Schlagwort: Sea of Thieves

  • Bald im Game Pass: South of Midnight, Blue Prince, Borderlands 3 und mehr

    Bald im Game Pass: South of Midnight, Blue Prince, Borderlands 3 und mehr

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    Es ist höchste Zeit, sich mit magischen Kreaturen auseinanderzusetzen (oder auch nur mit den Titeln auf Deiner Liste, die Du aufzuholen hast). Denn die folgenden Spiele werden schon bald im Game Pass erscheinen! Freue Dich auf neue Spiele direkt zum Release, außergewöhnliche Soundtracks und viele weitere Highlights!

    Bald verfügbar

    Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (Cloud, Konsole und PC) – 3. April
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    Die Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition liefert ein chaotisches Abenteuer und enthält neben dem Basisspiel alle viel Kampagnen-Add-ons, den Director’s Cut und alle verfügbaren kosmetischen Pakete! Kämpfe Dich als einer von vier Vault Hunters durch die Welten und bezwinge Deine Feinde, indem Du die Vorteile der Skill-Trees und individuelle Anpassungsmöglichkeiten für Dich nutzt. Spiele allein oder schließe Dich mit Freund*innen zusammen, um es mit schier übermächtigen Feinden aufzunehmen, fette Beute zu machen und Deine Heimat vor den skrupellosesten Sektenführer*innen der Galaxie zu retten.

    All You Need is Help (Konsole) – 3. April
    Jetzt enthalten im Game Pass Standard

    Tauche ein in ein lustiges Koop-Puzzlespiel, in dem liebenswert-flauschige und würfelförmige Kreaturen zusammenarbeiten, um ihre Ziele zu erreichen. Dieses kooperative Spiel richtet sich an alle Generationen – von Kindern bis hin zu Großeltern – und ist somit perfekt geeignet für unterhaltsame Abende mit der gesamten Familie.

    Still Wakes the Deep (Xbox Series X|S) – 3. April
    Jetzt enthalten im Game Pass Standard

    Die mehrfach prämierten Entwickler*innen von The Chinese Room liefern eine erschreckende Geschichte der Isolation. Du bist auf einer Ölplattform in der Nordsee gefangen und fliehst vor einem unerklärlichen Schrecken, der es an Bord geschafft hat. Es gibt kein Entkommen und keine Möglichkeit, sich zu wehren – alles, was Du tun kannst, ist zu überleben. 

    Wargroove 2 (Konsole) – 3. April
    Jetzt enthalten im Game Pass Standard

    Begib Dich auf ein neuartiges Abenteuer voller ungewöhnlicher Freundschaften, unbekannter Feinde und hässlicher Rachepläne. Führe Krieg gegen Deine Rival*innen mit einer Reihe neuer Kommandant*innen. Entwirf und teile Karten, Zwischensequenzen und Kampagnen mit einfach zu bedienenden Editoren und umfassenden Werkzeugen zur individuellen Optimierung.

    Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition (Konsole und PC) – 8. April
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    Die Ultimate Evil Edition enthält neben Diablo III auch die Reaper of Souls-Erweiterung in einem einzigen Band. Wähle aus den Rollen des Kreuzritters, des Barbars, des Hexendoktors, des Dämonenjägers, des Mönchs und des Zauberers und verteidige die Existenz der Menschheit. Gelingt es Dir, fette Beute zu machen, während Du verheerende Kräfte freisetzt und neue Fähigkeiten erlernst?

    South of Midnight (Cloud, PC und Xbox Series X|S) – 8. April
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Direkt zum Release verfügbar! South of Midnight ist ein neues Action-Adventure von Compulsion Games. Erforsche den Mythos und trete geheimnisvollen Kreaturen aus den Tiefen des Deep South der USA gegenüber. Erlerne eine uralte Macht, um Hindernisse zu überwinden und Dich dem Schmerz zu stellen, der Deine Heimatstadt heimsucht. Als Game Pass-Mitglied sparst Du zehn Prozent beim Upgrade auf die Premium Edition. Außerdem kannst Du bis zu fünf Tage vor dem offiziellen Release mit dem Spielen beginnen, digital auf das Midnight Artbook zugreifen und in den Original-Soundtrack reinhören.

    Commandos: Origins (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) – 9. April
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Direkt zum Release verfügbar! In Commandos: Origins kommt es zum Wiedersehen mit den sechs kultigen Kommandos der Originalserie. Lasse das Elite-Stealth-Taktik-Gameplay auf Dich wirken, nutze die einzigartigen Fähigkeiten Deines Teams, um komplexe Strategien auszuführen und bündele Deine Kräfte mit Freund*innen im Multiplayer-Modus. Das Schlachtfeld ruft. Hast Du das Zeug dazu?

    Blue Prince (Cloud, PC und Xbox Series X|S) – 10. April
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Direkt zum Release verfügbar! Willkommen in Mt. Holly, dem mysteriösen Herrenhaus, in dem sich die Räume bewegen. Blue Prince ist ein atmosphärisches und architektonisch hoch anspruchsvolles Abenteuer, in dem es darum geht, 45 Räume zu erkunden, die sich ständig verändern. Entdecke Geheimnisse und lüfte Mysterien in einem Haus, das Du Raum für Raum aufbaust. Gelingt es Dir, den berüchtigten Room 46 zu finden?

    Hunt Showdown 1896 (PC) – 15. April
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Jetzt für PC und bald auch für Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) und Xbox-Konsolen erhältlich! Hunt: Showdown 1896 läutet eine neue Ära des Extraktions-Shooters ein. In verdorbenen Gegenden, die als verloren gelten, kämpfst du allein – oder mit Freund*innen – gegen das zeitlose Böse. Finstere Monster und andere skrupellose Jäger*innen stehen zwischen Dir und Deinem Kopfgeld. Riskiere alles, während die Jagd Dich verschlingt.

    Falls Du es verpasst hast

    EA Sports College Football 25 (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) – ab sofort verfügbar
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Feiere Dein Debüt in ikonischen Stadien mit großer Tradition und erhalte unbegrenzten Zugang zu EA Sports College Football 25. Mitglieder können über EA Play mit Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), PC Game Pass oder Game Pass Ultimate die Höhepunkte des College-Footballs erleben. Außerdem kannst Du Dir bis 24. April ein Supercharge Pack sichern.

    Mehr In-Game-Vorteile für Free-to-Play-Titel

    Wir hatten schon angekündigt, dass wir für Mitglieder des Game Pass und des Game Pass Ultimate noch mehr Vorteile für ausgewählte Free-to-Play-Titel bieten. Nun ist es so weit und Du kannst Dich auf Ingame-Vorteile wie Cosmetics, neue Charaktere, Ingame-Währungen sowie saisonale Inhalte freuen. Als Mitglied erhältst Du ab sofort Zugang zu den folgenden In-Game-Vorteilen für Asphalt Legends Unite:

    Asphalt Legends Unite (Konsole und PC)verknüpfe Dein Gameloft Konto

    Stürze Dich in die Action mit der Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, 10 St. Patrick’s Card Packs und 500.000 Credits, um Deine Fahrzeuge aufzurüsten und den Asphalt zu dominieren.

    DLC / Game Updates

    Dead by Daylight: Tokyo Ghoul – ab sofort
    Ken Kaneki von Tokyo Ghoul ist in Dead by Daylight aus dem Anime in die grausame Welt des Videospiel-Horrors aufgestiegen. Spüre die Tränen, wenn die grausamen Kagunes aus Deinem Rückenfleisch hervorbrechen und Dich mit knirschenden Zähnen nach vorne treiben.

    Sea of Thieves: 2025 Edition Update – ab sofort

    Zur Feier des siebten Geburtstags von Sea of Thieves sind ab sofort neue 2025 Editionen erhältlich. Diese neuen Optionen enthalten die neueste Version des Spiels und bieten eine Reihe von Optionen zu unterschiedlichen Preisen, vollgepackt mit Boni, darunter einige der beliebtesten Gegenstände des Spiels!

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Season 03 – beginnt heute  
    Die Multiplayer- und Zombie-Inhalte von Season 03 sind ab heute verfügbar! Als Mitglied des Game Pass Ultimate kannst Du Dich schon vor dem offiziellen Start von Verdansk in Call of Duty: Warzone am morgigen 3. April in das Spiel stürzen und die Inhalte freischalten. Game Pass-Mitglieder können zehn Prozent sparen und ihr Gameplay mit Season 03 BlackCell optimieren. Dieses enthält den Standard-Battle-Pass mit einer zusätzlichen BlackCell-Seitenfreigabe, freischaltbaren Bonusinhalten, 20 Level-Sprüngen, 1.100 Call of Duty-Punkten und mehr. Game Pass Ultimate- und PC Game Pass-Mitglieder können sich schon bald über weitere In-Game-Vorteile freuen.

    Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose Erweiterung – 8. April
    Bestelle Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose noch heute vor und spare 15 Prozent. Bereite Dich darauf vor, die Geschichten und die strategische Kriegsführung der Tempelritter und des Hauses Lancaster zu erleben. Diese beiden Zivilisationsformen bringen den Engländer*innen und Franzos*innen neue Waffen, Einheiten, Gebäude und Technologien.

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

    Neue Vorteile sind da! Im Game Pass-Bereich auf Deiner Konsole, der Xbox Mobile App oder der Xbox App für Windows PC findest Du neue Ingame-Inhalte, Konsumgüter und Angebote, die in Deiner Game Pass Ultimate-Mitgliedschaft enthalten sind. Die Vorteile variieren je nach Region, Plattform und Zeitraum.

