The thrill of the race and the rush of the chase is back! EA Play members can take control of the wheel and speed through the city of Lakeshore in Need for Speed Unbound, the latest evolution in the Need for Speed franchise.
EA Play members can race to the top with a 10-hour trial of Need for Speed Unbound– out now for Xbox Series X|S – while EA Play Pro members now have unlimited access to Need for Speed Unbound Palace Edition. EA Play Pro members who play the game will also have access to four stunning custom cars, a clothing pack, driving effect, decals and license plate, as well as a character pose and banner artwork. As a special bonus, all EA Play members will be able to hit the streets in style with the member-only BMW M3 Legends Edition Car.
Alongside Need for Speed Unbound, here are even more exclusive content and rewards for EA Play members:
Dark Waters Epic Set for Lis – Now to January 1
Risk Processing Weapon Charm – December 13 to January 16
WOC Festive Yeti Set – Now to December 31
FUT EA (Re)Play: Vol. 2 Stadium Set – December 1 to December 31
VOLTA adidas Apparel and Coins – Now to December 23
FUT Season 2 XP Boost – Now to December 23
Pro Clubs Rewards – Now to December 23
MUT December Pack – December 6 to January 2
The Yard EA Play December Vanity Set – December 6 to January 2
EA Play December Event – Now to December 30
In addition to these rewards, EA Play members can access a growing library of fan-favorite games, including Battlefield 2042 – the next generation of first-person shooters – as well as 10-hour trials of some of the latest EA Play titles like Madden NFL 23.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass PC members receive EA Play at no additional cost with your Game Pass subscription. Members enjoy great player benefits, including in-game challenges and rewards, unlocking special member-only content, trials of select brand-new titles, access to a collection of our best-loved series and top titles, and 10% off purchases of Electronic Arts digital content.
Atomic Heart‘s Facility 3826 is located within the mountain ranges of Kazakhstan. With the help of builder robots, these vast territories quickly became a conglomerate of classified scientific complexes. These buildings strike a stark contrast with the small rural villages surrounding the facility, but it won’t be long before more complexes pop up.
There are many impressive monuments on Facility 3826’s grounds — from enormous statues to Stella memorials erected by robots. Few know that the real marvel of robotic engineering lies deep underground.
The facility follows one rule: “Real progress lies precisely at the confluence of the basic sciences, for that is how Nature works – it is all intertwined.”
Each complex has its unique architectural style and interiors shaped by its research needs, but they have standardized technical nodes and elements for personnel convenience as well. It’s worth noting that the VDNH and Theater complexes are very different from the others. Access to them is not limited to just scientists but also available to common citizens as well, granted they have clearance to visit the facility.
Open world locations are often bathed in sunlight with clear skies and a hint of refreshing breeze. This is the first impression you get visiting Facility 3826; its front showcases the bright, nearly utopian future. However, you’ll get a very different impression when you get to see the backstage of humans’ dreams in this world. You’ll quickly understand there’s trouble in paradise as you venture through cold gloomy corridors, creepy labs, and automated workshops roamed by hostile robots. There are lots of parallels between the art, level design, and the story. Atomic Heart invites you to use your imagination, think and reflect, the result will not only enrich your experience but will also help you survive.
The events of the game begin in the city of Chelomey, a citadel of science literally floating in the sky.
Down in the foothills, Facility 3826 stretches for many kilometers and incorporates many underground complexes, laboratories, research centers, scientific ranges and civilian facilities, both on the surface and underground.
The facility resembles a mushroom tree, where each one is connected to the other in one way or another.
Following the narrative, the protagonist explores each location one by one, delving deeper into the lives and livelihoods of the locals, as well as figuring out what is really being developed and happening behind the closed doors of the secret laboratories of the facility.
As you move around the open world, you will enter different locations, such as research sites, small villages or monitoring stations.
A territorial map will guide you as you move around, and you can use the vehicles of employees who have fallen victim to robots to get around more quickly. Some people’s stories will be closer at hand: every complex or village is literally imbued with individual life stories of scientists and employees, qualitatively complementing the game’s world, setting and lore. Thanks to the messages and recordings left behind, you can reconstruct these plots and learn what life was like in these lands before the fated incidents.
If you’re a completionist (or love resources) it’s good to note that the surface must be explored as thoroughly as the underground complexes. There are many scientific firing ranges around the world, the passages to which are carefully hidden.
Exploring such testing grounds is not necessary, but rare and extremely useful resources, documentation and blueprints can be found there.
The entire facility is automated, and robots are connected to a single neural network; so, while exploring the world, don’t forget that your enemies are constantly watching you. Hope you can still relax…
Atomic Heart is launching February 21, 2023, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass.
Atomic Heart – Premium Edition (Pre-order)
Focus Entertainment
☆☆☆☆☆15
★★★★★
Pre-order Atomic Heart and receive exclusive weapon skins! Navigate the game’s twisted open-world and take on the distraught machines and mutants with two unique weapon skins for your Axe and your Electric Gun. The Premium Edition includes the base game Atomic Heart, the Atomic Pass, two unique weapon skins and a digital artbook. Welcome to a utopian world of wonders and perfection, in which humans live in harmony with their loyal and fervent robots. Well, that’s how it used to be. With the launch of the latest robot-control system mere days away, only a tragic accident or a global conspiracy could disrupt it… The unstoppable course of technology along with secret experiments have brought rise to mutant creatures, terrifying machines and superpowered robots—all suddenly rebelling against their creators. Only you can stop them and find out what lies behind the idealized world. Using the combat abilities granted by your experimental power glove, your arsenal of blades and cutting-edge weaponry, fight for your life in explosive and frenetic encounters. Adapt your fighting style to each unique opponent. Combine your skills and resources, use the environment and upgrade your equipment to overcome challenges and fight for good. • An utopian world, both mad and sublime
• Visceral, spectacular and unforgiving combat
• Blast giant machines and mutants using your multiple skills and advanced weapons
• Upgrade your arsenal and equipment
Atomic Heart – Gold Edition (Pre-order)
Focus Entertainment
☆☆☆☆☆15
★★★★★
Pre-order Atomic Heart and receive exclusive weapon skins! Navigate the game’s twisted open-world and take on the distraught machines and mutants with two unique weapon skins for your Axe and your Electric Gun. The Gold Edition includes the base game Atomic Heart and the Atomic Pass. Welcome to a utopian world of wonders and perfection, in which humans live in harmony with their loyal and fervent robots. Well, that’s how it used to be. With the launch of the latest robot-control system mere days away, only a tragic accident or a global conspiracy could disrupt it… The unstoppable course of technology along with secret experiments have brought rise to mutant creatures, terrifying machines and superpowered robots—all suddenly rebelling against their creators. Only you can stop them and find out what lies behind the idealized world. Using the combat abilities granted by your experimental power glove, your arsenal of blades and cutting-edge weaponry, fight for your life in explosive and frenetic encounters. Adapt your fighting style to each unique opponent. Combine your skills and resources, use the environment and upgrade your equipment to overcome challenges and fight for good. • An utopian world, both mad and sublime
• Visceral, spectacular and unforgiving combat
• Blast giant machines and mutants using your multiple skills and advanced weapons
• Upgrade your arsenal and equipment
Atomic Heart (Pre-order)
Focus Entertainment
☆☆☆☆☆15
★★★★★
Pre-order Atomic Heart and receive exclusive weapon skins! Navigate the game’s twisted open-world and take on the distraught machines and mutants with two unique weapon skins for your Axe and your Electric Gun. Welcome to a utopian world of wonders and perfection, in which humans live in harmony with their loyal and fervent robots. Well, that’s how it used to be. With the launch of the latest robot-control system mere days away, only a tragic accident or a global conspiracy could disrupt it… The unstoppable course of technology along with secret experiments have brought rise to mutant creatures, terrifying machines and superpowered robots—all suddenly rebelling against their creators. Only you can stop them and find out what lies behind the idealized world. Using the combat abilities granted by your experimental power glove, your arsenal of blades and cutting-edge weaponry, fight for your life in explosive and frenetic encounters. Adapt your fighting style to each unique opponent. Combine your skills and resources, use the environment and upgrade your equipment to overcome challenges and fight for good. • An utopian world, both mad and sublime
• Visceral, spectacular and unforgiving combat
• Blast giant machines and mutants using your multiple skills and advanced weapons
• Upgrade your arsenal and equipment
We went hands-on with Blizzard Entertainment’s long-awaited sequel, and found a cocktail of old-school dungeon crawling and modern, cinematic style.
Diablo IV arrives on June 6, 2023, for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, with couch co-op, cross-play, and cross-progression. Pre-orders are open now.
Receive early access to the open beta and the Light Bearer Mount when you pre-order any edition of Diablo IV.
From the moment you get your hands on it, Diablo IV feels comfortingly familiar. From the snappy, hotkey-smashing combat to the satisfying build-up of loot and abilities, this is a true return to the genre-defining action RPG of old. What’s most surprising, then, is that this ancient beast is now wearing a gorgeous new skin, transforming the dungeon crawling of old into something far more modern.
It’s no secret Diablo defined much of modern gaming from its original 1997 incarnation onwards. Its loot, cooldown abilities, randomized quests, and co-op play have been repurposed and reinterpreted by fans-turned-developers, helping shape how we play games even decades later. With Diablo IV, Blizzard is returning to the template it helped create and, after tens of hours with the new game, it’s clear that this is a reverent throwback. Coupled with its gloriously grim tale of a darkened, fantasy-medieval world beset by a fresh demonic incursion, fans will find the Diablo of old intact.
Hellish Visions
Where it innovates, then, is in how all of this is presented to you. Diablo IV might still be played from the birds-eye viewpoint you’d expect, but it has a tendency to literally dive into its story moments, offering fresh angles on the story and drawing you into the action. Cutscenes play out from filmic camera angles, focusing on characters’ emotions as much as the words coming from their mouths, turning moments of exposition into rich glimpses into the beleaguered world of Sanctuary. It’s helped along by some dashes of real Hollywood talent – Ralph Ineson (“The Witch”) lends his boulder-like tones to one lead character.
In a game as obsessed with treasure-seeking, it’s always a pleasure to see your character — dripping in dungeon-scraped riches — reflected up close. Far from a silent hero, your character is very much a part of the tale, rather than having story simply happen around them. It’s a gorgeously superficial reward to go along with the stat buffs and abilities each piece of armor or eldritch weaponry offers. And for the truly fashion-obsessed, there’s a full transmog system to let you choose exactly how you look, too.
This style-and-substance approach carries over into the action itself — Blizzard has found a neat midpoint between combat legibility and new-gen flair. Abilities react pleasingly with enemies and the world alike — my Barbarian warrior’s massive bludgeoning abilities sent wargs sprawling and skeletons shattering with realistic physics, while my Sorcerer’s penchant for pyromancy frequently burned the flesh away from catacombs’ worth of swarming vampire spawn, leaving heaps of smoking bones in my wake. Yet, with all this detail on show, even Diablo IV’s most hectic moments (and fear not, you’ll still be fighting dozens of monsters at once in even safer areas) feel readable, easy to react to, and rich in possibility when you consider sprawling skill trees to tinker with.
Seven Circles, Endless Options
Diablo IV’s newly open-world approach benefits from all this too. While the most intense action still takes place in procedurally generated dungeons and gigantic, tentacular story locations, it’s all anchored by a huge world to explore in between. I spent a chunk of time simply combing the snow-strewn Gale Peaks area, seeking out treasure and side stories alike – the latter of which included one particularly grim little mystery I won’t spoil (suffice it to say, those looking for some horror to go with their fantasy will not be disappointed).
Aside from expanding the possibilities for co-op play, and offering some exciting moments of less expected multiplayer action (running into a fellow player is always a queasy thrill in a world this vast and threatening), the wider world is another opportunity for Blizzard to flex its visual muscles. Abandoned villages lead to ghoul-strewn no man’s lands, which in turn give way to entire towns packed with stories to untangle and yet more systems to dive into. The glimpses we’ve seen of the variety of locations make Diablo IV feel less like a single adventure, and more like a true role-playing world to build your character within.
That world will open to all when Diablo IV is released for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows on June 6, 2023 — but you can get an even earlier taste of the hellish delights on offer by pre-ordering the game which secures access to an open beta (more details of which will be announced at a later date), as well as the Light Bearer Mount to offer stylish access to Sanctuary’s wider-than-ever world. Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions are all available to pre-order now, and you can check out what’s included in the links to the Xbox Store below:
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
An HD remaster version of the smash hit prequel to Final Fantasy VII. In addition to all graphics being remastered in HD, fully voiced dialogue and new soundtrack arrangements make for a dynamic new retelling of a beloved classic. The game follows the story of Zack Fair, a young warrior admired by the boy destined to save the world, trusted by men renowned as heroes of legend, and loved by the girl who holds the fate of the planet in her hands.
