As you search, make sure you avoid codes from random sites or shady groups. Only stick to the legit sources.

And if you need diamonds fast? Skip the grind and grab directly from the Carry1st Shop. It’s safe, fast and a solid way to stay on top of your game.

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Step-by-Step: How To Redeem Codes

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Here’s how to redeem Free Fire codes to unlock rewards:

1. Open the Free Fire Rewards Redemption site
2. Log into your account using any linked platform (Facebook, Apple or Google). You must log in, as you can’t redeem codes with a guest account.
3. Copy and paste your redeem code into the designated box
4. Tap Confirm, and that’s it. Go ahead and enjoy your rewards.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re looking for a game constantly on the verge of giving players more to look forward to, look no further than Free Fire. With the Naruto collaboration and the endless opportunities the redeem codes bring, 2025 already looks like an exciting year for Free Fire fans. Wouldn’t you agree?

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Special thanks to Bonnke for the chat on the FF’s latest. Now, what are you waiting for? Duke it out on Free Fire, claim those rewards, and prepare for the time of your life with the greatest shinobi to ever exist.

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