    The First Descendant: Beyond the Void Bundle – ab sofort
    Betritt Beyond the Void, das nächste Kapitel der 2. Staffel von The First Descendant! Sichere Dir das Episode 2-Paket, um Dich stilvoll auszurüsten, Deine Ausrüstung anzupassen und Dich Deinen Mitstreiter*innen auf neuen Missionen im unerforschten Sigma-Sektor anzuschließen!

    Candy Crush Solitaire (Mobile): Sweet Starter Pack – ab sofort

    Das Sweet Starter Pack bietet Dir den perfekten Vorteil, um Deine Strategie zu schärfen und jeden Zug zu perfektionieren. Es enthält 5.000 Münzen, vier Rückblenden, um fehlerhafte Züge rückgängig zu machen, drei Farbbomben-Booster und eine Wild Card.

    Sea of Thieves: Seventh Serving Emote – ab sofort

    Für eine begrenzte Zeit kannst Du den siebten Geburtstag von Sea of Thieves mit diesem Emote feiern und dabei das köstliche Dessert anschneiden.

    Diese Spiele verlassen den Game Pass

    Die folgenden Spiele werden die Game Pass-Bibliothek am 15. April verlassen. Doch es gibt noch mehr als genug Zeit, sie zu spielen, bevor sie verschwinden. Nutze Deinen Mitgliedschaftsrabatt von bis zu 20 Prozent, um sie in Deiner Sammlung zu behalten.

    • Botany Manor
    • Coral Island
    • Harold Halibut
    • Homestead Arcana
    • Kona
    • Orcs Must Die! 3
    • Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition
    • Turbo Golf Racing

    Wir fügen der Sammlung „Stream your own game“ für Game Pass Ultimate-Mitglieder kontinuierlich neue Spiele hinzu. Hier findest Du die Liste an Spielen, die Du auf unterstützten Geräten über die Cloud spielen kannst, sofern Du sie besitzt.

    Wie immer kannst Du die sozialen Kanäle des Game Pass, des PC Game Pass und Xbox im Auge behalten, um zu erfahren, wann die nächsten Titel bereit sind, gespielt zu werden. Gelegentlich findest Du hier auch Shadow-Drop-Ankündigungen von uns. Wir melden uns schon bald mit weiteren Spielen!

    Website: LINK

  • Coming Soon to Game Pass: South of Midnight, Blue Prince, Borderlands 3, and More

    Coming Soon to Game Pass: South of Midnight, Blue Prince, Borderlands 3, and More

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    It’s time to confront some magical creatures (or maybe just your backlog) with these games coming soon! Some surprise benefits and announcements you might have missed, day one games (with some amazing music; looking at you South of Midnight), and more. Let’s get to it!

    Coming Soon

    Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 3
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition packs bazillions of guns and is a mayhem-fueled adventure, featuring the base game plus all four campaign add-ons, Director’s Cut content, and all cosmetic packs! Blast through worlds and enemies as one of four Vault Hunters, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot, and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.

    All You Need is Help (Console) – April 3
    Now with Game Pass Standard

    Dive into a quirky multiplayer co-op puzzle game where adorable, fluffy cube-shaped creatures collaborate to reach their goals. This cooperative-centric game is designed for enjoyment across generations – from children to grandparents – making it perfect for family and friends.

    Still Wakes the Deep (Xbox Series X|S) – April 3
    Now with Game Pass Standard

    From the award-winning developers at The Chinese Room comes a terrifying tale of isolation. You are trapped on an oil rig in the North Sea, running from an unknowable horror that has come aboard. With no escape and no way to fight back, all you can do is survive. 

    Wargroove 2 (Console) – April 3
    Now with Game Pass Standard

    Embark on an all-new adventure filled with unlikely friendships, unknown adversaries, and ugly revenge plots. Wage war against your foes with a cast of new Commanders. Design and share maps, cut-scenes, and campaigns with easy-to-use editors and in-depth customization tools.

    Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition (Console and PC) – April 8
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    This Ultimate Evil Edition contains both Diablo III and the Reaper of Souls expansion set, together in one definitive volume. Rise as one of humanity’s last defenders – crusader, barbarian, witch doctor, demon hunter, monk, or wizard – and collect legendary loot while mastering devastating new powers and abilities.

    South of Midnight (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 8
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Available on day one with Game Pass! South of Midnight is a new action-adventure from Compulsion Games. Explore the mythos and confront mysterious creatures of the Deep South in this modern folktale while learning to weave an ancient power to surmount obstacles and face the pain haunting your hometown. Game Pass members can save 10% on the Premium Edition Upgrade to unlock up to 5 days early access, plus digital access to the South of Midnight Artbook, the original soundtrack, and more.

    Commandos: Origins (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) – April 9
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Available on day one with Game Pass! Commandos: Origins revisits the six iconic commandos from the original series. Witness elite stealth-tactics gameplay, use your team’s unique abilities to execute complex strategies, and combine your forces in 2-player co-op multiplayer. The battlefield is calling. Do you have what it takes?

    Blue Prince (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) – April 10
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Available on day one with Game Pass! Welcome to Mt. Holly, the mysterious manor with shifting rooms. Blue Prince is a genre-bending, atmospheric, architectural adventure where you explore an ever-changing manor of 45 shifting rooms. Discover secrets and mysteries in a house you build one room at a time. As you discover more with each passing day, the question asked is – can you find the rumored Room 46?

    Hunt Showdown 1896 (PC) – April 15
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Available now on PC and coming soon to Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) and Xbox consoles! Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a new era of the addictively unforgiving extraction shooter. In corrupted backwaters lost to history, fight back alone – or with friends – against timeless evil. Twisted monsters and other ruthless Hunters stand between you and your Bounty. Risk everything as Hunt consumes you.

    In Case You Missed It

    EA Sports College Football 25 (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) – Available now
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Step into iconic stadiums with unforgettable traditions and get unlimited access to EA Sports College Football 25. Members can chase college greatness with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, score a Supercharge Pack by April 24.

    More In-Game Benefits for Free-to-Play Games

    For Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members, we announced we’re bringing even more benefits for select free-to-play games. You can expect in-game benefits like cosmetics, characters, in-game currency, and more with seasonal content drops. Starting today, members will get access to the following in-game benefits for Asphalt Legends Unite:

    Asphalt Legends Unite (Console and PC) link your Gameloft Club account
    Speed into action with the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, 10 St. Patrick’s Card Packs, and 500,000 credits to upgrade, enhance, and dominate the track.

    DLC / Game Updates

    Dead by Daylight: Tokyo Ghoul – Available now
    From anime to the horrific realm of video game horror, Tokyo Ghoul’s Ken Kaneki has come to Dead by Daylight. Feel the tear as your gruesome Kagunes spring from your back-flesh to propel you forward, teeth gnashing in anticipation.

    Sea of Thieves: 2025 Edition Update – Available now
    To celebrate Sea of Thieves‘ Seventh Anniversary, fresh 2025 Editions are now available. These new options contain the latest version of the full game and offer a range of choices at different price points, packed to bursting with bonuses including some of the game’s most popular items!

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Season 03 – Starting today
    Season 03 Multiplayer and Zombies content kicks off today! Players can jump in and get locked and loaded prior to Verdansk officially launching in Call of Duty: Warzone tomorrow April 3rd. Game Pass members can save 10% and maximize their gameplay with Season 03 BlackCell which includes the standard Battle Pass with an added BlackCell Page Unlock with bonus unlockable content, 20 tier skips, 1,100 Call of Duty Points, and more. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members, stay tuned for in-game benefits dropping soon.

    Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose Expansion – April 8
    Pre-order and save 15% on Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose today and prepare to experience the stories and strategic warfare of the Knights Templar and House of Lancaster. These variant civilizations innovate upon the French and English, bringing new weapons, units, buildings, and technologies to the battlefield.  

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

    New Perks are here! Check the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on Windows PC to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership. Perks vary by region, platform, and over time.

    The First Descendant: Beyond the Void Bundle – Available now
    Enter Beyond the Void, the next chapter of Season 2 in The First Descendant! Claim the Episode 2 Bundle to gear up in style, customize your loadout, and join your fellow Descendants on new missions in the uncharted Sigma Sector!

    Candy Crush Solitaire (Mobile): Sweet Starter Pack – Available now
    The Sweet Starter Pack gives you the perfect edge to sharpen your strategy and sweeten every move. It includes 5,000 coins, 4 undo moves, 3 Color Bomb boosters, and 1 Wild Card.

    Sea of Thieves: Seventh Serving Emote – Available now
    For a limited time, celebrate seven years on the Sea of Thieves with this Emote and carve a slice of delicious dessert!

    Leaving April 15

    The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, which means it is time to re-shuffle your play list and check these out before they go. Remember to use your 20% membership discount on your purchase if you would like to keep them in your library.

    • Botany Manor
    • Coral Island
    • Harold Halibut
    • Homestead Arcana
    • Kona
    • Orcs Must Die! 3
    • Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition
    • Turbo Golf Racing

    We’re adding more games over time to the ‘Stream your own game’ collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Go to Xbox.com/Play to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them. 

    As always, love to chat with you about what games you’re playing and what you’re downloading next! Catch us at Game Pass, PC Game Pass, or Xbox, and we’ll remind you when these “coming soon” games turn into “available today”. Cheers!

    Website: LINK

  • Drive Out the Darkness with Sea of Thieves’ Destiny-Inspired Lightbearer Cosmetics

    Drive Out the Darkness with Sea of Thieves’ Destiny-Inspired Lightbearer Cosmetics

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Calling all Guardians! Today brings the latest content update to Sea of Thieves, and with it, some radiant new additions to the Pirate Emporium – Lightbearer items, inspired by the world and characters of Destiny, have arrived! 