Fresh out of high school with no job and no ambition, you’ve really got nothing going for you until an alien cartel that wants to get high off humanity invades Earth. Now, you and a team of charismatic talking guns must answer the hero’s call and become the deadliest intergalactic bounty hunter the cosmos has ever seen. Travel to a variety of biomes and locations across the cosmos, go up against the nefarious Garmantuous and his gang of goons, collect loot, meet unique characters, and more, in the latest comedy adventure from Justin Roiland (“Rick & Morty”).
Potion Craft – December 13 Game Pass
Potion Craft is an alchemist simulator where you physically interact with your tools and ingredients to brew potions. You’re in full control of the whole shop: invent new recipes, attract customers and experiment to your heart’s content. Just remember: the whole town is counting on you.
Explore the open sea and the decaying archipelago of Strandville in Wavetale, a story-driven action-adventure game introducing you to fed-up fishermen, secretive hermits, and maybe a pirate or two. Traverse calm waters and surging waves as Sigrid, a young girl who befriends a mysterious shadow that provides her with the power to walk on water.
Experience a satirical ’90s teen drama about trying to find love in your last year of high school! Take the role of Stella, a teenage girl who moves to a small town only to discover that it’s a secret community of cryptids. Determined to try to fit in during her final year of high school, Stella wants to make new friends and hopefully find romance, but it won’t be easy. Guide her decisions and interactions across a hand-drawn adventure filled with drama and comical situations.
Become the guardian of the woods or the terror nightmares are made of. Forge the legend of Baba Yaga and live out its origins in Blacktail, a one-of-a-kind blend of intense archery combat, magic and dark storytelling set in a vibrant fairy tale world.
Discover the power of the Box Align puzzles! A simple yet challenging puzzle game where you put your brain to work while trying to eliminate all the boxes with as few moves as possible.
The River City Girls are back! Misako, Kyoko, Kunio, and Riki – joined by newcomers Marian and Provie – hit the streets for an all-new beat-’em-up adventure! Team up for local or online co-op and explore a massive world packed with new abilities, enemies, locations, and more!
Each level of Aery – Path of Corruption represents a different path that the character could take and your task is to discover them, their possible outcomes, and help find a future for the unknown protagonist.
In a world where battles over Energi, the life energy have broken out, a young man with no memory meets a princess whose kingdom has been destroyed. Engage in turn-based battles, increase Energi levels by raising multiple elementals unique to the Alphadia series, and learn new skills. Alphadia Neo also features an original fishing game where you can exchange fish for powerful items or equipment.
Princess Cassiodora has been kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Kenzar. To save her the chosen knights Agni, Colden and Luken must face a vast army of witches, ghosts, and demons across the Kingdom of Astoria. Play with your friends or solo and shoot your way through this colorful shoot ’em up. Earn new items, customize your character, challenge yourself, and face huge bosses.
Destroy… absorb… grow… Grime is a methodical and unforgiving 2.5D souls-like metroidvania in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function. Parry attacks to absorb prey, acquire their skills and empower your vessel in a world of anatomical horror and intrigue.
Follow in the footsteps of a legendary thrill-seeker in Sea of Thieves’ latest time-limited Adventure, live from December 9 to December 22.
Solving challenges created by the notorious Captain Briggsy may be the only way to free Tasha the tavern keeper from an insidious curse.
Sea of Thieves is available free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 and Steam.
As the Battle for the Sea of Thieves intensifies and Guardians of Fortune clash with Servants of the Flame, Tasha the tavern keeper faces struggles of her own. Having been forced to confess a troubling transformation to the Order of Souls, she now seeks pirates’ help to save not just her life, but quite possibly her soul…
Tavern Tales
No longer able to hide the truth, Tasha has admitted to being stricken by a skeletal curse, the effects of which have already begun to consume her. The prospects seem grim, but one hope remains – the answer may lie within the daring deeds of Captain Briggsy. This notorious Rogue once scoured the Sea of Thieves for its many secrets, before returning home to fill a young Tasha’s head with tales of her many escapades. You can learn more about the history of this unlikely pairing in the most recent Adventures Ahead article.
Briggsy sensed great potential in Tasha, and left behind a number of lessons designed to set her on a path to piracy once she was old enough, promising rewards if her protégée was able to complete them. Although Madame Olivia blames some unintended consequence of these missions for Tasha’s current condition, she also believes that Briggsy’s belongings hold the key to reversing the curse – if they can be successfully retrieved.
Trials of a Thief
With Tasha in no condition to undertake the quest intended for her, it falls to pirate crews to make the journey in her stead. Using Briggsy’s homespun wisdom as their guide, they will need to venture into The Wilds, deciphering cryptic clues and unearthing the rewards that Briggsy left buried all those years ago. The keepsakes must then be returned to Madame Olivia at Plunder Outpost, where they will serve a more arcane purpose…
This will be no simple test of seafaring skills. Briggsy was known for being both eccentric and reckless, and the lessons she has in store are certain to be dangerous, if not outright deadly, should pirates let their guard down. Crews willing to face up to the Rogue’s gauntlet of challenges can begin their Adventure by speaking to Larinna outside the tavern, and ‘The Rogue’s Legacy’ will be available for all players until December 22!
Find Out More
For more information on the latest Sea of Thieves update, including full release notes, visit the Sea of Thieveswebsite. This update is available for free to all Sea of Thieves players who have bought the game on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 PC or via Steam, or players who have access to it with Xbox Game Pass. Simply download and install the latest Sea of Thieves update to get access.
New to Sea of Thieves? Find out about the latest free content updates on our What’s New page, get familiar with Who’s Who or pick up some gameplay tips from our Pirate Academy, which provides invaluable information on topics ranging from sailing to swordplay as you prepare for your maiden voyage. Learn more about Sea of Thieveshere, or join the ongoing adventure at www.seaofthieves.com where you can embark on an epic journey with one of gaming’s most welcoming communities!
Sea of Thieves
Microsoft Studios
☆☆☆☆☆1077
★★★★★
$39.99 $31.99
Xbox One X Enhanced
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Live Gold membership required to play on Xbox One; sold separately. ========= About the game
Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With no set roles, you have complete freedom to approach the world, and other players, however you choose. Whether you’re voyaging as a group or sailing solo, you’re bound to encounter other crews in this shared world adventure – but will they be friends or foes, and how will you respond? A vast open world
Explore a vast open world filled with unspoiled islands, sunken ships and mysterious artefacts. Take on quests to hunt for lost treasure, seek out cursed Skeleton Captains or gather valuable cargo for the Trading Companies. Go hunting and fishing or choose from hundreds of optional goals and side-quests. Unforgettable stories
Play through the Tall Tales to experience Sea of Thieves’ unique take on a story-driven campaign. With 11 tales to play through across two epic storylines, these immersive and cinematic quests provide around 30 hours of the ultimate pirate fantasy. Become Legend On your journey to become a Pirate Legend you’ll amass loot, build a reputation and define a unique personal style with your hard-earned rewards. Adventurer. Explorer. Conqueror. What will your legend be? A game that’s always growing
With five major expansions and almost a year’s worth of monthly updates, Sea of Thieves is a service-based game that is continually growing and evolving. Check back each month to see what new content has been added.
Earlier tonight, the creative and technical excellence of the video game industry was on full display during The Game Awards. Hosted by Geoff Keighley and featuring guest presenters like Al Pacino, Rahul Kohli, Halsey, Keegan-Michael Key, and many others, it proved to be an exciting event where we were all able to take a moment and celebrate all thing gaming.
This evening’s show honored a unique group of game developers, celebrated players, and recognized excellence with many awards being handed out in categories like Game of the Year, Best Sim/Strategy Game, Best Action/Adventure Game, Best Sports/Racing Game, and others. Xbox is grateful to have had As Dusk Falls winning for Games for Impact and nominated for Innovation in Accessibility, and Starfield for Most Anticipated Game.
Tunic
Nominated: Best Indie, Best Action/Adventure, Best Debut Indie
It was also an exciting night of news and reveals of upcoming games that are coming in 2023 and beyond. Below is a recap of some of the most notable news to come out of tonight’s show:
The Force is strong in Star Wars: Jedi Survivor with explosive new trailer
We were treated to an explosive new trailer for the upcoming Star Wars: Jedi Survivor tonight at The Game Awards, along with the confirmation that Cal Kestis will return March 17, 2023, on Xbox Series X|S! Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play members can catch up on Cal’s previous adventures in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and get all the Deluxe Edition content as a Perk from December 9 through January 20.
You can pre-order Star Wars Jedi: Survivor now on the Xbox Store to receive exclusive cosmetic items to outfit Cal with, like the Obi-Wan Kenobi inspired Jedi Survival Cosmetic Pack. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play members can enjoy a 10% discount on pre-orders. Check out our latest preview here on Xbox Wire and stay tuned for even more information in the lead up the launch of Star Wars: Jedi Survivor on Xbox Series X|S.
Diablo IV announces release date and opens pre-orders on the Xbox Store
Daring heroes can prepare to explore the expansive open world of Sanctuary on June 6, 2023, on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Take on hordes of flesh-hungry demons and brainwashed cultists, hone your abilities and discover masterful equipment, and battle onward against the daughter of hatred herself. Receive early access to the open beta and the Light Bearer Mount when you pre-order any edition of Diablo IV and get early access to the game with the pre-order of the Digital Deluxe or Ultimate Edition on the Xbox Store.
Fall Guys and Fortnite kick off celebration featuring Gears of War characters Fall Guys is set to welcome another set of legends from the video game pantheon into the Blunderdome. Developed in conjunction with The Coalition, Marcus Fenix and Gears of War franchise favorites Kait Diaz and General RAAM are set to proudly take their place among the Bean Horde. In addition, Marcus Fenix and Kait Diaz will be returning to the Fortnite Battle Royale Island this week alongside more items from the Delta One Set. Check out our Xbox Wire article from earlier today here for full details.
Company of Heroes III is bringing the battle home to console
Relic Entertainment and Sega announced they’re bringing the acclaimed tactical gameplay of Company Heroes III to Xbox Series X|S next year. Built from the ground up for console, it will feature a unique tactical pause feature (think XCOM: Enemy Unknown) along with a dynamic campaign map featuring theaters of war in Italy and North Africa. As big fans of the original games on PC, we’re extremely excited to see more of this in action. We’ll have more to share soon about Company Heroes III here on Xbox Wire.
Supercharged trailer revealed for Atomic Heart
Focus Entertainment and Mundfish showed off a new trailer for their upcoming game Atomic Heart, the action RPG set in the mad utopia of an alternate post-WWII world. Coming February 21 to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC and with Game Pass, the game can be pre-ordered now. Game Pass members can pre-install the game starting now as well. Stay tuned here to Xbox Wire as we’ll have more to share soon about this exciting game.
Remnant II emerges from the ashes with first-look trailer
Gearbox SF (formally Perfect World) and Gunfire Games revealed that a sequel is in the works to the best-selling game, Remnant: From the Ashes, that pits the last remnants of humanity against the harrowing forces of evil. Remnant II aims to evolve the co-op survival shooter formula with new unseen worlds filled with deadly surprises and encounters when it comes to Xbox Series X|S in 2023. We’ll have more to share soon on Xbox Wire about Remnant II so stay tuned.
First gameplay reveal of Dune: Awakening
We got to witness the epic scale of the upcoming Dune: Awakening in a world-first reveal. The new gameplay trailer showcased the open world survival MMO taking place within the rich universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune, where players can look forward to searching for water, building shelters to withstand deadly storms, and battle for control of spice on the planet Arrakis. If this sounds fun to you, sign up for the beta here at duneawakening.com.
Retro-futuristic sci-fi platformer Replaced coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2023
Earlier this year, Coatsink and Thunderful made the difficult decision to postpone Replaced. Since the announcement, Sad Cat Studios have been able to regroup and resume work on the game. Tonight, the team shared a glimpse of what they’ve been up to with a brand-new trailer that took a closer look at the game’s world, combat, and music. We’re also excited to reveal that Replaced will be coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2023. Learn more about this exciting new title here on Xbox Wire.
Crash Team Rumble Announced
Heroes and villains of the Crash Bandicoot universe will converge in Crash Team Rumble, facing off in an epic 4v4, team-vs-team Wumpa-collecting, island-hopping championship. Check out the reveal here, which aired during The Game Awards.
Prepare to explore the dangerous world of Regnas in Blue Protocol
Become the hero of your very own fantasy adventure in Bandai Namco and Amazon Games’ Blue Protocol, an upcoming free-to-play online action RPG arriving in 2023. Explore the beautiful and dangerous world of Regnas in an immersive experience with deep character customization and action-packed combat. Learn more about Blue Protocol here on Xbox Wire.
New gameplay reveal of Space Marine 2
Hard to believe it has already been a year since the big reveal of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Tonight, we were served the first extended look at all that gloriously violent Space Marine goodness that made the original game such a thrill to play.
Focus Entertainment shows off Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Following the success of narrative RPG Vampyr, Focus Entertainment and Don’t Nod revealed a new collaboration tonight to bring one of their most ambitious projects to date with the announcement of Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. The world premiere reveal trailer showcased the hallmarks of a striking art direction, strong characters and plot, as well as a unique fantasy world. Check out the trailer here.
Get ready to get down with Party Animals in early 2023 with Xbox Game Pass
Get ready to join the party in early 2023 on Xbox and Windows! Party Animals is a physics-based multiplayer game where you’ll face off against your friends as one of several fuzzy fighters, brawling across multiple modes and maps using a variety of hilarious, over-the-top weapons. Check out the latest trailer here from The Game Awards and stay tuned to Xbox Wire for more details in the lead-up to its day one launch with Xbox Game Pass in 2023.
Wild Hearts kicks off pre-orders alongside the reveal of the Deathstalker
Ready to try your skills and your luck against giant beasts like Wild Hearts’ Deathstalker? Join the hunt on February 17, 2023, by pre-ordering the Karakuri Edition now on the Xbox Store and you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression on your fellow hunters. It includes the base game and six exclusive items. We’ll have more to share soon here on Xbox Wire about Wild Hearts and the Deathstalker.
Enter a ‘90s action movie with Crime Boss: Rockay City
505 Games showed off Crime Boss: Rockay City, an organized crime game, which centers around one Travis Baker (Michael Madsen) who attempts to claim the underworld throne of Rockay City through a series of turf wars, robberies, side stories, playable solo or with friends. The game also looks to be channeling ‘90s action movies by landing a stellar cast that includes Michael Rooker, Kim Basinger, Danny Glover, Damion Poitier, Danny Trejo, and Vanilla Ice (what?!) and the legendary Chuck Norris. We’ll have more to share soon about Crime Boss: Rockay City here on Xbox Wire.
New Hellboy game revealed
Revealed tonight at The Game Awards, Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a rogue-lite action-adventure game with an original story created in partnership with Dark Horse Comics and creator Mike Mignola. Featuring monstrous toe-to-toe brawling, you can look forward to chaining together hard-hitting melee and ranged attacks to fight a diverse array of increasingly nightmarish enemies. Check out the reveal trailer above.
Meet Your Maker starts construction in spring 2023 Meet Your Maker is nearly ready to hand over the keys to its post-apocalyptic wasteland with its just-revealed launch of Spring 2023.This building-and-raiding game will be completely driven by user-generated content. Rather than designing a standard FPS experience, Behaviour Interactive is offering up a devious toolbox of blocks, traps, guards, and more, inviting players to create their own experiences and challenge each other. We’ll have more to share soon about Meet Your Maker here on Xbox Wire.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II shows off Raid Episode 01, Coming December 14
We got our first look at Raid tonight, set to make its debut in Modern Warfare II starting mid-season on December 14. A squad of three players will need to work as one to successfully infiltrate a hidden submarine dock within the borders of Urzikstan and Al Mazrah. Complete the first episode to unlock the new operator, Gaz. You can check out the Raid Episode 1 Trailer reveal trailer above.
Prepare to stand against the darkness with Cal Kestis in a thrilling new Star Wars adventure next year.
Cal Kestis is back in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a third-person action-adventure game from Respawn Entertainment that spans a galaxy both familiar and new. This narratively driven single-player adventure follows Cal’s increasingly desperate fight to protect the galaxy from descending into darkness.
Pushed further and further to the galactic outskirts by the Empire, Cal faces familiar and unfamiliar threats with his companions at his side. As one of the last bastions of the once-thriving Jedi Order, Cal must make a stand as some of the darkest times the galaxy has ever seen start closing in. How far is Cal willing to go to protect everything he’s ever known?
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor picks up five years after the close of Cal’s first adventure, Jedi: Fallen Order. No longer a Padawan, Cal continues to grow as a Jedi and evade the Empire as they pursue him at every turn. With trusty droid BD-1 by his side, Cal joins forces with allies both fresh and familiar to aid him on his quest, including the mercenary Bode Akuna and former crew member Cere Junda.
With fresh equipment and abilities, like a grappling hook and mounts that can take him to places he could never reach before, Cal can now navigate dangers and discover even more secrets across the galaxy.
New advanced combat stances that allow you to forge your own identity as a Jedi are also being introduced, including dual lightsabers for lightning-fast fighting and the crossguard stance that helps Cal defeat even though toughest of foes, from Stormtroopers and Imperial Sentry Droids to powerful beings shrouded in mystery.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play members can catch up on Cal’s previous adventures in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderand get all the Deluxe Edition content as a perk from December 9 through January 20.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor launches on March 17 for Xbox Series X|S. Pre-order it on the Xbox Store to receive exclusive cosmetic items to outfit Cal with, like the Obi-Wan Kenobi inspired Jedi Survival cosmetic pack that includes the Hermit cosmetic and lightsaber and the Combustion blaster set.
Players can also pre-order the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition to unlock exclusive cosmetic items inspired by the galaxy’s greatest heroes with the Galactic Hero and New Hero cosmetic packs. Check these out on the Xbox Store for full details.
We’ll have more to share on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor in the lead up to its exciting launch in 2023 for Xbox Series X|S.
Blue Protocol is a free-to-play multiplayer online action RPG arriving in 2023 on Xbox Series X|S where you become the hero of your very own fantasy adventure.
Explore the beautiful and dangerous world of Regnas in an immersive experience with deep character customization and action-packed combat.
Stay up to date with our teams at Bandai Namco & Amazon Games on the road to Blue Protocol’s launch.
We’re excited to announce that Blue Protocol will be arriving on Xbox Series X|S in 2023! Co-developed by Bandai Namco Online & Bandai Namco Studios and published by Amazon Games, Blue Protocol is a free-to-play multiplayer online action RPG where you become the hero of your very own sci-fi fantasy adventure. Explore the beautiful and dangerous world of Regnas in an immersive multiplayer experience with deep character customization and action-packed combat. Today, we want to share the basics of Blue Protocol and invite you to join us on our road to launch.
A vast world and immersive adventure
You are on a quest to uncover the truth about your origins. On your travels you meet people from many worlds and make new friends with whom you share your adventures. Eventually, you find yourself facing an inescapable destiny that will determine the fate of planet Regnas. The overuse of technology has created a distortion of space-time, which will eventually engulf planet Regnas and cause its destruction. To change that fate, you and your friends must travel to an unknown world in search of the truth and a solution.
Action packed combat and deep customization
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced player, the responsive action-combat system with special abilities, combos, counters, and damage multipliers are customizable to your skill level. Your class is dependent on the weapons you choose, allowing you to adapt to challenges without changing your character. Switch between five different classes, each with unique skills that add damage multipliers, healing, and elemental effects that can be modified and leveled-up.
Your character is an integral part of Blue Protocol. Enhance your adventure by enjoying complete character and combat customization. Control how your character appears with custom facial features, hairstyles, outfits, and accessories, and express their personality with gestures and dances to create a true-to-you character representative in game. Explore the vast world with a variety of mounts and craft custom weapons and gear for a truly unique experience.
Multiplayer adventure
Work together as a team with other players to tackle quests, fight boss battles, and engage in massive online raids against towering monsters. There are three options when entering any dungeon, raid, or mission: solo, matchmaking, and recruiting parties.
Solo lets players go it alone; matchmaking randomly connects you with available players of a similar level; recruiting parties let you browse the parties who are taking on the same challenge. If you choose to go solo, don’t neglect giving aid to someone in the same area to get bonus rewards. Have a group or find others you want to play with consistently? Join a Team. Teams are like guilds, with a roster of like-minded players who can easily find each other and play together. Teams have leaders, deputies, and assistants who help administrate the Team, and can rank-up.
Arriving in 2023
Collaborating with Bandai Namco to bring this immersive, action-packed adventure to audiences around the globe has been the start of a great relationship between our teams. Together, we are fully committed to creating the best experience for global players. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Bandai Namco on character customization and accessibility features to ensure that players around the world are able to enjoy this beautifully-crafted game and create characters they identify with— as they truly become the hero in this exciting adventure.
We have a lot planned in 2023. From collaborating with Bandai Namco to showing a behind-the-scenes look at Blue Protocol’s development to beta tests and even building out cosplay resources, there’s a ton of content, community-centric events, and news that we’re excited to share with you. We’re excited for you to join us as we embark on this adventure together. Stay up-to-date on Blue Protocol news at PlayBlueProtocol.com and here on Xbox Wire.
Retro-futuristic sci-fi platformer Replaced launches with Xbox Game Pass in 2023
Blending cinema and action, see how free-flow combat gels with a deep dystopian story.
Meet new faces in Phoenix-City – Friends and Foes; listen to the sounds of “Rust,” composed by Igor Gritsay
Replaced returned in a big way at The Game Awards with a brand-new trailer, a closer look at Phoenix-City, the further possibilities of free-flow combat and another spine-tingling piece of music. Is it 2023 yet?
Earlier this year, Coatsink and Thunderful made the very difficult decision to postpone Replaced. Since the announcement, Sad Cat Studios have been able to regroup and resume work on the game. Now the team is ready to share a glimpse of what they’ve been up to.
Over the past year Sad Cat has completely transitioned to a custom rendering solution. This pushes the fidelity of Replaced’s hybrid pixel-art style even further, making it easier to achieve visual and performance goals. For example, the team can now achieve more dynamic weather effects, more natural lighting, and ultimately more convincing materials.
Beyond visuals, Sad Cat has been perfecting the combat and platforming to make for an exceptionally smooth gameplay experience. Hundreds of animations have been added to the game so the developers can ensure the characters always feel alive on your journey through alternate ‘80s America.
All these complex assets come together like a pixel-art movie, achieved using handcrafted camera direction present throughout the whole game.
When Coatsink and Thunderful revealed Replaced at Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase 2021, a piece of music called “Void” was introduced. Due to the incredible response it received, Igor Gritsay at Sad Cat Studios decided to release a new track, “Rust,” to accompany the action in this second trailer.
This time around, Igor didn’t want to lean too much on modern synthwave and has instead opted for more grit to give the track a sense of hopelessness and anger, a grimmer tone that echoes the game’s atmosphere.
The music of Replaced is embedded in the game’s lore, and this is inspired, in part, by the amazing Hades soundtrack by Darren Korb. To give you some idea of what to expect, both “Void” and “Rust” play a significant role in the story of one character you’ll meet in Phoenix-City, Veronica Dame.
As for what inspires the music, Igor doesn’t feel restricted by the ‘80s setting due to the in-game history of Replaced being alternative. While working on the game and composing “Rust,” Igor had the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan, Gunship, some of Mick Gordon’s Prey soundtrack, and even Linkin Park on repeat.
This new trailer dives deeper into the game’s lore, offering fresh insight into the story of Phoenix Corp. Formerly a volunteer initiative fighting the consequences of an atomic catastrophe, now this powerful organization sees humans as a disposable material to fuel its A.I.-driven business. You will explore some of the desolated environments left behind in their wake, full of death and danger, kept behind the supposed safe walls of Phoenix-City.
The bright lights of Phoenix-City also await you, with neon-rich streets hinting at a life of comfort and prosperity. But bubbling underneath the surface, you’ll soon realize the price of maintaining this illusion may simply be too high for anyone to uphold.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. During the game, you will also meet the Disposals, people used and abandoned by Phoenix Corp. Some of them are even willing to help, like the Disposals’ leader, Tempest, his loyal dog, Excalibur, and an enigmatic technician known as Yo-Yo.
Players can expect high speed stakes, bone-crunching combat, and unexpected modes of transport as they learn what it is to be human, in a world where they’re valued as a donation with a price someone is always willing to pay.