    Whether your pirate is as silent as a Hunter, mighty as a Titan or wise as a Warlock, they’ll find a ship set to suit their style, complete with Collector’s cosmetics and a Ship’s Crest. An array of matching weapons and a costume set to round out the range ensures you’ll be ready to take on whatever otherworldly foes may stand in your way. 

    At first glance, venturing across the solar system may seem like a far call from securing swag in a tropical pirate paradise — so how did this celestial collaboration come to be? Adam Park, Director of Brand & Licencing at Rare, sheds light on the partnership: 

    “As we’ve seen with our other cosmetic crossovers and our Tall Tales, our teams are always looking for opportunities to bring other worlds into Sea of Thieves and put a unique spin on them, no matter where the inspiration comes from. Even though it might not seem like an obvious choice, Destiny’s classes and co-operative play presented a ‘crew-like’ bond that we thought was a great fit, along with some striking iconography, vivid art style and a sense of being mythical in tone and scope.” 

    Sea of Thieves Destiny Image

    Handily, there were already plenty of accomplished Guardians at Rare with a deep understanding of the Destiny universe, though the team completed more than their fair share of Quests while gathering ideas. If you want a sense of how much the team at Rare wanted to make this happen, just know that they’ve been working with Bungie on this idea since 2023! 

    Once plans were agreed, the next step in making the Lightbearer collection a reality was to create concept pieces for ship sets, weapons and clothing. Andria Warren, Director of Creative Operations at Rare, oversaw their development. 

    “Working with Bungie to bring Destiny 2 into Sea of Thieves was a creatively rich and deeply collaborative process. From the earliest concept sketches to finalising designs that honoured both universes, every step challenged us to think differently. We explored how iconic Destiny elements could be reimagined through a Sea of Thieves lens, translating tone, visual language, and character into something that felt fresh but unmistakably faithful. It pushed our teams creatively in the best possible way, and the result is something we’re truly proud of!” 

    Sea of Thieves Destiny Image

    Working alongside the Destiny team to iterate and refine the various Lightbearer items culminated in one of Sea of Thieves’ most comprehensive collections. “Partnerships like this can take a lot longer than people realise to make happen,” Park muses, “But when you see the results it really does showcase the talent and hard work of everyone involved. We’re sure the Lightbearer items will be a big hit with Destiny fans old and new, and can’t wait to see people making creative use of them as they go about their adventures. Good luck, Guardians!” 

    You can check out the trailer below to see the full Lightbearer assortment, and then visit the Pirate Emporium to gear up and get ready for battle – the seas are counting on you! 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSG5UbZPxXw?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Website: LINK

  • Sea of Thieves Season 15: New Hunter’s Call Voyages, Tools and Creatures Await

    Sea of Thieves Season 15: New Hunter’s Call Voyages, Tools and Creatures Await

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    A major expansion to The Hunter’s Call sends pirates in pursuit of new victories!

    The Sea of Thieves has always been a wild, untamed sanctuary for pirates, but in Season 15 the stakes across these scattered islands and open waters are being raised once again! The latest free Seasonal update sees The Hunter’s Call Trading Company vastly expanding their offerings while two uniquely powerful Megalodons join the fray, with further hunt-related excitement set to follow in the months ahead. Here’s what you can expect from Season 15 of Sea of Thieves…

    The Hunter’s Call Grows

    Season 15 is all about exploring the wilder side of life on the Sea of Thieves, and who better to lead the charge than The Hunter’s Call? This Trading Company, first introduced with our original Anniversary Update in 2019, sets itself apart from the others with a focus on fishing and, as the name would imply, hunting. Until now, pirates have been able to climb to rank 50 by delivering fish and meat to The Hunter’s Call representatives at Seaposts or, more recently, to the Sovereigns on their behalf.

    From Season 15, however, The Hunter’s Call undergoes a major expansion. First and foremost, it’s being brought in line with other Trading Companies in terms of ranking prospects, with the reputation cap being raised to 100 and five levels of Distinction added. This means you can continue to progress with the Company well beyond what was previously possible, unlocking themed cosmetics as you go.

    You can also choose to raise a Hunter’s Call Emissary Flag for the first time, enabling increased rewards for treasure handed in – but at the cost of making yourself a target for any Reapers lying in wait nearby! At the same time, new Fishing and Raid Voyages provide opportunities to set out in search of Company-specific loot, including exotic Treasured Fish hauled up from the depths and ready to make you rich…

    Megalodon Mutations

    Growing alongside The Hunter’s Call are the new dangers introduced to the seas, most notably two terrifying Ancient Megalodons that have crossed over from the Sea of the Damned, ready to unleash carnage with abilities that make them substantially more dangerous than any everyday shark.

    The Feared Redmaw has risen from the boiling depths, wreathed in flame and wielding a devastating explosive attack to torch any ship that drifts a little too close. Keep your water barrel full to deal with fires breaking out or you’ll quickly find yourself in the hot seat! Meanwhile, the armour-plated Barnacled Dread torments sailors with Eel-ectric invasions, spawning these formidable Ocean Crawlers onto the decks of attacking ships. Repel boarders while using your cannons to chip away at the Megalodon’s coral armour until you can strike the beast directly!

    These fearsome monsters offer tantalising loot if you manage to best them, but finding them isn’t always easy. In this, Hunter’s Call Emissaries have the advantage: ships flying a Grade 5 Emissary Flag will be able to track Ancient Megalodon locations using their Map Table and sail headlong into battle…

    Hunter’s Gear

    With a new Season, as always, comes 100 new levels of Renown to be earned and all the associated rewards! You can work towards earning new themed cosmetics such as Hungering One Hunter’s clothing, as well as a hoard of gold, Doubloons and Ancient Coins – while purchasing a Plunder Pass also lets you unlock the enigmatic Dynasty of the Deep collection and an extra 750 Ancient Coins.

    The Pirate Emporium shopkeepers also debut the fabulous Rococo set this month, inviting you to indulge in the finest historical fashion. This collection includes a ship set with optional Collector’s items, weapons, costume and makeup to add some ostentatious flair to all aspects of the pirate life. Inclined towards the edible arts? You may also enjoy the Culinary Cadet Emote Bundle, with four cooking-themed emotes to get you in the gastronomic spirit!

    All This and More

    To keep the new content flowing steadily, not all of Season 15’s features will be landing at launch! The monthly updates in March and April will deliver further features on the hunting theme, as teased in our Season 15 launch trailer.

    Over the next few months, you can expect to take up a new throwable hunting spear that will prove highly effective at taking down wild beasts, and experience a sudden bloom in the range of ambient wildlife you’ll see on your travels. Following that, some decidedly less passive wild boars will be taking up residence across the islands with their own stashes of loot to protect…

    To help keep the feisty local fauna under control, The Hunter’s Call will offer pirates new Hunting Voyages, sending them off to seek a savage Grand Boar or trail in the wake of a rampaging Megalodon as it causes chaos across the waves. To get to grips with all the changes coming soon to the seas, be sure to dive into each month’s release notes when the accompanying updates go live!

    Website: LINK

  • Coming Soon to Game Pass: Watch Dogs: Legion, EA Sports F1 24, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

    Coming Soon to Game Pass: Watch Dogs: Legion, EA Sports F1 24, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    For those of you that have been exploring the Living Lands in Avowed, thank you for taking a break to check out the latest Game Pass news! We have some exciting new reveals and exclusive Perks to tease your install buttons. Also, mark your calendars and check out the ID@Xbox Showcase during IGN Fan Fest 2025 on Monday, February 24 at 10am PT for even more Game Pass announcements. Let’s get to the games!  

    Available Today

    Avowed (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 18
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    Available on day one! Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. Check out Xbox Wire for Starting Tips to Help You on Your Adventure in the Living Lands.

    Coming Soon

    EA Sports F1 24 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – February 20
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

    EA F1 24 Image

    Join the grid and chase podium glory with unlimited access to EA Sports F1 24, coming soon to The Play List. Members can master every turn and feel at one with the car with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), PC Game Pass, or Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, score in-game rewards including 5,000 XP monthly. 

    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 20
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    Warhammer 40000 Rogue Trader Image

    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an isometric RPG by Owlcat Games, set in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium. As a powerful Rogue Trader, you command a starship, assemble a crew, and explore the Imperium, making fateful decisions in tactical, turn-based combat.

    Watch Dogs: Legion (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 25
    Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

    Watch Dogs Legion Image

    Explore a massive urban open world featuring London’s many iconic landmarks and fun side activities where you can recruit (and play as) anyone. Everyone you see has a unique backstory, personality, and skill set for unique situations. Team up with your friends to complete new four-player co-op missions and PvP matches online.

    In Case You Missed It

    Ryse: Son of Rome Available with Cloud Gaming
    Game Pass Ultimate

    Jump back in this immersive action-adventure story of struggle, brutality, and heroism with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Amidst the chaos of the late Roman Empire, become soldier Marius Titus and embark on a perilous campaign to avenge the death of your family and defend the honor of Rome. In Gladiator Mode, step into the Colosseum and fight for the glory, spectacle, and entertainment of the crowds.

    DLC / Game Updates

    Sea of Thieves: Season 15 – Starting February 20

    Sea of Thieves Season 15 Image

    Sea of Thieves is more exciting than ever as new life abounds across the waves. Set forth on new Voyages for The Hunter’s Call, grapple with wild boars and deadly sea monsters, master using hunting spears and more, with new features to enjoy each month.

    Ark Survival Ascended: Astraeos DLC – Available Now
    Game Pass members save 10%! Embark on your next epic odyssey within the world of Ark with Astraeos!  Explore and immerse yourself in an elysian land of colossal proportions, steeped in Greek mythology. At over 260km², this massive new map is overflowing with stunning scenery, ancient ruins, and sacred temples. Face off against powerful new bosses, alpha dino variants with enhanced loot, and a fearsome miniboss lurking in mysterious caves.

    Forza Motorsport: Update 17 – Available Now
    Update 17 celebrates cars that are fun, compact, and performant. Race four new-to-Motorsport cars: 2023 Toyota Camry TRD, 2022 Hyundai i20N, 2022 Toyota GR86, and 2021 Hyundai #98 Elantra TCR. Get the 2021 Toyota Yaris GR and 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5N in the Challenge Hub.

    Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars Expansion – March 4
    Game Pass members can save 10% on their pre-order of Immortal Pillars, the highly anticipated first expansion for Age of Mythology: Retold. Harness the power of ancient Chinese mythology and discover a world where gods, monsters, and legends collide in an epic new chapter of mythical strategy.

    Game Pass Ultimate Perks

    Find all these Perks and more in the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on Windows PC to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership.

    Madden NFL 25: EA Play Supercharge Pack – Available Now
    Madden NFL 25 is now on The Play List. Get your Ultimate Team ready for the gridiron with the Supercharge Pack.

    Minecraft: 1 Month Marketplace Pass – Available Now
    Get access to the Marketplace Pass for 1 month! Discover 150+ pieces of content including worlds, skin packs, add-ons and more refreshed monthly. This Perk requires a payment instrument to redeem. Terms apply.

    Monster Hunter Now: MH Now Bundle – Available Now
    Claim 2 Ultra Hunting Tickets, 2 Paintballs, 2 Potions, a Wander Orb, and a Tigrex crafting material for weapons and armor. This Perk content requires Monster Hunter Now (mobile) to use. Valid only for iOS and Android versions of the game.

    MultiVersus: MVP Pack 5 – Available Now
    The MultiVersus MVP Pack offers in-game content to further customize and boost your play for Game Pass Ultimate members.  MVP Pack 5 includes a Rare Banner – Bun Power and a Legendary Taunt – Treat Break.

    Naruto 4-Movie Collection: Free movies – Available Now (US Only)
    Claim four Anime classic movies including Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Blood Prison, Naruto Road to Ninja, Naruto The Last, and Boruto: The Naruto Movie. More Naruto titles are on sale during Anime month. Available in the US only.

    Leaving February 28

    The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Whether there are loose ends to tie up or you still want to try these out, this is your call to jump back in. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% on your purchase to keep it in your library.

    • F1 22 (Console and PC) EA Play
    • Gris (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Maneater (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • PAW Patrol World (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Space Engineers (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Wo Long Fallen Dynasty (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Yakuza 3 Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Yakuza 4 Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)

    We’re adding more games over time to the ‘Stream your own game’ collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Go to Xbox.com/Play to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them. 

    As always you can tune into Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox on social for a reminder when these “coming soon” announcements turn into “play today.” Otherwise we’ll be back here to talk more games soon. Cheers!

    Website: LINK

  • Bald im Xbox Game Pass: Octopath Traveler II, The Callisto Protocol, Still Wakes the Deep und mehr

    Bald im Xbox Game Pass: Octopath Traveler II, The Callisto Protocol, Still Wakes the Deep und mehr

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Wir freuen uns schon sehr auf den Xbox Games Showcase am 9. Juni und die darauffolgende Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct! Um die Zeit bis dahin zu überbrücken, haben wir eine Sammlung an Spielen dabei, von denen manche direkt zum Release im Game Pass erhältlich sind. Ein paar beliebte Klassiker kehren in den Game Pass zurück und wir haben einige handfeste Überraschungen für Dich!

    Jetzt verfügbar

    Octopath Traveler (Cloud, Konsole und PC)

    Der Spiele-Klassiker kehrt zurück in den Game Pass! Begib Dich auf eine epische Reise durch die wundersame Welt von Orsterra und erfahre mehr über die Geschichten der acht Reisenden. Mache Dir die besonderen Fähigkeiten jedes Charakters in Kampfhandlungen und darüber hinaus zunutze und triff Entscheidungen, die über Dein Schicksal entscheiden.

    Octopath Traveler II (Cloud, PC und Xbox Series X|S)
    In diesem von der Kritik gefeierten zweiten Titel der Octopath Traveler-Serie wagen sich acht weitere Reisende in eine neue Epoche des Lands Solistia. Begleite Sie auf ihrem Abenteuer und setze ihre Fähigkeiten ein, um in den entscheidenden Momenten die richtigen Entscheidungen zu treffen.

    Bald verfügbar

    12. Juni – Depersonalization (PC)
    Ein von Call of Cthulhu inspiriertes Tabletop-Rollenspiel mit verzweigten Handlungssträngen. Depersonalization besteht aus mehreren Story-Modi, die über verschiedene Enden verfügen und so zahlreiche Möglichkeiten zum Aufbau einer eigenen Welt bieten.

    13. Juni – Isonzo (Cloud, Konsole und PC)
    In diesem authentischen Ego-Shooter, der im ersten Weltkrieg spielt, wird Dein taktisches Geschick auf eine harte Probe gestellt. Du kämpfst intensive Schlachten vor malerischen Kulissen, zerklüfteten Tälern und den idyllischen Städten Norditaliens. Der Krieg an der italienischen Front wird zum Leben erweckt und in ungeahnte Höhen getrieben!

    13. Juni – The Callisto Protocol (Cloud, Konsole und PC)
    Überlebe, um den Schrecken von Callisto zu entkommen. Im Hochsicherheitsgefängnis Black Iron Prison warten Schießereien und brutale Nahkampfhandlungen auf Dich. Behaupte Dich gegen unmenschliche Kreaturen, sammle neue Waffen und decke die Verschwörung auf, die auf Jupiters Totenmond lauert.

    18. Juni – Still Wakes the Deep (Cloud, PC und Xbox Series X|S)
    Direkt zum Release im Game Pass! Die preisgekrönten Entwickler*innen von The Chinese Room liefern nun eine schaurige Geschichte aus der Isolation. Du bist auf einer Ölplattform in der Nordsee gefangen und fliehst vor einem unerklärlichen Grauen, das an Bord gekommen ist. Es gibt kein Entkommen und keine Möglichkeit, sich zu wehren – alles, was Du tun kannst, ist zu überleben.

    DLC / Game Updates

    Minecraft 15 Year Anniversary – Verfügbar bis 22. Juni

    Die Party zum 15-jährigen Bestehen von Minecraft ist noch nicht vorbei! Bis zum 22. Juni erhältst Du Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons, Minecraft Legends und weitere Titel bis zu 50 Prozent günstiger. Und vergiss nicht, den Minecraft-Marktplatz zu besuchen, um Dir die kostenlose Jubiläumswelt, Deinen Umhang und Dein Add-on zu sichern! Mehr Infos unter Minecraft.net.

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate-Vorteile

    Sea of Thieves: Ebon Flintlock Pack – Jetzt erhältlich
    Beginne Deine Kämpfe mit Stil oder genieße einen Drink mit Deiner Crew! Mit der Ebon-Flintlock-Pistole, der Obsidian-Flagge und dem Onyx-Krug siehst du immer perfekt aus, wenn Du als Pirat in See stichst.

    Vigor: Heatwave Havoc Pack – Jetzt erhältlich
    Lass die Kälte des Winters hinter Dir und genieße mit unserem Heatwave Havoc Pack die Sonne Norwegens! Teste stylische Accessoires und durchforste Kisten voller Beute und jede Menge Waffen, um die Party am Laufen zu halten. Aber vergiss die Sonnencreme nicht!

    MultiVersus: MVP Pack 1 – Jetzt erhältlich
    MultiVersus ist ein kostenloser Plattform-Brawler, der die Fähigkeiten der ikonischen WB-Stars durch die nahezu endlosen Möglichkeiten des Spiels zum Leben erweckt. Das MultiVersus MVP Pack bietet Abonnent*innen In-Game-Inhalte, mit denen sich das Spiel weiter anpassen und optimieren lässt.

    Diese Spiele verlassen den Game Pass am 15. Juni

    Die folgenden Spiele verlassen bald die Game Pass Bibliothek. Es gibt also keinen besseren Zeitpunkt, um sie an die Spitze Deiner Spielliste zu setzen. Vergiss nicht, dass Du 20 % auf Deinen Kauf sparen kannst, wenn Du sie in Deiner Bibliothek behalten möchtest.

    • Bramble: The Mountain King (Cloud, Konsole und PC)
    • High on Life (Cloud, Konsole und PC)
    • Rune Factory 4 Special (Cloud, Konsole und PC)
    • Spacelines from the Far Out (Cloud, Konsole und PC)
    • The Bookwalker (Cloud, Konsole und PC)

    Hier ist die obligatorische Erinnerung daran, dass Du alle Neuigkeiten zu Game Pass, PC Game Pass und Xbox auch auf den sozialen Medien verfolgen kannst. Wir sehen uns am 9. Juni!

    Website: LINK

  • New Platforms, New Players: Four Fan-Favorite Xbox Games Coming to Nintendo Switch and Sony Platforms

    New Platforms, New Players: Four Fan-Favorite Xbox Games Coming to Nintendo Switch and Sony Platforms

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    At Xbox, we strive to create games that inspire, entertain, and connect players from around the world. As a publisher and platform we are committed to meeting players where they are, by bringing more games, to more people, and on more devices. And at the heart of all we do are our players, and the vibrant communities that they build around the games they love. 

    Today we are announcing that four fan-favorite Xbox games will be coming to Nintendo Switch and Sony platforms this spring. The studios that built these celebrated games have drawn on their multi-platform experience to open the worlds they created to even more players and communities.  