We’ll leave you to reflect on this and contemplate the possibilities to come. For now, make sure to follow the Replaced, Coatsink and Thunderful social channels for all the latest updates and prepare for the future when Replaced comes to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, and with Xbox Game Pass in 2023.
Dad’s Monster House was created by Cotton Game, a studio that specializes in making unique puzzle games. While the art style is seemingly spooky and suspenseful, its story is truly sentimental with an even more heartwarming ending. We are so thrilled to share that Dad’s Monster House will be part of this year’s [email protected] Winter Game Demo Event! With Dad’s Monster House, we wanted to provide those heartbreaking memories a chance at redemption. We wanted to dedicate this game to scientists, to my childhood dreams, to those whom I love, and to faded memories.
When I was a child, my mother told me a story about a man-made creature. I later realized that this story is from a novel called Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley. It was a cool story, so, when I was eight years old, my dream was to become a scientist.
There’s a saying that when you’re a kid, you get to have your own dream; but when you grow up, everyone’s dream becomes exactly the same – to be rich!
I never got to become a scientist. Instead, I became a game developer. Deep down I still regret not reaching my childhood dreams. That’s why I wanted to develop this game – I wanted to tell a story about a scientist. The story had to be dark, eerie, and emotional. The graphics also had to be dark, unique and instantly memorable. And the ending had to be sad, and soul-stirring.
I started off with a sketch of Frankenstein, the man-made monster. This set the art style for the rest of the game’s black and white sketches. All my friends told me not to make a game that looked like this. They said, “Your style is all about colour, what advantage do you have in making black and white games?” They also said, “Puzzle solving, black and white, and narrative? – you’ll probably make less money combining all those three categories together.” They all seemed to have a point.
I replied, “I know it sounds tough, but I want to take on this challenge – just to live up to my own dreams.” But then they said, “Don’t be so naive. Making a game is about understanding the market and respecting it, don’t live in your own stubbornness and naivety. You seriously need to go study the market first before you set up this new project.”
I thought to myself: even though all of you are saying to not be reckless with ideas, I’m still going to make this game the way I want.
The game was hard enough to make. After five years of stumbling around, Dad’s Monster Houseis finally going live. As the name suggests, there are a lot of monsters in the game. They are not demons in the traditional sense; they are just eerie creatures not from our world. They have minds, hearts and souls, just like us. In a way, they represent the scientists’ minds in the game. They also represent the real-life personalities of some of us game developers…
As I was playing the game, pacing back and forth in the room with the dull sound of footsteps, surrounded by mystery and darkness, I felt those little monsters sitting quietly in a corner, looking very lonely. At that very moment, I also felt lonely.
There’s another saying that “If you’re different, you’re bound to be lonely.” We finished the game. And we really enjoyed it ourselves. And that was enough.
No matter what people say, I would tell them: “In this mediocre world, for once, I just want to live for my stubbornness and childishness.”
We hope you enjoy this game as much as we did, and remind you of your memories, dreams, and family.
Dad’s Monster House
E-Home Entertianment Development Co., Ltd
☆☆☆☆☆2
★★★★★
$5.99 $5.39
Freud once said: „Love and work, work and love…that’s all there is.“
But what of the pain, the struggles that arise
when we’re forced to choose between our ambitions and love?
In dealing with such conundrums, we’ve all likely hurt those we hold dearest to us.
For it’s often in the darkness that we feel most safe.
With Dad’s Monster House, I wish to provide those kinds of heartrending memories a chance at redemption.
I dedicate it to scientists, to my childhood dreams;
to those I love, and to faded memories.
I hope that within you’ll find the greatest of answers, be they for your love, for science, or dreams. [Gameplay]
A sudden call in the deep of night has you return to a house you haven’t visited for many a year. You must unravel one puzzle after another: to from within scenes intertwined with memories find clues and get to the bottom of your father’s secret.
The choice of whether to redeem or ultimately end this sad story lies in your hands. [Features]
Instead of going for bright and vivid colors, I have opted for a black-and-white art style. The fragmented narration, plentiful puzzles, and delicate sound designs create an immersive experience where you as the player get to truly feel the ups and downs of the protagonist’s emotions. Continue to unravel the story as you collect more items…
You may remember the little nugget that we announced during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase in June, thatRiot’s biggest PC and mobile games will be available soon with Game Pass. I’m excited to share that soon is extra soon — all Game Pass members can access Riot’s biggest titles and unlock benefits starting Monday, December 12!
To get ready, just make sure you have the Xbox App on PC installed and updated on your PC. Starting December 12, there will be easy instructions on how to connect your Riot account and Xbox Game Pass accounts (and help you create a Riot account if you don’t have one yet) and unlock all the great benefits.
Let’s look at everything to get you into top shape for your favorite MOBA, strategy, and competitive games!
Valorant
All current Agents
Access to every new Agent as soon as they’re released
20% Match XP boost given to Battle Pass, Event Pass, and active Agent Contract progress
League of Legends
All 160+ champions
Access to every new champion as soon as they’re released
20% XP boost
Legends of Runeterra
All cards in Foundations Set
Teamfight Tactics
1-Star Rare Little Legend Tacticians
4 Arena Skins available until April 2023, and 1 Arena Skin that’s on a monthly rotation thereafter
League of Legends: Wild Rift(coming in January) unlocked benefits include:
All 80+ champions
Day-one access to every new champion as they’re released
20% XP boost
Plus, as an added benefit, players who link their accounts before January 1, 2023 will receive even more bonus rewards from Riot:
Valorant – Pocket Sage Buddy
League of Legends – Masterwork Chest and Key
Teamfight Tactics – Little Legend Rare Egg
Wild Rift – Random Emote Chest
Legends of Runeterra – Prismatic Chest
You’ll hear more from us and our friends over at Riot in the coming days, so go charge your phone, get some fresh batteries in your mouse, and prep your monitor – we’ve got some games to play. Talk to you soon!
The creators of Fall Guys have honored many of the most iconic video game characters by turning them into beloved beans. Tomorrow, Fall Guys welcomes another set of legends from the videogame pantheon into the Blunderdome.
It’s time for Marcus Fenix and Gears of War franchise favorites Kait Diaz and General RAAM to proudly take their place among the Bean Horde.
Developed in conjunction with The Coalition, the costumes are based on Gears’ characters signature looks. Marcus and RAAM mimic their appearance in the original Gears of War. Kait appears as she does at the start of Gears 5 in her own COG armor.
All three characters will be available as purchasable player costumes in the in-game shop. The offers will be available in the Fall Guys Store for a limited time only, from 9 a.m. UTC on December 9 through 8:59 a.m. UTC on December 13.
Fall Guys x Gears of War in Twitch Viewer Rewards
Viewers of The Game Awards on Twitch can unlock the Kait Diaz costume as part of the Twitch Viewer Rewards during the broadcast. The Game Awards airs tonight, Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. +1 GMT.
Fortnite x Marcus Fenix and Kate Diaz crossover returns
In addition, Marcus Fenix and Kait Diaz will be returning to the Fortnite Battle Royale Island this week alongside more items from the Delta One Set. This is the first time the characters have come back to the Item Shop since their debut last year in Fortnite Chapter 3. The returning Outfits will be available in Fortnite from December 7 through December 12 at 4 p.m. PST.
As a reminder, you can play Fortnite on your Xbox console or on the go with Xbox Cloud Gaming. Learn more by visiting the Fortnite Xbox Cloud Gaming FAQ.
Fall Guys
Epic Games
☆☆☆☆☆1025
★★★★★
You’re invited to dive and dodge your way to victory in the pantheon of clumsy. Rookie or pro? Solo or partied up? Fall Guys delivers ever-evolving, high-concentrated hilarity and fun. The only thing more important than winning is looking as ridiculous as possible while doing it. Grab the silliest costume you can and fall in line—the show’s about to start! Competitive & Cooperative: Tumble between competitive free-for-alls and cooperative challenges—or take on the Blunderdome with up to 3 friends! Play with Friends: Fall Guys supports cross-play, cross-platform parties and cross-progression via your Epic Games Account. Ever-Evolving Content: Play stays fresh with Limited Time Events and new game modes. Each Season brings with it new costumes, collabs, obstacles and ways to play. Gloriously Customizable: Choose from a multitude of Colors, Patterns, Costumes and Nameplates. Relish wins with voguish Celebrations and share your flair with Emotes! Items shown may require separate purchase from the in-game store and are subject to availability. Contains in-game purchases.
Fortnite
Epic Games Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆1979
★★★★★
Xbox One X Enhanced
In the fourth Chapter of Fortnite’s Battle Royale, go forth in a new realm and get around in new ways — ride a dirt bike, roll in a snowball, launch yourself with the Shockwave Hammer, and hurdle over obstacles. Power yourself up with Reality Augments and claim territory for your squad, leaving behind Banners to declare what’s yours. And of course, venture with newly-forged weapons. Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build, experience a concert or live event, or discover over a million creator made games, including racing, parkour, zombie survival, and more. Find it all in Fortnite! Play both Battle Royale and Fortnite Creative for free or purchase access to Fortnite’s PvE Campaign mode, Save the World. All in-game purchases are discretionary, including the Save the World campaign, cosmetic items (e.g. Outfits), V-Bucks and seasonal account progression products like the Battle Pass. Download now and jump into the action.
The Groundedteam and Obsidian Entertainment are very happy to announce that over 15 million players have entered the backyard. When Grounded hit its full release just a couple of months ago, the backyard was swarmed by players looking to see what life was like on a micro level. Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning, or have only recently taken on your first mite, we want to thank you for being a part of this impressive community.
Since its early access launch, Grounded has been a game that has been built by the community and the full release has not changed that. Thanks to the feedback from newcomers and old friends alike, the team has a special update ready just in time for the holidays. A Holiday Treat will bring in a host of quality-of-life features as well as some exciting new gameplay features and content to help those explore the backyard.
Of the new gameplay features that will make a lot of people happy is the ability for the ZIP.R lines to go up. No longer will players only be able to descend on their ziplines placed throughout the yard as they will now have the ability to ascend as well, helping get to places they want to explore even quicker. There is also a new trap that will help protect your base against invading creatures. When it comes to the base, there are also a host of new base decoration and vanity items coming in this update like new chairs, dressers, half stairs, and even a holiday “tree” that can be displayed during the month of December.
The real big changes come in the quality-of-life updates that the community has asked for. The big one is an additional row of space in the player inventory. This will help for those who like to carry multiple weapon types and armor sets depending on the situation, but also want to harvest and collect everything they can find. And speaking of carrying weapons for different situations, there are now multiple hotpouches that can be cycled through so players will have even more access to items in their inventory without having to open the menu.
For those who don’t want to deal with waking up in the middle of the night, we have changed the way sleeping works so that you will be able to wake up after the sun rises. Fans of spicy weapons can pre-cook their meals as creatures will now drop cooked meat instead of raw. Toasty! And players can now toggle off their own nameplates for everyone else, so games of hide and seek can now commence. But that’s not all! Everyone can now name trailer markers, build from nearby chests and pallets, and labs have received a new “Water Cooler” building so thirst can be quenched on those long lab excursions.
Grounded is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, and Steam for $39.99. It’s also available with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). To learn more about Grounded and for full details on the Holiday Treat update, check out the latest Developer Vlogs on the Obsidian YouTube Channel or visit the official website.
Grounded
Xbox Game Studios
☆☆☆☆☆639
★★★★★
$39.99 $31.99
Xbox One X Enhanced
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
The world is a vast, beautiful, and dangerous place – especially when you have been shrunken to the size of an ant. Explore, build, and survive together in this cooperative survival-adventure. Can you thrive alongside the hordes of giant insects, fighting to survive the perils of the backyard? Uncover the mysteries while playing through the story!
How did you wind up so small? Who did this to you? How do you go home? These are all answers you will uncover as you play through the story. Solo or with friends – anytime!
You can face the backyard alone or together, online, with up to three friends. Not only that, but with the Shared Worlds feature, you can continue to play in your shared world even if the original host is not on, with all your progression saving! (Online console multiplayer requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold, sold separately.) Nowhere is safe – not even your base.
Creatures can be found roaming the yard in a multitude of environments, such as the depths of the pond, the caverns of the termite den, and even the sweltering heat found in the sandbox. You can even attract them to different places in the yard by activating the MIX.R devices. However, the more you interfere with the creatures in the yard, the higher the chance that they come knocking at your own door, so you better prepare. Play true to your playstyle!