    • Pentiment from Obsidian Entertainment, a truly unique, critically acclaimed, and award-winning narrative adventure game with a striking visual style inspired by history itself will be coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on February 22.   
    • Hi-Fi RUSH, the award-winning and beloved rhythm-based action game where the world syncs to the music from Tango Gameworks/Bethesda Softworks will be coming to PlayStation 5 on March 19 at midnight UTC, with pre-purchase available on PlayStation 5 digital storefronts on February 21.  
    • Grounded – also from Obsidian Entertainment – a co-op survival adventure phenomenon that has welcomed 20 million players into the backyard, will be coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on April 16. Cross play will be supported across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC.   
    • Sea of Thieves, the shared world adventure game from Rare, will be coming to PlayStation 5 on April 30 – and will be available to wishlist by PlayStation 5 players starting tomorrow, February 22. Having built a passionate community of more than 35 million players from around the world, the support of cross play for Xbox, PlayStation and PC will allow players to experience epic pirate adventures with friends on more platforms. 

    These titles join franchises like Minecraft, Call of Duty, Overwatch and Diablo – which already reach players and fans on multiple platforms – and we’re excited for more players to experience these worlds and stories on more platforms.   

    Whether it’s Nintendo Switch and PlayStation players surviving in the backyard together in Grounded, or PlayStation players getting to live a pirate’s life in Sea of Thieves, with cross-play, these multiplayer titles available will bring more people together and continue to grow their communities of players.  

    Last week on The Official Xbox Podcast, we also discussed how our Xbox consoles will continue to provide a flagship experience for players. This is what it means to be a part of Xbox: 

    • The biggest games in the world will be on Xbox.    
    • Our first party games will come to Game Pass day one.  
    • A robust and innovative multi-year hardware roadmap. 
    • Compatibility with your library is a priority, inclusive of cross-play, cross-save, and robust cloud features.   
    • Xbox will continue to help game creators find the biggest audience possible. 

    And as we shared at Developer_Direct, earlier this year, players can look forward to Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and more on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass this year.  

    There’s never been a better time to play, and we can’t wait for more players to experience these great games.  

    Website: LINK

  • Sea of Thieves Dives Into Season 11

    Sea of Thieves Dives Into Season 11

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Plunge beneath the waves and get straight to the action with our latest free update!

    A new Season has begun! Introducing a complete overhaul of the Voyage system, this latest Sea of Thieves update enables you to dive to your destination of choice directly from your Quest Table, while vastly expanding the rewards and progression pathways on offer.

    Arriving on January 23rd, Season 11 brings with it a fresh 100 levels of Renown and rewards to be earned alongside all the other improvements bundled in. Like previous Seasons, the update is free for all players across all the usual platforms – just install the most recent version of the game and you’re ready to go. While it’s downloading, check out our Season 11 Launch Trailer for a quick overview of everything you’ll be able to explore!

    At its heart, Season 11 is focused on getting you to the content you want to play faster than ever before. To do that, this update introduces a Quest Table to your ship to help revamp your Voyage experience. Now, rather than having to stop at an Outpost to buy new Voyages, you’ll be able to access them directly from your ship wherever you happen to be.

    Once you and your crew have decided on what type of outing you’d like to go on – whether that’s undertaking a traditional Voyage for a Trading Company, digging into the lore of a Tall Tale or battling your way through a themed World Event like a Skeleton Fort or Ashen Lord – you’ll have two transportation options: sail to your destination in the traditional way, or, if you want to jump right into the fray, dive beneath the waves to head straight there.

    The option of diving not only makes Voyages more viable for shorter game sessions, it opens up access to World Events not currently active on your server. Even better, these on-demand Events, known as Raid Voyages, are undertaken on behalf of a specific Trading Company and offer the corresponding loot, so you’ll always know what kind of reward you’re working towards. If you’re striving to progress with a specific Company, taking on a Raid Voyage and emerging victorious will net you a nice reputation boost.

    Be warned, however! You won’t be able to take any loot with you if you decide to dive right to your next destination. To get the full payout from your hard work, you’ll need to stop by an Outpost (or The Reaper’s Hideout) and cash in first. But all is not lost if you can’t make it all the way there – rather than all rewards being tied to loot delivery, you’ll now receive some Company reputation immediately on completion of a Voyage, so you’ll never walk away with nothing to show for your efforts.

    To keep up with all these new ways of earning reputation, the Trading Companies are expanding. With the exception of The Hunter’s Call, all Companies will now enable pirates to raise their reputation all the way up to level 100. Once players hit that momentous mark, they’ll be able to unlock their first Distinction and earn some sparkling hand jewellery to show off their accomplishment. With five levels of Distinction waiting to be earned and new rewards and Quest Table options to unlock along the way, this gives even long-time players plenty of new ground to cover!

    With so many changes coming to fundamental systems across Sea of Thieves, there are bound to be a lot of questions floating around about Season 11. To answer some of the most pressing ones, and to ensure that players have all the information they need to get right to the good stuff, members of the development team took the time to sit down in front of the camera and share their secrets in our most recent Deep Dive!

    In addition to the On Demand overhaul arriving with this Season, a lot of work has gone into fine-tuning and rebalancing existing Voyages and events to give you a smoother experience and ensure the rewards (including some new rewards!) feel satisfying. Find a shipwreck or a Message in a Bottle while out exploring and you can be sure the effort you invest in it will be worthwhile. With Chests of Fortune also out there among the Fleets of Fortune marked by a distinctive red ship cloud, the emergent world is very much alive…

    And as always, a new Season includes a range of new rewards to enjoy. 100 new levels of Renown come with unique cosmetics and currency to claim, while the optional Plunder Pass purchase offers players the chance to unlock a whole host of Well-Travelled Trader ship and clothing items. Meanwhile, the intimidating Boarhunter ship, clothing and weapon bundles make their debut in the Pirate Emporium for anyone with Ancient Coins to spend!

    Everything on offer in Sea of Thieves Season 11 is out now, ready for you to explore at your leisure. If you’re not sure how the new Voyage system works, or if you’re new to the game and just finding your feet, take a moment to check out the brand new Trading Company tutorials via your Quest Table. The Pirate Lord will walk you through everything you need to know! Or if you’re an old hand looking for a bullet-pointed breakdown, make the latest release notes your next destination.

    After that, it’s time to weigh anchor and get sailing! All the excitement of the seas is closer at hand than ever before…

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Wire’s Holiday Guide to the Perfect Co-op and Party Games

    Xbox Wire’s Holiday Guide to the Perfect Co-op and Party Games

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    If you’re heading home for the holidays, hosting a party, or just looking for a way to get the kids to stop trying to steal presents under the tree, let Xbox Wire (and an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S) help you this holiday season.

    We know that gaming brings people of all backgrounds and generations together – and our recent survey among Xbox Ambassadors who are parents demonstrated this in action. As part of the study, 59% of respondents shared that they game more with friends and family over the holidays. A Power of Play survey from the ESA had similar findings, with and 46% of respondents adding that video games help them stay connected to loved ones.

    With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of situations in which a local multiplayer game might help solve a common holiday problem  – finding the right game to play with loved ones.  Our solutions range from quiet co-op adventures to rowdy party games, so you’ll be sure to find something for everyone.

    Best of all, many of the games on the list are available as part of Xbox Game Pass,  meaning a single membership gives you unlimited access to every one of our solutions for entertaining over the holidays. Not to mention, the Xbox Family Settings app provides peace of mind and an easy way to manage your  family’s play. Parents can easily create child accounts, customize screen time limits, respond to notifications, manage who their children can play and communicate with, manage spending and much more – all for free.

    Best Game to Help The Kids (and Yourself) Unwind

    A mixture of sugar, no school, and impending presents would put any cooped-up family on edge around the holidays – so allow us to recommend Minecraft as a salve. Starting a new seed and hopping into a split-screen co-op is incredibly simple – and once you’re in, the options are limitless.

    You could allow the family a single run in Survival mode before heading to bed, or offer them a chance to create a holiday wonderland in Creative mode. And you never know, that incredibly relaxing music might just help them drift off to sleep in the end, too.

    Best Game For When The Kids Have Gone To Bed

    There’s a chance that the kids and your old aunt don’t want to see monsters being mowed down in great numbers, but when night falls, Sanctuary will welcome you. Diablo IV is the perfect place to game to let off some steam after long days, offering copious amounts of bombastic combat, an immersive story campaign, and some Midwinter terrors as part of the ongoing seasons. With couch co-op, a friend can also get in on the action too, making Diablo IV the perfect game to curl up on the sofa with.

    Best Game For An Outdoor Adventure While You’re Stuck Indoors

    It can be difficult to get out for fresh air when you’re at home during the holiday season, but Grounded can offer a grassy escape for us all. The backyard provides the perfect opportunity to get back to nature in all its forms, building a base to survive, and fighting off marauding insects as you go. Grounded also just released the Make It and Break It update, which lets you build your very own version of the backyard with a suite of intuitive tools and gadgets. The expansive feature will keep everyone  occupied for hours, but be warned, you might become the test subjects of some extremely chaotic creations.

    Plus, if you’ve got a console and a PC at home, and a Game Pass Ultimate Subscription, you and a chosen family member can team up and navigate a treacherous backyard together. And if a couple of visiting cousins happen to have consoles at home, they can join in using Xbox Cloud Gaming, too, letting all four of you play.

    Best Game For When You Can’t Get A Moment’s Peace

    There are some holidays where sitting down for a cup of tea is nigh on impossible, never mind gathering around the telly to play a video game. Fortunately, Vampire Survivors’ high-octane fun is easy to pick up and put down during those restless days, and its digestible rounds of 30 minutes or (usually) less means that everybody can have a go, whether it’s on their own or in couch co-op mode with a buddy.