Use the in-game customization systems such as Mutations and Milk Molars to activate the bonuses and perks you want for your character. Not only that, but craft and upgrade your armor and weapons to give your character the stats and advantages you need in order to take on the perils of the backyard. It’s time to go big, or never go home!
Metal: Hellsingeris what you get when a metal album comes to life and goes on a rampage through hell. In the mortal realm, however, it may be better known as the rhythm FPS where you slay to the beat on an infernal journey to exact revenge upon the devil.
Music beats at the very heart of Metal: Hellsinger. As you perform actions on the beat — shooting, performing takedowns, dashing — the music responds to your success, unfolding until the vocals kick in for the full headbanging experience. With an incredible roster of celebrated metal vocalists and two talented composers, it’s a game designed to make you groove.
Today we release our first major content update for Metal: Hellsinger, along with an artbook available for free through the in-game menu. In addition to this, the game is now available on Xbox One!
The update adds a new highest difficulty with a new elite Seraph demon, secret collectibles to find for weapon skins, a new combo mechanic, and a bunch of bug fixes, quality of life improvements, balancing, and performance optimizations. We’d like to give you an overview of the new features and share some of the thoughts behind some of them.
Look the Archdevil in the Eye
Archdevil is the new highest difficulty after Lamb, Goat, and Beast, and it’s the meanest mosh pit you’ve ever been in. That means more demons, stronger demons, angrier demons, elite Seraph demons. And no last stand if you fall in battle. We recommend doing a few warmup windmills before taking this on.
Archdevil is intended to be a new game plus, which we decided was needed after seeing the incredible skill displayed by our community. To unlock Archdevil, all you need to do is defeat the Red Judge, aka The Devil. You have a loquacious skull on your side though, so we like your chances.
Devilishly Handsome Skins
Said skull, along with every other weapon in the game, has received a hellish makeover in a set of new skins. If you want to heartily apply them to some demon filth however, you’ll first have to find the coats of arms that we’ve hidden in the maps.
There’s one coat of arms on each level, across each difficulty, including Archdevil. As you collect them and reach certain thresholds you’ll unlock the new skins, which you can equip in the loadout screen.
Kill with Combos
Since Metal: Hellsinger launched, we’ve witnessed players approach the art of ripping through demons in a myriad of unique ways, and this was something we wanted to award.
With combos, players will get rewarded with more damage and fury for their ultimate ability by performing specific actions on consecutive beats. For example, if you blow an enemy to bits three beats in a row, that’s a Kill Trio. If you destroy a Chaos Crystal then slaughter an enemy, that’s called, well, Chaos and Slaughter.
We can’t wait to see what kind of new strategies and insane scores players will achieve using these combos. We hope you all enjoy rocking out to the new update. You can dive into Metal: Hellsingeron Xbox and with PC Game Pass.
Metal: Hellsinger (Xbox One)
Funcom
☆☆☆☆☆15
★★★★★
$29.99$23.99
Xbox Game Pass
Part human, part demon, and obsessed with vengeance. Become The Unknown, and fight through the fiercest domains of Hell. Destroy the demon hordes and their leaders to set yourself up for an epic showdown with The Red Judge herself. Every legend has a song. And yours is one of metal, vengeance, and destruction. Slay to the beat
Metal: Hellsinger is a rhythm FPS, where your ability to shoot on the beat will enhance your gameplay experience. The more in sync you are with the rhythm, the more intense the music will become and the more destruction you will cause. Demonic arsenal
Defeat the demon hordes with a skull-clad blade or a wide range of murderous guns. Each weapon has its own ultimate ability, such as Murder of Crows or The Big Goodbye. Epic story and Challenge Mode
Play through an epic storyline, narrated by award-winning actor Troy Baker. Unlock special challenges and conquer the realms of Torment to become more powerful in the stages and get a leg up on the leaderboards. Fight through fire, ice, metal and madness
Although commonly known as Hell, The Infernal Planes is in reality a union of a thousand Hells, all of which are terrifying and diabolical in their own way. In order to dethrone The Red Judge, you must fight your way through the fiercest corners, from the icy world of Voke to the maddening world of Stygia. From the Lead Designer of Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Metal: Hellsinger is created by an experienced FPS team at The Outsiders and is the passion project of David Goldfarb, Game Director on Payday 2 and Lead Designer on Battlefield 3 and Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Original metal soundtrack
Every track has been created specifically for the game by composer duo Two Feathers, with vocals by metal icons such as Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Randy Blythe (Lamb of God), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), and many more! DMCA and Copyright Information:
We fully own the songs as they are specifically written, produced and performed for the game. For content creators, we have done everything from our side to make sure strikes won’t happen.
New DLC for Jurassic World Evolution 2 out now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Adds four Dominion-inspired prehistoric species
Plus four stunning skins and variants for existing species
“Jurassic World Dominion” roared onto cinema screens earlier this year, captivating audiences with incredible moments, gorgeous locations, and spectacular dinosaurs. That’s exactly what we’re aiming to do for players with Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion, the latest DLC for our immersive management simulation. Featuring four all-new prehistoric species, four additional skins and variants, and a thrilling new campaign set across a sun-drenched Mediterranean setting. And you can play it on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S right now.
We’re transporting you to the warmth and wonder of Malta to take on an entirely new campaign mode. Set before the dramatic events of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s “Jurassic World Dominion”, you can find work alongside key figures including Kayla Watts (voiced by DeWanda Wise), Soyona Santos (voiced by Dichen Lachman), Barry Sembène (voiced by Omar Sy), and Lewis Dodgson (voiced by Campbell Scott), as you team with Cabot Finch to establish brand new parks across three Mediterranean locations.
With Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion, we’ve strived to make a true companion piece to the film while building on it in new and exciting ways. For example, in the DLC you can make use of our new mechanic: the dinosaur exchange. Whenever you want to acquire more species, eggs, and even genome data, you can get them from the dinosaur exchange. Be warned, however, that not every listing on the exchange will arrive exactly as you’d expect.
As well as the dinosaur exchange, new organizations are an additional feature of the DLC. You’ll work with both the Underground and Authorities, building trust with these organizations by completing contracts to unlock further opportunities for your parks. These range from hatchery upgrades that make managing your park simpler to additional locations in which to build more facilities. With the Authorities and the Underground both taking a keen interest in your operation across the area, who you choose to align with opens up new and different ways to develop your parks.
We’ve aimed to make your influence in Malta matter. Rather than building the perfect park in isolation then moving on to the next one, progress is persistent across all three locations. You can switch between your islands once unlocked, whether you want to attend to urgent matters, do some dinosaur dealings, or simply spruce up one of the enclosures. There’s even the addition of a cargo ship at your disposal, so you can transport dinosaurs across the sea. That crowd-drawing Carnotaurus doesn’t have to stay in one spot anymore – you can take it with you.
We’ve also added an entirely new range of buildings inspired by “Jurassic World Dominion”. These include the Acquisition Center, viewing gallery, and hotel, which all fit right in thematically with their new Malta surroundings. Plus, you can seat your ranger, MVU, and capture teams in new-style vehicles, and even add fresh decorations to make your parks stand out. One of my favorite touches on one of the islands is the natural lagoon, an organic feature of the landscape, which you can actually house your marine species in. Rather than constructing an artificial marine habitat yourself, try taking advantage of this beautiful bay. All Malta buildings are available to use in sandbox mode.
Of course, the expansion also features a host of new dinosaurs as seen in “Jurassic World Dominion”, each one looking and behaving just as they did in the film. We’ll start with the infamous Atrociraptor, which resembles a bulkier and even more dangerous Velociraptor. In addition to a host of skin color options, it also comes with four skins from the movie: Red, Ghost, Tiger, and Panthera.
There’s the distinctive Lystrosaurus, a short, squat herbivore bearing both a horned beak and tusks. I love that we’ve included this peculiar little guy, and I recommend feeding it all the vegetation it wants, because it deserves it. We’ve also got the colourfully feathered Oviraptor, who stands out with its magnificent plumage, and the diminutive Moros Intrepidus, quick and nimble carnivorous cousin of the mighty T. rex.
But that’s not all. We also wanted to add even more appeal to the existing roster, and in Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion, you’ll find stunning new film-inspired skin and variants. Pick new-look models for your Iguanodon, Allosaurus, and Dimorphodon, and give your Carnotaurus a scarred skin, capturing how they appear in “Jurassic World Dominion”.
We’ve put so much love into Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion, and we’re so excited for you to play it. New challenges and exciting opportunities await in Malta!
Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion is out now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One (requires Jurassic Evolution 2 base game to play).
Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion
Frontier Developments
☆☆☆☆☆2
★★★★★
Set before the dramatic events of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World Dominion, you’ll head to the warmth of the Mediterranean and attempt to manage multiple dinosaur facilities across three locations. Discover spectacular new prehistoric species, three new islands, detailed Malta-inspired buildings, and an all-new campaign in Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion. NEW CAMPAIGN EXPERIENCE
Before the events of Jurassic World Dominion, help lead a brand new enterprise in Malta. Work alongside Cabot Finch and key figures from the film, including Kayla Watts (voiced by DeWanda Wise), Soyona Santos (voiced by Dichen Lachman), Barry Sembène (voiced by Omar Sy), and Lewis Dodgson (voiced by Campbell Scott) as you set up parks across three Mediterranean locations. Establish key buildings, and trade on the dinosaur exchange to acquire more species, eggs, and even genome data. Work with both the Underground and Authorities and build trust with these organisations via various actions to unlock further opportunities such as, hatchery upgrades, locations and more. NEW LOCATIONS AND BUILDINGS
Create all-new parks containing a range of exciting buildings with a film-inspired theme, including the new Acquisition Centre, viewing gallery, hotel, and more. Seat your ranger, MVU, and capture teams in new-style vehicles, and add fresh decorations to make your parks stand out. Build across three new locations set in the Mediterranean, one of which boasts a natural lagoon. All Malta buildings are available to use in sandbox mode. NEW PREHISTORIC SPECIES AND SKINS
Host four captivating dinosaurs as seen in Jurassic World Dominion. Faithfully created to mirror their film counterparts, these iconic prehistoric species are ready to give guests an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, Jurassic World Evolution 2: Dominion Malta Expansion features stunning new variants of existing species and additional film skins, so you can give your dinosaurs a bold new look with different patterns and colours. The pack contains: NEW DINOSAURS
Atrociraptor (with 4x movie ‘squad’ skins)
Arguably even more dangerous than its velociraptor cousins, the Atrociraptor has a bulkier body and boxier snout. The coloration varies wildly between individuals. Lystrosaurus
A short, squat herbivore with powerful forelimbs and an unusually shaped skull that lived around 250 million years ago. The Lystrosaurus is notable for its tusks and horned beak, used to bite bits of vegetation. Oviraptor
A smaller predator with a distinctive head crest, the Oviraptor has a unique feathered look. Originally believed to steal eggs of other dinosaurs, it was dubbed the ‘Egg Thief’, but it has since been understood to be an omnivore with a powerful jaw for its size. Moros Intrepidus
A diminutive carnivore and one of the smallest Tyrannosauroids to have ever existed, the Moros Intrepidus is only a fraction of the size of its famous relative, the T. rex. Despite its short stature, it is known to be a quick and nimble hunter. NEW DINOSAUR VARIANTS inspired by Jurassic World Dominion.
Iguanodon 2022
Allosaurus 2022
Dimorphodon 2022 NEW SKIN
Carnotaurus 2022 (scarred)
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Frontier Developments
☆☆☆☆☆212
★★★★★
$59.99 $47.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s ground-breaking 2018 management simulation, Jurassic World Evolution, offering an all new narrative campaign voiced by cast members from across the Jurassic World film franchise, exciting new features, four engaging game modes, and an expanded roster of awe-inspiring dinosaurs. An Original Jurassic World Story Learn what it takes to be a park management master in Campaign mode, a compelling, original narrative that puts you at the heart of the action following the earth-shattering events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Work alongside iconic characters from the films, including Dr. Ian Malcolm (voiced by Jeff Goldblum) and Claire Dearing (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard), and lead the efforts to control, conserve, and contain wild dinosaurs now rampaging across the USA. Create your own Jurassic World Take control with deeper management tools and creative options. Construct a range of customisable new buildings and hire new Scientists, and shape your park to meet the needs of both your guests and dinosaurs. Unleash your creativity in Sandbox mode, or test your skills in Challenge mode as you deal with diverse locations and environmental calamities. Play with Chaos Theory Play through key moments of your favourite films – with a twist. Experience ‘what-if’ scenarios from iconic Jurassic World and Jurassic Park films, each level set across eras and locations from all five movies. Dive into the Jurassic World franchise and see how events unfold when you take control. Discover Awe-Inspiring Dinosaurs Over 75 different prehistoric species come to life in Jurassic World Evolution 2, including highly requested flying and marine reptiles. These animals feel more alive than ever as they preside over territory, fight for dominance, and react intelligently to the world around them. Use bioengineering to customise dinosaurs with bold new colours, and alter their genomes to unlock traits.
Battle in medieval times, distant worlds, or World War Two this weekend during Free Play Days. Chivalry 2, Chorus, and Hell Let Loose are available this weekend for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday, December 8 at 12:01 a.m. PT until Sunday, December 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
How to Start Playing
Find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and enter the Gold member area to locate the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Keep the Fun Going
Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and earned achievements during the event! Please note that discounts and percentages may vary by title and region.
Game Details
Chivalry 2
Chorus
Hell Let Loose
Chivalry 2
A winter chill has arrived in the action-filled medieval warfare hit with Chivalry 2’s latest update! Winter War brings players a massive arctic fortress to siege, the new Quarterstaff weapon – plus a limited-time Chivmas holiday event featuring snowballs to throw and yuletide decorated maps! Keep your eyes on the Xbox Store this Holiday Season for upcoming Chivalry 2 discounts!
Chorus
Become the ultimate living weapon this weekend. Join Nara in her quest for redemption as she hunts The Circle, a dangerous space cult, and its mysterious leader, The Prophet. Once reunited with your long-lost sentient ship you’ll be called to explore the far corners of the galaxy to save the universe from a dark menace. Master your ship’s unique drift mechanic, weapons, and mind-bending abilities. Seek out and inspire others to join the resistance. Immerse yourself in an exciting and fast paced shooter, filled with spectacular space battles and a captivating story.
Hell Let Loose
Grab your rifle and assemble your squad, because Hell Let Loose has released Burning Snow – the huge new installment for this epic World War Two FPS. The new update introduces fire to the battlefield in the form of flamethrowers and Molotov cocktails, plenty of new vehicles and equipment, cosmetics and weapons to unlock, alongside a brand new bitterly cold map – Kharkov – that sees the Soviet and German forces fight in one of the most brutal historical battles of World War Two. This update also represents a change in the way we work as developers – moving towards a model that allows for more frequent updates and greater communication and responsiveness.
Don’t miss out on this exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.
The newest tank hero, Ramattra, joins the fight in Season 2
Jump into the new map Shambali Monastery and experience favorite returning maps, including Rialto and Blizzard World
Get ready for seasonal events, such as Winter Wonderland, Battle for Olympus, and Lunar New Year
Play the new tank Ramattra and take the battle to Shambali Monastery. Fighting for a better future for all Omnics, Ramattra joins Overwatch 2 as its latest Hero. Ramattra can completely change forms as part of his core kit, the first for any Overwatch Tank hero, and makes every moment different with his abilities and playstyle.
Visit Zenyatta and Ramattra’s home at the Shambali Monastery, the newest Escort map. Ascend the winding path walked by countless Omnics who sought refuge and transcend opponents with masterful skills.
Hero Balance Updates
Within the new season for Overwatch 2, we addressed some feedback we received from the community to bring more hero balance to competitive play.
First up is adjusting the lethality of Sojourn’s Rail Gun. Players have found it challenging to reach the highest tiers of Competitive ranks if they do not have the same mechanical skills as Sojourn players. We will be encouraging players to make use of Sojourn’s high mobility for devastating close distance hits.
Another hero receiving some major changes is Doomfist. While the playstyle core will remain the same to his Hero identity, new updates will help Doomfist better support the team’s front line.
In addition, expect some changes across Ana, Bastion, Junker Queen, Kiriko, Mercy, and Symettra, which will be live as of today.
Classic, Fan Favorite Locales
Players can not only dive into the newest map, Shambali Monastery, but return to some past fan favorite maps and see other locations in a new light. Visit the picturesque town of Rialto or catch some fun rides at Blizzard World, the most epic place on earth. Oasis and Nepal now features different times of the day for players to battle in, while the Hollywood and Watchpoint: Gibraltar maps are rotated out.
New Greek Mythology Battle Pass and Battle for Olympus Mode
Gods and legends from Greek Mythology are the theme of Season 2. Play your way through the Battle Pass or upgrade to the Premium Battle Pass to get even more glorious mythological rewards such as the Legendary Poseidon Ramattra, Legendary Hades Pharah, and the all-new Mythic Zeus Junker Queen skin. This mythic skin includes new customizations, weapon models, voice lines, and special effects.
A variety of heroes will be instilled with god-like powers in our brand-new game mode, Battle for Olympus! Play the limited-time event starting from January 5 through January 19 and look out for new skins throughout the season that might give you an idea on what’s to come!
Limited-Time Events and Twitch Drops
Get ready for three limited-time events this season! On top of the Battle for Olympus, classic Winter Wonderland and Lunar New Year events will return with fan favorite modes with even more seasonal rewards to earn. You can earn new skins from each event just by playing the game and completing event challenges! Get the Epic Ice Queen Brigitte in Winter Wonderland, the Legendary Winged Victory Mercy in the Battle for Olympus, and the Legendary Kkachi Echo in Lunar New Year. Winter Wonderland will take place from December 13 to Jan 4 and you can experience Lunar New Year from Jan 17 until February 1!
Get your hands on even more Season 2 rewards by watching Overwatch 2 streamers who have enabled drops on Twitch. Look out for a Legendary Ramttra skin and many more Twitch drops this season.
Hero Challenges
We have released a new feature of Hero Challenges that you can take on to unlock heroes you have not yet earned. By selecting the Challenge of the Hero you want to unlock, you will be placed in the Practice Range so you can learn how to play the hero and ultimately overcome challenges that require winning Overwatch games.
If you are looking for a faster way to unlock the hero without participating in Hero Challenges, you can purchase them in the in-game store to get immediate access. For all Overwatch 1 owners, you can receive the three new Overwatch 2 heroes Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko just by logging into the game! This Hero bonus will end by the start of Season 3 so make sure to login before then.
Overwatch® 2
Blizzard Entertainment
☆☆☆☆☆1998
★★★★★
Xbox One X Enhanced
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Team up with friends and dive into the reimagined PvP experience as a time-jumping freedom fighter, a beat-dropping battlefield DJ, or one of over 30 other unique heroes as you battle it out around the globe. 36 HEROES, 23 MAPS AND 6 GAME MODES Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of 36 distinct heroes. Take them into battle across 23 futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master six unique game modes. SEASON TWO IS NOW LIVE New heroes, maps, and game modes will be added in seasonal updates every nine weeks. Drop into Season Two to unlock the latest hero, Ramattra, and over 20 tiers of completely free rewards on the Battle Pass. Purchase the Premium Battle Pass to unlock even more cosmetic rewards including the all-new Mythic Zeus Junker Queen skin, legendary skins, sprays, voice lines, weapon charms, and more! A mobile phone number must be linked to your Battle.net Account to play Overwatch.
Overwatch® 2: Watchpoint Pack
Blizzard Entertainment Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆11852
★★★★★
Get a head start with the Overwatch® 2: Watchpoint Pack, the home base of your new gameplay experience. The pack features everything you need to get started on Day 1! The pack includes the following Overwatch® 2 in-game content: Season One Premium Battle Pass, 7 Legendary skins (including 2 all-new Space Raider skins), 5 Epic skins, 2000 Overwatch Coins and Overwatch® 2 Player Icon.* With the Season One Premium Battle Pass you can unlock over 80 tiers of rewards including Mythic Cyber Demon Genji, Legendary Hinotori Kiriko, and more. In addition, as a Season One Premium Battle Pass owner you will automatically receive access to Overwatch’s latest hero Kiriko!** Includes instant access to Overwatch Legendary Edition. *Items will be awarded to players that have purchased Overwatch® 2 Watchpoint Pack when Overwatch® 2 launches, actual date subject to change. **Season One Battle Pass applies to Season One only and will not award access to any future Battle Pass or seasonal/live content. Season One will launch alongside Overwatch® 2 in October 2022. For more information, please visit https://playoverwatch.com. A mobile phone number must be linked to your Battle.net Account to play Overwatch.
Rainbow Six Siege’s Operation Solar Raid, the biggest season of Year 7, is live now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. It brings many new features to the tactical shooter including a new Operator and map, crossplay and cross-progression, Ranked 2.0 and a completely revamped Battle Pass, NieR: Automata and NieR Replicant inspired crossover skins, and a free trial period ending December 8.
New Operator Solis is a Colombian Defender who is allied with Caveira’s Ghosteyes faction, a unit focused on stealth and secrecy. She wields the P90 Submachine gun or ITA 12L shotgun as her primary weapon, and the SMG-11 as her secondary, with a bulletproof camera or impact grenades to boot. Solis’ special gadget is the SPEC-IO Electro-Sensor, a headset which allows her to spot, identify, and tag the Attackers’ electronic devices. This includes a wide variety of unique and generic gadgets that Attackers use for everything from breaching to roamer-hunting to intel-gathering, and even includes not just the scouting drones that every Attacker has, but also the phones they use to control them.
You’re going to want her skills and gadgets on your side in the all-new Nighthaven Labs map. Set on the shoreline in Singapore, Nighthaven Labs is a high-tech facility with multiple interior stairwells to facilitate coordinated maneuvers, as well as a few breakable exterior walls that lead straight on to some bomb sites. Note that Operation Solar Raid is introducing a new map-related update: the new map will not be bannable at the start of the season, so get ready to get acquainted fast.
Operation Solar Raid also introduces the long-awaited crossplay and cross-progression features to Rainbow Six Siege. This means Xbox players can now opt in to squad up with their friends from other platforms through Ubisoft Connect, earning them one free Alpha Pack in the process. Their progress, currencies, and items will also be shared across all platforms after logging into Ubisoft Connect.
As you detect Attacker incursions with Solis and flank enemies across Nighthaven Labs, you’ll earn progress in the newly revamped Battle Pass. New branching pathways let you choose your own progression route. You can still unlock all the rewards, regardless of where you start, but the new system effectively lets you work towards the prizes you want to unlock first. But that’s not all that’s been upgraded – competitive players should note that with Ranked 2.0, their rank is determined by how many Rank Points they earn or lose after Ranked matches. Additionally, Operation Solar Raid is bringing the beta phase of the Reputation Score Display to Rainbow Six Siege. This means that players will be able to see their Reputation Standing (though they won’t receive any effects yet), and analyze how their gameplay and interactions are affecting their standing.
The Rainbow Six Siege team has also partnered with Square Enix to create a unique set of Elite skins for Iana and Maverick, inspired by 2B from NieR:Automata and Protagonist from NieR Replicant ver.122474487139, respectively. The team also added additional customization options to Operator devices and Observation Tools to improve the game’s accessibility. Other notable updates include all Operators having the same move speed while aiming down their sights, no more friendly fire in the preparation phase, and drone speed remaining constant while strafing diagonally.
For those wanting to try Rainbow Six Siege for the first time, you’re in luck: the game is hosting a free week until December 8 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Plus, Operation Solar Raid has two welcome packs available for purchase: the Buck Welcome Pack and the Signature Skin Welcome Pack. Jump into the Rainbow Six Siegeaction today in the tech-tastic Operation Solar Raid.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Siege Deluxe Edition
UBISOFT
☆☆☆☆☆1923
★★★★★
$39.99 $9.99
Xbox Game Pass
Upgrade to the Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Siege Deluxe Edition! Includes the full game and 16 operators from Year 1 and Year 2. Dive into explosive 5v5 gameplay, high stakes competition, and thrilling PvP team battles. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege features an ever-expanding experience with limitless opportunities to perfect your strategy and help lead your team to victory. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is constantly evolving. Each new season brings brand-new content, game-changing operators and abilities, in-game events, weapons, and maps. The Deluxe Edition contains:
– The full game (all maps and modes)
– All 8 operators from Year 1 (Frost, Buck, Valkyrie, Blackbeard, Caveira, Capitão, Hibana, and Echo)
– All 8 operators from Year 2 (Jackal, Mira, Lesion, Ying, Ela, Zofia, Dokkaebi, and Vigil) Optimized for Xbox Series X|S (up to 4K and 120 fps). This game leverages Smart Delivery allowing access to both the Xbox One title and the Xbox Series X|S title.