    While Vampire Survivors has its own subtle narrative and fun progression system, in which you can unlock new levels, characters and powerups, it’s a great game to dip in and out of at your leisure, and it’s also available on Game Pass. Plus, if someone can’t wait their turn, they can always jump into a solo run with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on mobile.

    Best Game to Play for the Entirety of the Holiday Break

    If you’re back at home with the family for two weeks, you’ll definitely need something to do while you’re there. So why not set yourself and a family member a challenge? Can you make it through every single campaign in Halo: The Master Chief Collection?

    Comprising 67 missions spread over Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4, it’s a huge, nostalgic chunk of classic sci-fi shooting to sink your teeth into – and it’s all available in split-screen, and via Game Pass. And that’s even before you start messing about in multiplayer…

    Best Game  for Recreating the Unique Stress of Making a Holiday Dinner

    Look, we don’t know exactly why you’d want to simulate making dinner for dozens of people when you might be doing it already – but we do know exactly how to do it. Step up, Overcooked 2, the game that laughs in the face of the ‘too many cooks’ cliché, and is also conveniently available via Game Pass.

    Between you and your family and friends, you’ll be able to test your resolve in a busy kitchen, prepping ingredients and plating up as fast as possible — perhaps even learning how to turn real-life cooking into a high-speed party game in the process (but probably without the comedy set pieces in the game itself). Of course, once all that’s done, there’s another key stress caused by holiday cooking. We cover that in the next category…

    Best Game  for Working out Who Needs to Wash the Dishes

    The holidays are a time of peace, love, and being on your best behavior in front of people you might dislike. However, that doesn’t have to apply to entertainment. Party Animals is a competitive brawler that allows you to channel that chaos through fluffy, flailing critters, bashing each other around for a moment of glory, and the chance to evade the cleaning up.

    Party Animals benefits from split screen co-op, so up to four players in the same room can join the same game and battle it out, either against each other or in teams. Just connect up a new controller, join as a guest player, and you’re good to go. Party Animals is also available on Game Pass, allowing everyone to hop into the action on just one subscription!

    Best Game To Explore a Galaxy Far, Far Away

    It’s only a matter of time before classic movies are shared by family and friends during the festive period, and Star Wars, with its installments spanning generations, is up there among them. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, lets you and another player experience classic storylines and explore all of the iconic areas of the Galaxy.

    Brick by brick, you can make your way through all nine Skywalker Saga films, with hundreds of iconic characters to unlock from the likes of Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Princess Leia, to more recent additions such as Rey, Finn and Kylo Ren. Available on Xbox via Game Pass, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the perfect game for your loved ones to enjoy while you take care of those endless holiday tasks. You can also pick up the Galactic Edition, which features over 400 characters from the expanded Star Wars universe.

    Best Game to Play When an Ocean Divides You

    Sometimes circumstances are such that not all of us can be in the same room together for some family gaming fun this holiday season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t set out on a gaming jaunt together! Sea of Thieves provides that perfect blend of adventure, good times, and downtime on the waves to catch up over the holidays.

    Travel to distant islands seeking fortune while sharing your riches with family and friends. Take down a ship full of skeletons while sipping on eggnog (just don’t get any on your headset microphone) or share pumpkin pie recipes as you’re heading to port to cash in your hard-earned plunder. Maybe even sing a holiday shanty! There’s plenty of new content in Season 10, including the introduction of Guilds. You can also set sail in Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island, a charming crossover that allows you to explore the classic point-and-click series in a set of Tall Tales. All three of the Tall Tales are available now, should you be craving nostalgia during the holiday season.

    However you choose to play it, Sea of Thieves offers plenty for you to enjoy together when distant shores are keeping you apart.

    Website: LINK

  • Safer Seas Mode Brings Single-Crew Servers to Sea of Thieves

    Safer Seas Mode Brings Single-Crew Servers to Sea of Thieves

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Summary

    • Safer Seas will open up in the latest Sea of Thieves content update, available December 7 and free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, and Steam.
    • For the first time, players can choose to sail the Sea of Thieves alone or in a crew of chosen friends, without the possibility of PvP encounters.
    • This update arrives as the third of three major content updates that make up the ongoing Sea of Thieves Season Ten.

    After two months of back-to-back content updates, Sea of Thieves completes the trio promised back at the start of Season Ten by introducing a brand new game mode for players to explore: Safer Seas! Allowing exploration and adventure on a single-crew server, either alone or with a crew of chosen friends, this update opens the door to an entirely new way of playing the game.

    A Peaceful Voyage

    Sea of Thieves Safer Seas Screenshot

    In Safer Seas, players can elect to sail solo or with a crew of up to three friends, with no other player-controlled crews present in the world. For fresh-faced pirates just starting their journey, this means a chance to learn the ropes without having to keep an eye out for hostile rivals, and an opportunity to understand the world and its key mechanics before diving into the traditional mayhem of the main Sea of Thieves game mode, now known as High Seas.

    There’s no shortage of content in Safer Seas for players old or new to tackle. As in High Seas, a wide range of Voyages can be undertaken for the various Trading Companies, while World Events are frequently encountered, from fending off a Megalodon attack to striking down fearsome Ashen Lords. The ability to unlock the corresponding Commendations for these activities will also be present in Safer Seas.

    For story-hungry pirates, Safer Seas still gives access to all the game’s narrative-driven Tall Tales, including the crossover experiences that make up 2023’s Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island and 2021’s Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life. In the absence of enemy crews, you’ll now be able to immerse yourself in all this lore at your leisure, without the risk of being interrupted by anyone who thinks you might have valuable loot tucked away.

    Reduced Risk, Reduced Reward

    Sea of Thieves Safer Seas Screenshot

    While Safer Seas presents players with a wealth of content to explore at their own pace, there are of course some aspects of the game incompatible with a strictly single-crew experience. As a result, Safer Seas has a slightly reduced range of activities in comparison to High Seas.

    For instance, content built around player vs. player interactions has no place in Safer Seas by design, such as Faction battles using the Hourglass of Fate or the competitive Skull of Siren Song Voyage. Similarly, The Reaper’s Bones Trading Company will not be accessible there due to its focus on player combat.

    There are also some limits placed on progression within Safer Seas to account for the reduced risk in the absence of other players. Gold and reputation rewards will be accrued at 30% of that awarded in High Seas, and Trading Company reputation levels are capped at 40. This means that players will not be able to obtain the coveted title of Pirate Legend without venturing onto High Seas and, correspondingly, Safer Seas isn’t the place to engage with the Pirate Legend-focused Trading Company, Athena’s Fortune.

    These limitations have been put in place to maintain a balance between Safer and High Seas, and to encourage players to try out both modes to see which suits their play style and needs. Even with these in place, however, Safer Seas presents a world alive with opportunities, whether it’s diving into Sea of Thieves lore through the Tall Tales, spending an undisturbed evening working on your fishing skills, or getting to grips with the game’s combat mechanics by taking on veritable hordes of skeletons. After all, Safer Seas isn’t entirely without risk – with or without roving pirate crews, the Sea of Thieves is a perilous place!

    Fashion for All

    Sea of Thieves Safer Seas Screenshot

    One thing remaining consistent across Safer and High Seas is pirate style. The Outpost shops and Pirate Emporium are accessible in either mode, and Ancient Coin earnings won’t be subject to the 30% cap on gold and reputation. Seasonal Renown can also be earned at the same rate across both High Seas and Safer Seas, so your progress towards the active Season’s cosmetic and currency rewards (and the rewards themselves) will be consistent no matter how you choose to play.

    If you’ve picked up the Season Ten Plunder Pass, you’ll still be able to work towards unlocking the Stormfish Chaser ship set and clothing alongside all the usual gold, Doubloons and Ancient Coins available through the 100 levels of Renown on offer during this Season.

    Over in the Pirate Emporium, a range of time-limited seasonal goodies make a comeback this month, including the Festival of Giving weapons and pet outfits. The Bonechiller Costume is also back for the holidays, and this time it’s bringing with it an entire ship collection and bundle of weapons to fill out that frightfully festive look. Combined with the Ransacking Emote, you shouldn’t have any problem getting into the holiday spirit…

    A Jam-Packed Season

    Sea of Thieves Safer Seas Screenshot

    Of course, Safer Seas is far from the only content to explore in Season Ten. December’s monthly update is the third to arrive this Season, following the introduction of Guilds in October and the Skull of Siren Song Voyage in November.

    With Guilds, players can team up with fellow sailors beyond the usual limit of a four-person crew. By forming or joining a Guild, pirates can contribute to its shared Guild Reputation and unlock exclusive rewards for all Guild Members as they progress. And, for those of a less collaborative persuasion, the Skull of Siren Song Voyage sees the notorious Captain Briggsy summon pirates from across the waves into a competitive race to claim an ancient and powerful artefact.

    All these new updates have been accompanied by a host of improvements and fixes to various areas of Sea of Thieves, to ensure that you’re able to have the experience you want out on the waves. With Safer Seas, that personalized experience is more accessible than ever, and we can’t wait to see you out there!

    Find Out More

    For more information on this Sea of Thieves update, including full release notes, visit the Sea of Thieves website. The update is currently 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 Thieves here, 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!

    Website: LINK

  • Compete for the Skull of Siren Song as Sea of Thieves Season Ten Continues

    Compete for the Skull of Siren Song as Sea of Thieves Season Ten Continues

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    Summary

    • The Skull of Siren Song Voyage sails in with the latest Sea of Thieves content update, available November 16 and free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, and Steam.
    • Race and battle against other crews to be the first to recover and deliver the mysterious and powerful Skull of Siren Song.
    • This update arrives as the second of three major new features that comprise the ongoing Sea of Thieves Season Ten.