Dani Rojas is diving into a surreal new adventure inLost Between Worlds, a new expansion for Far Cry 6that arrives today on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Transported to an otherworldly dimension after an ill-fated run-in with an extraterrestrial artificial intelligence, you must fight your way through a series of connected rifts, each a twisted slice of Yara. In one rift, giant concrete walls slide in and out of place as you navigate a massive labyrinth, while in another, you must traverse an eerie marshland while sneaking or shooting your way past the invisible crystalline enemies that stalk you. Active volcanoes, submerged cities, and more diverse and unexpected challenges await amidst the rifts, and all the while Dani Rojas will have to contend with the sardonic A.I. that helped get them into the mess (and is your only hope to get out).
As you make your way through the rifts, you must choose your path in order to unlock the five shards standing between you and escape. Each run is different, not just because you are choosing different paths, but because you can unlock new gadgets that allow you to seek out shortcuts and upgrades. If you manage to triumph and return to Yara, you’ll bring powerful gear to aid you in your fight against Antón Castillo (or perhaps in your New Game+ playthrough, a mode recently added in a free update).
Grab the Lost Between Worlds expansion now from the Microsoft Store (full Far Cry 6 game required to play) or pick up the Upgrade Pass, which includes the Lost Between Worlds expansion and the Season Pass (with three play-as-villain DLCs, Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon Classic Edition, and three gear packs). Or take advantage of holiday season sales and get a discount on the complete package, the Far Cry 6 Game of the Year Edition, which includes the full game, the expansion, and the Upgrade Pass.
If you’ve never played Far Cry 6 and want to experience the life of a guerrilla fighter on the beautiful tropical island of Yara, there is a free trial available now in the Microsoft Store (and your progress will carry over if you decide to purchase the game).
Take on an outlandish and astonishing new challenge in the Lost Between Worlds expansion today, and see what surprises await!
FAR CRY® 6: LOST BETWEEN WORLDS
UBISOFT
☆☆☆☆☆11
★★★★★
After exploring a strange meteorite impact site, legendary guerrilla Dani Rojas is ripped from Earth and trapped in a supernatural prison – a distorted version of Yara. To escape, Dani must make their way through a gauntlet of fractured trials to collect the five broken shards needed to repair the vessel. Storm a fractured fortress floating in the sky, swim through an underwater Esperanza filled with deadly traps, scramble down an active volcano, fend off the darkness in a blackout cave, and much more. With some calling for stealth and navigation while others require speed and force, no two Rifts are alike. Forge an unlikely friendship with Fai, your condescending but strangely endearing guide, as you take on enemies including Shardfaces, the color-coded crystalline guardians of the Rifts. To defeat them, you’ll use Chromatic Combat, switching between red and blue ammo on the fly. With every shard you collect, you get powerful gear, weapon upgrades, and tools to help you forge custom shortcuts throughout the map. Upon completion of the expansion, you’ll return to Yara with the most powerful gear in Far Cry® 6 – Fai gear. This game leverages Smart Delivery allowing access to both the Xbox One title and the Xbox Series X|S title.
Far Cry® 6
UBISOFT
☆☆☆☆☆582
★★★★★
Free Trial
Welcome to Yara, a tropical paradise frozen in time. As the dictator of Yara, Antón Castillo is intent on restoring his nation to its former glory by any means necessary, with his son, Diego, following in his bloody footsteps. Their oppressive rule has ignited a revolution. – Play as Dani Rojas, a local Yaran, as you fight alongside a modern-day guerrilla revolution to liberate Yara. Play the full game solo or with a friend in co-op. – Explore jungles, beaches, and cities on foot, horseback, or in a wide variety of vehicles including boats and Jet Skis as you fight against Castillo’s regime in the most expansive Far Cry to date. – Feel the thrill of combat with an arsenal of hundreds of weapons alongside helpful amigos like Chorizo the dog and Guapo the gator. – Enjoy all-new content and features added since launch, including four new special operations, free blockbuster crossover missions, and fan-requested updates such as New Game Plus, Completionist Aid, an extra-hard difficulty mode, and four new loadout slots. There has never been a better time to join millions of players in Yara! This game leverages Smart Delivery allowing access to both the Xbox One title and the Xbox Series X|S title.
Explore the new Stia Region and don’t stand in the fire!
Encounter new, tougher DOLLS and other enemies who’ll have you sweating.
Check out new class-specific abilities and skills, armor and weapons, interactable objects, Field Races, and more!
ARKS defenders may be out of the frying pan, but they’ll be stepping into the fire today with the launch of the Stia Region in Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis. The region features hot springs, lava pools, and some of the biggest and baddest enemies seen yet. You’ll need to bring your A-game to battle so you don’t get burned. In addition to adding a new region and story content, this update also includes new class-specific abilities and skills, weapons and armor, interactable objects, Field Races, various system improvements and a whole lot more!
Reconnaissance Mission: Stia
Dotted with Ryuker Devices for easy transportation, the 4 main areas of Stia are filled with DOLLS, resources, and lava. In Stia Outskirts you’ll find the Stia Camp, which can take care of your immediate needs for replenishment, Class Skill tuning, Weapon/Armor Enhancement, Side Quests, and other gameplay necessities. Upon exiting Stia Camp, you’ll find enemies camped out, ready to prey on the unprepared. The Grainne Coast lines Stia Outskirts and this is where the lava is forced to yield to water – separating Kvaris, Aelio, and Retem from Stia. Stia Outskirts is also home to the Dreisen Plant entrance, which has been deemed an active Combat Sector due to increased activity and frequent aggression from DOLLS. You may encounter Scout Wasps, which serve as Surveillance Drones for the DOLLS, so be on your toes so as to silence any activated alarms. You may be lucky enough to encounter Invisible Boxes, which are specially hidden rare item containers that are only detectable by your Mag Device and subtle environmental effects.
The Number One Rule: Don’t Stand in the Fire
Lava is hot and too hot is bad. In the Stia Region, Lava Bombs rain pain from above and Lava Pools stand ready to burn those who don’t step carefully. If you have a chaotic and destructive streak, however, New Genesis is here for you; these elements can be used to your advantage by quickly collecting bombs and throwing them at spherical Lava Cores that form within pools during certain weather conditions. The explosion created by this series of actions is quite the sight, and sure to annihilate any enemies standing in close proximity.
New Adversaries = a Good Time
DOLLS have adapted to the harsh terrain and take various forms in Stia. Three of the strongest DOLLS you may encounter include Nils Stia, Engouku, and Doldoris. Nils Stia has an attack that can be turned against it with clever exploitation of an elemental weakness, Engouku shares fighting-style similarities with the lightning-fast Bujin, and Doldoris causes even the bravest defenders to fall back and take cover when it deploys its Gatling Gun. However, the strongest enemies will also have amassed the best treasure, and the enemies in Stia are no exception. The 8-star Effulgent Fire Elemental Weapon Series can be found throughout Stia, though may be most easily acquired in the Combat Sectors. These weapons have a Potential that increases Critical Hit Rate after a successful dodge or attack negation. Two new types of 7-star Rarity Armor can also be found in areas of active engagement.
No Gain Without Train…-ia
Tackling the new Trainia found in Stia will provide defenders with additional Skill Points, which are needed for the new active and passive Class Skills that are included in this content update. There are 3 Cocoons available starting at level 63 and 1 Tower available to those level 65 or above. After successful completion of a Trainia, the Skill Points are available for immediate use back at the Stia Camp or any other Class Counter. Every Class has new Class Skills to choose from, and these can be either defensive, offensive, or supportive, and may provide either a passive or active benefit. Many classes received new skills that make other class-appropriate weapon types more viable, and this may see some defenders switching their loadouts accordingly.
Easier Leveling with Battledia
In addition to Trainia, Stia is also home to new Battledia combat facilities. These facilities require Battle Triggers (dropped by certain enemies) and can be accessed through their respective Trigger Portals. Battledia: Yellow are perfect locations to gain a good amount of EXP, while Battledia: Purple are significantly more challenging and may require a team effort. In Stia Battledia: Purple, Stia Devastators, you’ll fight a series of Gigantix that will leave you little room for error without punishing your results. However, the glory and rewards from success are great, as another 8-star Rarity Weapon Series, the Gunblaze weapons, drop from the enemies found in Stia’s Purple Battledia.
New Field Races
Field Races are a new addition to Exploration Sectors in New Genesis, and many have been added over the last few months. Naturally Stia will also include a Field Race, accessed by using the Racing Console near the Ryuker Device on the Grainne Coast of Stia Outskirts. Challenge yourself by making split-second decisions while you determine the best path to beat the times and scores of other players. To do this, you’ll need to pass through checkpoints and collect as many Score Symbols as you can while avoiding craggy and volcanic terrain. For your efforts, you’ll receive various beneficial Augments, which can be used to Enhance your gear, as well as Gathering Materials that provide desirable buffs when used as Quick Food at a Ryuker Device.
System: Optimized
As great as the above content sounds, that’s not the only thing that this update is bringing to the table on December 7. There’s also a large variety of system improvements that have been made. One long-desired change is the addition of new and departing item indicators on the Scratch Ticket Prize list, allowing players to easily identify new cosmetic items they want and items they should get before they’re gone. New or returning players will benefit from adjusted rewards for completing the Main Story Tasks in Chapters 2 and 3. Also, players who choose to create a new character can now dive right into the new story chapter, provided they have a character on their account who has already completed the previous chapters.
Feel the heat of the Stia Region now by visiting the Microsoft Store and downloading Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis, for free, on PC, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X/S!
Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis
SEGA Corporation
☆☆☆☆☆763
★★★★★
Xbox One X Enhanced
Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis, the latest chapter in the Phantasy Star Online 2 series, is here at last!
It’s time to jump into adventures beyond imagination! This new adventure takes place on a vast open field! Up to 32 people can enjoy the adventure in a new world with beautifully-evolved graphics! The simple and intuitive controls developed in the series up to now have also evolved! A new dimension of battle with a variety of powerful enemies awaits! The new actions Photon Dash and Photon Glide allow you to traverse across the vast open field with ease! Of course, the ultimate in character creation has also evolved. Create your own main character that will be unique throughout the world, and head out to a new adventure! ・The core game is Free-to-Play, but there is certain paid content that can be purchased. ・The Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis game that can be downloaded with this content is the same as that included in other editions. You do not have to download this if it is already installed. ・Proceeding with play in Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis will allow you to play Phantasy Star Online 2. ・Please log in with an administrator account to play this game.
In HELL-A, zombie slaying is a full-time job! This article will give you an insight into Dead Island 2’s gameplay. Read it to find out how you’ll be mowing down the undead come April 28, 2023.
Welcome to the Zompocalypse
The apocalypse is here and has transformed the City of Angels into the City of the Undead. Streets once filled with aspiring actors, musicians, and influencers are now overrun with infected flesh-hungry zombies.
Oh, and the best part? You’ve been bitten and are infected with the same virus that’s turned everyone else into a mindless cannibal. But interestingly enough, unlike the rest, you’re doing far more than just surviving the infection. You’re thriving on it.
Paradise Gone to Hell
Could you have asked for a more beautiful backdrop to humanity’s downfall? This sun-soaked paradise features all the infinity pools, Botox clinics, and fancy restaurants you’d expect from the hangouts of the rich and famous albeit a little more blood-soaked than usual.
During your stay, you’ll be fighting your way across the iconic city of LA (although the residents have renamed it HELL-A now) in your search for answers about your zombie status.
While you’re here, why not check out the sights and head on down to the boardwalk of Venice Beach, or battle your way through the jaw-dropping mansions of Beverly Hills? And, of course, be sure to stamp your own bloody mark into the Walk of Fame.
More Than Just a Slay-fest
Slaying can be tiring work! If you ever need to take a break from bashing skulls, there’s a whole city full of sweet loot just waiting to be found, and while you’re digging, you may find out a little bit more about the shady goings-on that have turned LA into a zombie-infested zone.
Meet Hell-A’s Inhabitants
Good news! You aren’t the sole survivor in all of this. During your journey, you’ll encounter other survivors, including a former Hollywood cowboy, a scarily committed sci-fi cosplayer, an aging drunk and disorderly rockstar, and a social media personality who goes to extreme measures to please her followers, but they’re just a handful of the survivors left in HELL-A.
They’ll ask for your help from time to time, so it’s a good thing that they often have the shiniest and deadliest of rewards to offer in exchange for your slaying expertise.
Brutal Melee Combat
Whether you’re slicing, dicing, shattering, or splattering zombies, you’ll feel every impact, crunch, decapitation, and bisection thanks to Dead Island 2’s visceral combat and glorious gore system.