    The second major update in Sea of Thieves’ Season Ten has arrived! Building on the new content introduced with Guilds in October, this update unleashes a new type of World Event in the form of the Skull of Siren Song Voyage. These emergent, competitive Voyages pit crews against one another in a race to unearth and claim the titular artefact, all at the behest of the legendary Captain Briggsy.

    Crew Vs. Crew

    The hunt for the Skull of Siren Song introduces a new competitive event to Sea of Thieves. When a Voyage begins, all players on a server will find a ghostly note pinned to their ship’s mast, offering them the chance to set off in search of this ancient and potent prize. If they accept, they’ll find themselves in possession of two maps directing them to the Skull of Siren Song Key and Chest – but the catch is that every other crew joining the Voyage will receive the same maps.

    From there, players will have to battle it out to locate the Key and Chest on separate islands and bring them together to release the Skull of Siren Song within. Making things more challenging is the fact that once the Chest and Key are claimed, their locations will be broadcast to all other crews by means of map markers and eye-catching beacons on the horizon, leading potential rivals straight to the pirates who possess them. By fending off their foes long enough to unlock the Chest, players can finally get their hands on the fabled Skull of Siren Song.

    Even then, the mission is not over as the prize must be delivered to Captain Briggsy. In this, the Skull is both a help and a hindrance: it contains tremendous power that can be used to bombard enemies with blasts of deadly soundwaves, but it also carries a heavy curse. On land, the Skull will summon Coral Skeletons to its defense, and at sea, it causes a ship’s progress to be considerably slowed, allowing rival crews to more easily close the distance.

    The Voyage concludes with a race to Briggsy’s beacon to hand over the Skull, leaving a single crew to emerge victorious and claim the spoils!

    Sea of Thieves Skull of Siren Song Screenshot

    Race for Rewards

    Fending off all other crews is no mean feat, and the rewards for delivering the Skull reflect that. The hefty pot of gold is just the start: you’ll also begin unlocking new Commendations that track how many times you dig up a Chest or Key, how many Chests you unlock and much more.

    Compete in enough Voyages and you’ll earn exclusive rewards. With a Flag, Figurehead, Sails and Trinket on offer, you’ll be able to redecorate your ship to celebrate your victories, while Captain Briggsy’s Jacket and Mask present a more personal alternative to update your style. There’s even the coveted Composer of Siren Song Title awaiting pirates who truly prove their mettle in battle and complete all Siren Song Commendations.

    Sea of Thieves Skull of Siren Song Screenshot

    Fresh Fashions

    Elsewhere in November’s content drop, a new update means new Pirate Emporium stock! This month, shoppers can get their hands on the Ravenwood ship set previously exclusive to the Season Eight Plunder Pass, plus the newly added Ravenwood Spyglass and weapons. As is traditional at this time of year, the Festival of Plenty musical instruments and pet outfits also make a return for a limited time. As always, the new additions are accompanied by a freebie that any pirate can drop by and pick up, this month in the form of the Angry Scribe Emote!

    Over in the Outpost shops, the Gold Leaf set introduced last month expands to include some fine matching clothing, letting pirates flaunt their purse-liberating habits for all to see. And if there are outfits you wish you’d been able to keep while experiencing the three Tall Tales of The Legend of Monkey Island, this update introduces a little cosmetic incentive to play through them one more time…

    Sea of Thieves Skull of Siren Song Screenshot

    Not Done Yet

    Guilds and the Skull of Siren Song Voyage aren’t the only things on offer in Season Ten. Still to come, the third major Seasonal update will introduce Safer Seas: a new game mode allowing players to sail the Sea of Thieves in private for the first time, alone or with a single crew of hand-picked friends.

    With no enemy crews present, Safer Seas will offer a more peaceful, more predictable gameplay cycle to help new players get to grips with all the systems on offer. It will also enable existing players to interact with the more PvE-focused aspects of the game without disruption, such as completing Tall Tales or fishing. At the same time, the reduced risk of Safer Seas will correspond to reduced rewards and slower progression.

    Keep an eye on Sea of Thieves’ social channels for more information regarding Safer Seas as we get closer to its release. For now, Captain Briggsy is calling!

    Find Out More

    For more information on this Sea of Thieves update, including full release notes, visit the Sea of Thieves website. The update is currently 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 Thieves here, 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!

    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Sea of Thieves 2023 Edition

    Microsoft Studios

    2003

    $39.99 $31.99

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    PC Game Pass

    Xbox Game Pass

    2023 Edition Out Now
    Celebrate five years since Sea of Thieves‘ launch with this special edition of the game, which includes a copy of Sea of Thieves itself with all permanent content added since launch, plus a 10,000 gold bonus and a selection of Hunter cosmetics. The Hunter Cutlass, Pistol, Compass, Hat, Jacket and Sails will ensure you cut a formidable figure as you set sail for adventure!
    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 and underwater kingdoms. Take on quests to hunt for lost loot, forge a reputation with the Trading Companies and battle foes from Phantoms and Ocean Crawlers to Megalodons and the mighty Kraken. Try your hand at fishing, make maps to your own buried treasure or choose from hundreds of other optional goals and side-quests! Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life
    Play the Tall Tales to experience Sea of Thieves’ unique narrative-driven campaigns, and join forces with Captain Jack Sparrow in Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life, an acclaimed original story that brings Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean sailing into Sea of Thieves. These immersive and cinematic quests provide around 30 hours of the ultimate pirate adventure. A Game That’s Always Growing
    With each Season bringing in new game features every three months alongside regular in-game Events and new narrative Adventures, Sea of Thieves is a service-based game that’s still growing and evolving. Check back regularly to see what free content has been newly added, and see how far you can climb through each Season’s 100 levels of Renown to earn special rewards. 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?

    Website: LINK

  • Create Your Own Guild and Much More in Sea of Thieves Season Ten

    Create Your Own Guild and Much More in Sea of Thieves Season Ten

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    Summary

    • Season Ten is the latest Sea of Thieves content update, available October 19 and free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 and Steam.
    • Players will be able to create and join Guilds – allowing them to forge more meaningful bonds with friends, enjoy asynchronous progression and work together for exclusive rewards.
    • Guilds is just the first feature launching in Season Ten, with Skull of Siren Song Voyages and Safer Seas coming to Sea of Thieves in subsequent months.

    Sea of Thieves very latest Season begins today! Season Ten promises to be one of the biggest yet, launching with a significant and socially focused new feature for our shared-world pirate sandbox. Expanding on Season Seven’s Captaincy update, Guilds gives players opportunities to strengthen the bonds they’ve already forged on the seas, while also building new and long-lasting connections.

    A New Way to Connect

    Sea of Thieves Season 10 Image

    Across different crews, time zones and even platforms, Guilds can unite a group of pirates under a shared identity and cause, and help them celebrate their accomplishments with shared rewards. The in-game Guild Chronicles even allow players to see what other Guild Members have been up to while they were away, furthering the sense of communal goals and adventures. Each Guild also allows for full freedom of expression, with the Guild Owner having full control over its name, motto and branding.

    With a limit of 24 pirates per Guild, these groups still maintain a sense of intimacy and shared identity – and with pirates only able to join a maximum of three Guilds at any time, the focus is very much on playing with crewmates you know or will come to know well. We know that Sea of Thieves is a game best played with friends, and whether this be old colleagues or new comrades you make out there on the waves, Guilds will offer players a longevity of connection far beyond a single Sea of Thieves session.

    Shared Progress and Rewards

    Sea of Thieves Season 10 Image

    A Guild isn’t just for easier sailing with an expanded set of shipmates – it’s also a new way to earn rewards! When you’re sailing on a ship pledged to a Guild, you’ll contribute to its shared Guild Reputation. You can unlock rewards including special clothing themed to different ship’s roles, and with every 100 levels of Guild Reputation collectively reached, you’ll earn a level of Distinction that will upgrade your Guild Plaque and Guild Reputation cards. Keep raising that Guild Reputation and you’ll open up new Commendations to complete, carrying prizes that include the unique Unbroken Bonds ship set.

    Pirates looking to maximize their Reputation gain – and get a little competitive edge at the same time – can even set sail as a Guild Emissary! Once your Guild has a few levels of Reputation safely secured, any Guild Member looking for a challenge can raise a Guild Emissary Flag at the Sovereigns’ tent and go seeking that nail-biting risk/reward Emissary experience. There’ll be a new Guilds Ledger too, so you can compare your skills with other Guilds and the most prolific will score even more enviable rewards!

    Level Up Guild Members’ Ships

    Sea of Thieves Season 10 Image

    You can’t sail for a Guild without any ships available, so that’s where pledging comes in: any Captain with an owned ship can pledge it to the Guild, and choose whether fellow Guild Members can take it out even when its owner isn’t around. The ship in question will keep all its usual customisation and decorations, so your friends will be able to fully appreciate your daring interior design choices.

    Even better, pledged ships will continue to progress their Ship Milestones when their Captain isn’t present. If you’ve got a vessel that you’ve been waiting to level up, now’s your chance to let some friends help you on your way.

    We’re thrilled to be adding such a deep and connective feature as Guilds to Sea of Thieves, and we hope that players will love being able to explore and extend their bonds with other pirates. Social play is at the heart of Sea of Thieves, with its best moments being those you share with others. Guilds will give players the tools to turn these memorable moments into long-lasting magic.

    New Cosmetics Storm into View

    Sea of Thieves Season 10 Plunder Pass Image

    With a new Season underway, there are as always 100 fresh levels of Renown to rack up and rewards to be unlocked! Alongside the allocations of gold, Doubloons, Ancient Coins and Seasonal cosmetics available for everyone to unlock, pirates who pick up the Season Ten Plunder Pass can work towards the electrifying Stormfish Chaser ship set and clothing to help them feel right at home in the heart of a hurricane.

    The Pirate Emporium will also continue to enjoy monthly updates throughout Season Ten, starting with October’s shining Silver Sepulchre set. In a world as dangerous as the Sea of Thieves, you never know what kind of horrors you might find yourself facing. With this set designed for fearless slayers of the undead, you’ll have all the tools you need to make a stand against the darkness.

    Plenty Still to Come

    While Guilds are sitting firmly in the spotlight for Season Ten’s launch, they’re not the only thing to get excited about. There’s a range of meaningful quality-of-life improvements too, including work done on hit detection and sword combat, Rowboats in a range of new colors and the ability to repair them, and a persistent player inventory when you rejoin a session. For the full list of updates, be sure to check out our latest release notes.

    And the fun doesn’t stop with the October update, as Season Ten is all set to deliver new feature updates throughout the rest of the year. Once you’ve all gotten settled into your Guilds, you’ll need to be ready for the next big thing in November: the Skull of Siren Song Voyages, which involve a server-wide race to score a significant new treasure. Swiftly following in December will be the Safer Seas update that gives players a way to find their sea legs without disruption, so if you need an overview on either of these forthcoming features, catch up with our Season Ten Preview video and stay tuned in the weeks ahead for full details.

    Find Out More

    For more information on the Sea of Thieves Season Ten update, including full release notes, visit the Sea of Thieves website. The 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 start playing.

    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 Thieves here, 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!


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Sea of Thieves 2023 Edition

    Microsoft Studios

    1997

    $39.99 $31.99

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    PC Game Pass

    Xbox Game Pass

    2023 Edition Out Now
    Celebrate five years since Sea of Thieves‘ launch with this special edition of the game, which includes a copy of Sea of Thieves itself with all permanent content added since launch, plus a 10,000 gold bonus and a selection of Hunter cosmetics. The Hunter Cutlass, Pistol, Compass, Hat, Jacket and Sails will ensure you cut a formidable figure as you set sail for adventure!
    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 and underwater kingdoms. Take on quests to hunt for lost loot, forge a reputation with the Trading Companies and battle foes from Phantoms and Ocean Crawlers to Megalodons and the mighty Kraken. Try your hand at fishing, make maps to your own buried treasure or choose from hundreds of other optional goals and side-quests! Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life
    Play the Tall Tales to experience Sea of Thieves’ unique narrative-driven campaigns, and join forces with Captain Jack Sparrow in Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life, an acclaimed original story that brings Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean sailing into Sea of Thieves. These immersive and cinematic quests provide around 30 hours of the ultimate pirate adventure. A Game That’s Always Growing
    With each Season bringing in new game features every three months alongside regular in-game Events and new narrative Adventures, Sea of Thieves is a service-based game that’s still growing and evolving. Check back regularly to see what free content has been newly added, and see how far you can climb through each Season’s 100 levels of Renown to earn special rewards. 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?

    Website: LINK

  • Snack with DORITOS, MTN DEW, and ROCKSTAR to Experience Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and More Gaming Rewards

    Snack with DORITOS, MTN DEW, and ROCKSTAR to Experience Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and More Gaming Rewards

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    DORITOS, MTN DEW, and ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK are some of players’ favorite snacks, powering casual co-op missions and endless late-night campaigns alike. And now, PepsiCo, Frito-Lay and Xbox have teamed up to reward their fans with the chance to unlock in-game content and limited-edition prizes. Beginning October 9 through December 29, players can purchase specially marked DORITOS, MTN DEW, and ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK products to receive a code offering new subscribers a free 1-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and giving all players points toward gaming rewards.

    Eligible products will feature Xbox-inspired imagery from iconic titles like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and Sea of Thieves among others. Each product contains a code that, when registered and entered at DoritosDewRockstar.com , unlocks access to exclusive downloadable content (DLC), contest entries, and more. With their first code entry, new subscribers receive a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, with instant access to hundreds of high-quality games including Starfield. Additional purchases and codes will enable players to earn more points to spend on the online rewards marketplace. Points can be redeemed at any time for exclusive in-game content such as the Forza Motorsport “Magma Racing Suit”, Sea of Thieves “Chipped Tankard”, and more.

    Xbox and PepsiCo will also be hosting weekly sweepstakes, which fans can enter with rewards points. These giveaways include custom game-themed e-bikes from SUPER73, PC gaming rigs, and bundles of Xbox consoles and accessories. Rockstar Energy Drink code entries also automatically put players in contention for the ultimate grand prize, a decked-out Starfield-inspired 2023 Corvette Stingray.

    To earn rewards faster, entrants can multiply points by combining codes from multiple brands. Entering two codes from two different brands (such as one from a DORITOS item and one from MTN DEW) results in two times the standard number of points. For maximum rewards, submit three codes from all three brands to triple the bonus points received.

    Get more information, redeem your codes, and enter for a chance to win the grand prize at DoritosDewRockstar.com.

    Website: LINK

  • Coming Soon to Game Pass: Forza Motorsport, Like A Dragon: Ishin!, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, and From Space

    Coming Soon to Game Pass: Forza Motorsport, Like A Dragon: Ishin!, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, and From Space

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    If you’re looking for some spooky games, some fast ways to drive away from anything spooky, or just some great games to load up and dive into the story… have I got some recommendations for you! We’ve got some games available today for you to check out, some more coming soon, and even a reminder on some you might have missed that we snuck in last month. Let’s get to the games!


    Available Today


    Gotham Knights (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
    Batman is dead. A new expansive, criminal underworld has swept the streets of Gotham City. It is now up to the Batman Family – Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin – to protect Gotham, bring hope to its citizens, discipline to its cops, and fear to its criminals.

    The Lamplighter’s League (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Sneak, steal, and shoot your way through a world of pulp adventure in The Lamplighters League! Globetrot across a variety of exciting locales around the world and outwit your enemies in strategic turn-based combat and, if you play your cards right, you might just save the world.


    Coming Soon


    Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) – October 4
    Available now with PC Game Pass and making its way to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). From the developers of the best-selling and award-winning franchise Vermintide, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a visceral 4-player co-op action game set in the hive city of Tertium. Fight together with your friends against hordes of enemies in this new Warhammer 40,000 experience.

    Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

    Forza Motorsport (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 10
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Race over 500 real-world cars, including modern race cars and more than 100 cars new to Forza Motorsport. Make every lap count across 20 living environments, with fan-favorite locations and multiple track layouts to master, each featuring live on-track scoring, fully dynamic time-of-day with weather, and unique driving conditions that ensure no two laps ever look or play the same. Want to jump in early? Game Pass members can save 10% on the Premium Add-Ons Bundle and unlock 5 days early access, VIP membership, Car Pass, and much more. Read more about Forza Motorsport at Xbox Wire.

    Forza Motorsport

    From Space (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 12
    From Space is a solo and co-op action-shooter for squads of up to four players. Take on the challenge of liberating the earth from an alien infestation with your friends, using over-the-top weaponry in a post-apocalyptic world with awesomely stylized graphics. The apocalypse has never been so much fun!

    From Space

    Like A Dragon: Ishin! (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 17
    Take up the sword as Sakamoto Ryoma and venture to Kyoto to find your father’s killer, clear yourself of a framed murder, and restore your honor. In doing so, you will bring an end to the samurai era and forever change the future of Japan. Draw your blade and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure.

    Like A Dragon: Ishin!

    In Case You Missed It


    Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now
    Take that! Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, the classic courtroom adventure series that has sold millions of copies across the globe, is available now with Game Pass! Take the stand as rookie defense attorney Phoenix Wright to unravel mind-bending mysteries and prove your client’s innocence.


    DLC / Game Updates


    EA Sports NHL 24: Early Access Trial – Available today
    EA Play and Ultimate members can experience authentic on-ice action with the EA Sports NHL 24 early access trial. Members can spend 10 hours behind the puck starting today, plus score recurring rewards like World of Chel Battle Pass multiplier boost tokens, store coins, and themed gear.

    Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island – The Lair of LeChuck – Available now
    The time has come to chart a course for sunny shores where puzzles, primates, and perils await! The final chapter of Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island, ‘The Lair of LeChuck’, is available now as a free update for Sea of Thieves.


    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks


    Don’t miss out! Be sure to grab the following Perks before they are gone.

    Minecraft Realms – Available until October 5
    Get 3 months of access to Minecraft Realms Plus! Share your world, build with friends, and play across all your devices with your own personal server.

    Overwatch 2 – Available until October 10
    Get instant access to six new heroes, legendary skins, and in-game cosmetics.  Claim your heroes and jump into the game now!


    Xbox Game Pass Quests


    Shocktober is here and featured in Quests all month long for Ultimate and Console Game Pass members. Play games, finish quests and redeem points for cool stuff. Here are a few to get you started.

    • State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition (250 Points – Ultimate only) – Kill 75 Zombies
    • Amnesia: The Bunker (5 Points) – Play
    • Quest Completionist (500 Points) – Complete 22 daily and 12 weekly quests this period

    Leaving October 15


    The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. You know the drill here, it’s time to jump back in to play before they go. If you want to keep these games in your library, you can use your membership discount to save up to 20%!

    • Eville (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Overwhelm (PC)
    • Shenzhen I/O (PC)
    • The Legend of Tianding (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Trek to Yomi (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion (Cloud, Console, and PC)

    So what’s up next on your playlist? Let us know on social over at Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, and stick around for updates on what’s coming up. Catch you next time!

    Website: LINK