You’ll also be using the environment within Hell-A to your advantage: dump a car battery into a pool and start drop-kicking zombies into it for a shockingly good time, or ignite a pool of gas leading to a fuel tank to blow chunks of undead foes into the next state!
A Whole Arsenal of Weapons
It’s amazing what you can find lying around HELL-A: katanas, hammers, maces, broadswords, bo staffs, and sign poles — to name a few — can all be used to fuel your zombie onslaught.
But if up-close and personal isn’t your style, there’s enough long-ranged firepower here to bring a tear to the eye of every second amendment-loving, card-carrying NRA member. Pop zombies’ heads and blast off their limbs with an array of handguns, shotguns, carbines, and rifles.
The hammer you’re rocking hasn’t got enough of a kick? With a few tweaks at a workbench, you can turn it into a flaming hammer capable of igniting the undead. That’s the slayer spirit!
Channel Your Inner Zombie
So you’re infected: toeing the line between human and zombie. That’s got to come with a few perks, right? Absolutely right. Your newfound zombie powers are here to level the playing field! When the slaying gets tough, activate your primordial Fury mode, and begin ripping through enemies with inhuman savagery. More on that later.
Zombie to the Core
Around HELL-A, zombies come in all shapes and sizes. From your standard shambling husks to mile-a-minute speed freaks, right through to muscle-bound giants, you’ll be throwing down with a motley bunch of undead Angelinos throughout your journey.
Some even have special abilities like an ear-bleeding scream or earth-shattering superhuman strength. Enough to keep you on your toes, but nothing a capable slayer like yourself can’t handle, though.
Call the Shots with Alexa Game Control
For players in the United Kingdom and North America, your voice is your secret weapon in Dead Island 2. Lure unsuspecting zombies to their demise with the promise of ‘fresh brains over here’ or instantly launch into Fury mode by shouting ‘go loco’!
With Alexa Game Control, there’s a whole host of voice commands at your disposal to maximize your slaying ability.
Watch the Dead Island 2 showcase – a live cinematic featuring the Welcome to HELL-A trailer and a sneak peek at Alexa Game Control – on Twitch.TV/DeepSilver now.
See You in HELL-A
All that’s left to say is that we’ll see you in HELL-A on April 28, 2023. Dead Island 2 is available for pre-order on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S below. Happy slaying!
Dead Island 2
Deep Silver
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The much-loved zombie saga is back with a unique formula of horror, dark humor and over the top zombie-slaying, spanning an epic pulp adventure. Dead Island 2 is thrilling First-Person Action RPG, stylish, vibrant and flooded with zombie infection. Explore iconic, gore-drenched Los Angeles. Meet larger-than-life characters. Slay countless foes in exquisitely bloody detail. And evolve to become the ultimate Zombie Slayer! Pre-order now and get the Memories of Banoi pack, featuring two unique weapons, a special weapon perk and skill card. FEATURES Explore HELL-A – Dead Island 2 takes players across the most iconic locations of the City of Angels, now stained with horror, in an exciting pulp journey from the verdant suburbia of Beverly Hills to the quirky promenade of Venice Beach. Brutal Melee Sandbox – Combat delivers the most intense, visceral and gory first person experience possible, with plenty of weapons and tactical (and brutal) options to chew your way through the zombie horde. Whether you’re slicing, smashing, burning or ripping, we want you to truly feel it. Be the Ultimate Zombie Slayer – There are six characters to choose from, each with their own unique personality and dialogues. You can fully customize the abilities of each Slayer, with our brand-new skill system allowing you to re-spec instantly and try out the craziest builds. Zombie Infestation – Ready to experience the most advanced dismemberment system in games? Our LA is crawling with zombies that look and react realistically. These mutated wretches are the reanimated, rotten heart of Dead Island 2 with dozens of distinct zombie types, each with their own mutations, attacks and hundreds of visual LA-themed variants. Our monsters are relentless, challenging, and true Los Angelinos. Will you be able to survive? A Cinematic Co-op Adventure – As a proper RPG experience, Dead Island 2 offers plenty of exciting quests, a crazy cast of characters, and a thrilling pulp story, to truly immerse you in its twisted universe. Re-playability is guaranteed. Add an over-the-top co-op mode for up to three players, and you’ll stay in LA for a very long (and gory) trip.
DEAD ISLAND 2 DELUXE EDITION
Deep Silver
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The Deluxe Edition includes the Xbox and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game, two premium character packs, featuring a unique costume and weapon, and the Golden Weapons Pack. Pre-order now and get the Memories of Banoi pack, with two weapons, a special weapon perk and skill card. The much-loved zombie saga is back with a unique formula of horror, dark humor and over the top zombie-slaying, spanning an epic pulp adventure. Dead Island 2 is thrilling First-Person Action RPG, stylish, vibrant and flooded with zombie infection. Explore iconic, gore-drenched Los Angeles. Meet larger-than-life characters. Slay countless foes in exquisitely bloody detail. And evolve to become the ultimate Zombie Slayer! FEATURES Explore HELL-A – Dead Island 2 takes players across the most iconic locations of the City of Angels, now stained with horror, in an exciting pulp journey from the verdant suburbia of Beverly Hills to the quirky promenade of Venice Beach. Brutal Melee Sandbox – Combat delivers the most intense, visceral and gory first person experience possible, with plenty of weapons and tactical (and brutal) options to chew your way through the zombie horde. Whether you’re slicing, smashing, burning or ripping, we want you to truly feel it. Be the Ultimate Zombie Slayer – There are six characters to choose from, each with their own unique personality and dialogues. You can fully customize the abilities of each Slayer, with our brand-new skill system allowing you to re-spec instantly and try out the craziest builds. Zombie Infestation – Ready to experience the most advanced dismemberment system in games? Our LA is crawling with zombies that look and react realistically. These mutated wretches are the reanimated, rotten heart of Dead Island 2 with dozens of distinct zombie types, each with their own mutations, attacks and hundreds of visual LA-themed variants. Our monsters are relentless, challenging, and true Los Angelinos. Will you be able to survive? A Cinematic Co-op Adventure – As a proper RPG experience, Dead Island 2 offers plenty of exciting quests, a crazy cast of characters, and a thrilling pulp story, to truly immerse you in its twisted universe. Re-playability is guaranteed. Add an over-the-top co-op mode for up to three players, and you’ll stay in LA for a very long (and gory) trip.
DEAD ISLAND 2 GOLD EDITION
Deep Silver
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Dead Island 2 is thrilling First-Person Action RPG, stylish, vibrant and flooded with zombie infection. Explore iconic, gore-drenched Los Angeles. Meet larger-than-life characters. Slay countless foes in exquisitely bloody detail. And evolve to become the ultimate Zombie Slayer! The Gold Edition includes the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game, two premium character packs, Golden and Pulp Weapons Packs and Expansion Pass. The Expansion Pass gives access to two brand new chapters of the story coming after release. Pre-order now and get the Memories of Banoi Pack. FEATURES Explore HELL-A – Dead Island 2 takes players across the most iconic locations of the City of Angels, now stained with horror, in an exciting pulp journey from the verdant suburbia of Beverly Hills to the quirky promenade of Venice Beach. Brutal Melee Sandbox – Combat delivers the most intense, visceral and gory first person experience possible, with plenty of weapons and tactical (and brutal) options to chew your way through the zombie horde. Whether you’re slicing, smashing, burning or ripping, we want you to truly feel it. Be the Ultimate Zombie Slayer – There are six characters to choose from, each with their own unique personality and dialogues. You can fully customize the abilities of each Slayer, with our brand-new skill system allowing you to re-spec instantly and try out the craziest builds. Zombie Infestation – Ready to experience the most advanced dismemberment system in games? Our LA is crawling with zombies that look and react realistically. These mutated wretches are the reanimated, rotten heart of Dead Island 2 with dozens of distinct zombie types, each with their own mutations, attacks and hundreds of visual LA-themed variants. Our monsters are relentless, challenging, and true Los Angelinos. Will you be able to survive? A Cinematic Co-op Adventure – As a proper RPG experience, Dead Island 2 offers plenty of exciting quests, a crazy cast of characters, and a thrilling pulp story, to truly immerse you in its twisted universe. Re-playability is guaranteed. Add an over-the-top co-op mode for up to three players, and you’ll stay in LA for a very long (and gory) trip.
Path of Titans, the dinosaur MMO survival game, launches the biggest update yet, just in time for the holidays! Discover yourself awakening in Gondwa, as the new pterosaur Thalassodromeus and plesiosaur Kaiwhekea in the fresh flagship island world, a mix of Mediterranean island landscapes on a diverse archipelago. Get your first look at the new creatures in the gameplay trailer featuring conservationist Robert Irwin, of the Australia Zoo.
Dive through undersea canyons as the first aquatic plesiosaur Kaiwhekea, and catch thermal updrafts to carry you high into the skies as the first flyer, the Thalassodromeus pterosaur! Towering spires, ocean cliffs, canyons, hidden refuges and more await you on servers with up to 100 players.
Join your fellow dinosaurs, plesiosaurs and pterosaurs in the coastal habitats of this chain of islands, in an open-world sandbox MMO adventure with 30 playable dinosaur species included in the Founder’s Edition.
The world of Path of Titans has expanded in many ways, new underwater home caves and quests, new aquatic NPCs to hunt, and roosts and cliffs for Thalas to perch. Discover the hidden caves and burrows above and below the ocean blue, and interact with the many new denizens of the seas.
The team at Alderon Games wants to thank the Xbox Insider Hub community for the feedback and support through the development of Gondwa. Months of optimizations will be apparent across the game, and several of the features of the new Unreal Engine 5 have been integrated into this update. The flight and swimming systems have been months in progress, and everything related to the new vertical gameplay elements have been tested in Xbox Insider Hub with a diverse group of gamers for months, many thanks to all who participated!
Important to mention are the improvements to Waystones, and transporting to friends in game. This has been requested often, and the team has made some changes to simplify the system, with some gameplay mechanics added to maintain balance and prevent exploits or abuses.
This update brings the total number of playable characters to 30, and launches the second official 8km x8km map Gondwa, to join the upland forest map Panjura. Fill out your roster of dinosaurs and customize and thrive through life cycle growth and 70+ abilities, and over 100,000 cosmetic variations of skins in game.
From first attempts at flight, learning to dive for fish, catching thermals, and mastering hunting large land prey, find your wings with the first available pterosaur in Path of Titans. Your long necked, needle toothed ‘Kai’ rules the waterways of Gondwa, guide your plesiosaur and master skills in the rivers, lagoons and inlets in competition with crocodilian Sarcosuchus and the hulking Spinosaurus. Discover even more with Community Mod creatures and maps available today. Modding is fully supported! Download free community creations such as creatures, maps, game modes, with more being created all the time!
Take to the air and the sea, and be among the first to chart the islands of Gondwa in the Founders’ First Flight in Path of Titans!
Path of Titans (Game Preview)
Alderon Games Pty Ltd
☆☆☆☆☆246
★★★★★
Xbox One X Enhanced
Free Trial
This game is a work in progress. It may or may not change over time or release as a final product. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game. –
You’ve never experienced a dinosaur adventure like this before! Path of Titans is an open-world dinosaur sandbox MMO adventure with 25+ dinosaur species inhabiting the realms of the Titans. With amazing graphics including over 100,000 variations of cosmetic skins, unique traits and skills for each dinosaur subspecies, the newly revealed islands of Gondwa map and available to play today, get ready to be transported to endless adventures wherever your dinosaur imagination takes you. Explore your Jurassic Era dinosaurs as you level up species with your friends, and discover even more Community Mods‘ creatures and maps available today. Survive, explore, fight and thrive PvP and PvE while ranking up your skill slots, side questing, and customizing glorious cosmetic skins through the islands of Gondwa and highlands of Panjura! Baby dinosaurs start off your adventure, learn to explore, master combat, make friends, join a herd or survive solo, hunt, fish, graze, defend resources, say just one more side quest tonight, build a home cave, start your own dinosaur family with your new baby characters or your friends’ babies, and expand your skills, traits, ingame cosmetic skins while roaming the Earth of millions of years ago! Dinosaurs rule these lands, and now you can enter their world! With more Official dinosaurs and Community Mods on the way, the question today… which dinosaur will you take your first steps with on the Path of Titans? –
Full details on the latest status of the game, how you can give feedback and report issues can be found at https://pathoftitans.com
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