Coming Soon to Game Pass: Sifu, Inscryption, Mad Streets, and More

Coming Soon to Game Pass: Sifu, Inscryption, Mad Streets, and More

Welcome back friends! If you didn’t catch the surprise games we added last week during Tokyo Game Show, we’ve got that recap for you along with Kung Fu, MMA, and puzzles to install soon. Let’s get to the games!

Coming Soon

MLB The Show 24 (Console) – October 2
Game Pass Standard

Swing for the fences, experience game-deciding moments, become a legend and live out your baseball dreams in MLB The Show 24. Everyone has a moment to own. Everyone has a story to tell. Unlock your moment. Own the show.

Open Roads (Console) October 2
Game Pass Standard

Long-lost family secrets. Hints of a hidden fortune. And miles to go before they sleep. Tess Devine’s relationship with her mom has never been easy, but they’re about to set out together on a journey into the past that they’ll never forget.

Sifu (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 2
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Sifu is a realistic third-person brawler with tight Kung Fu combat mechanics and cinematic martial arts action. Get in the shoes of a Pak Mei disciple on a path to avenge the murder of your family. With countless enemies and no allies, the sheer will to persevere and adapt will be key to unlocking the enigma of becoming Sifu.

Mad Streets (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 7
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Mad Streets is the kind of game that makes you crack a smile all while punching someone in the face. It’s a physics-based party game meshed with a brawler that feels like an evolution to the genre with a deeper system that allows skilled players to direct their blows for face-crunching KO animations that wouldn’t look out of place in MMA highlights.

Inscryption (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 10
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets “inscrybed” upon the cards.

In Case You Missed It from Tokyo Games Show

All You Need Is Help (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

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.

Legend of Mana (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Set off on a journey to find the mystical Mana Tree in Legend of Mana. Meet a colorful cast of characters, square off against fearsome monsters, and complete quests in the vast world of Fa’Diel. Discover the classic title, remastered with a rearranged soundtrack, graphic improvements and more! 

Trials of Mana (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Trials of Mana is the 3D remake of the classic RPG. Experience the beloved adventure with graphic improvements, character voiceover support, a remastered soundtrack and a new episode, in addition to an ability system and a new class that reconstructs the character levelling system plus more active battles!

We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Help the Prince roll the katamari and fix the universe! Play the remastered We Love Katamari Damacy, the second title in the Katamari series released in 2005 along with the new features such as Royal Reverie. The graphics have been completely redesigned, and the in-game UI has been revamped to make it even easier to play.

Game Pass Ultimate Perks

MultiVersus: MVP Pack 3 – Available now
The MultiVersus MVP Pack offers in-game content to further customize and boost your play for subscription members.  MVP Pack 3 includes a Jaw Stretcher Special Taunt and PopReinDog Sticker.

EA Sports FC 25: Welcome Pack – Available now
Try EA Sports FC 25 today with a 10-hour trial and get a Welcome Pack reward, available with your EA Play Membership!

XDefiant: Combat Pack – Available now
Ready your Season 2 loadouts with five new weapon skins in this season’s Combat Pack which includes: Rare Deep Red MK20 Weapon Skin, Rare Deep Red D50 Weapon Skin, Cobalt AK47 Weapon Skin, Ember M44 Weapon Skin, Morganite MDR Weapon Skin.

Leaving October 15

The following games will be leaving the Game Pass library soon. Be sure to jump back in before they go or use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

  • Dyson Sphere Program (PC)
  • Everspace 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • From Space (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • F1 Manager 2023 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Scorn (Cloud, Console, and PC)

I recommend some fresh batteries for your mouse, controller, keyboard, maybe make some room for (another) vessel of hydration before you prep what games you’re going to download next. As always, keep an eye here on the Wire for when games will be available to play, or catch us on @XboxGamePass, @XboxGamePassPC, or @Xbox. Cheers!

The post Coming Soon to Game Pass: Sifu, Inscryption, Mad Streets, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

How Iron Meat’s Levels Bring You a Gore-ific Experience

Summary

  • Iron Meat pits you against the ravenous Meat horde seeking to consume the Earth.
  • Battle mounds of ravenous flesh and half-infected corpses in blood-stained biomes.
  • Defend the world across nine different levels–each one enwrapped with little bits of horror and grotesque entrails.
Iron Meat boss shot

It’s never too early or too late to get a sprinkle of horror in your games, especially if you’re facing a hopeless invasion by an all-consuming horde of Meat monsters!

In Iron Meat, you’ll run through a forest wet with blood-soaked rain, search for survivors inside a Meat-infested base and confront the entity responsible for plunging Earth into a desperate state of survival.

Iron Meat screenshot

Iron Meat takes place in an alternate reality where humanity must fend off an invasion by a ravenous, all-consuming biomass known only as the “Meat”. When an experiment goes horribly wrong at a lunar research base, causing its head scientist–Yuri Markov–to become assimilated by his own test subject, humanity suddenly finds itself in a struggle for survival. After the Meat-infected Markov opens a portal to Earth, his new army of Meat creatures begins its rapid expansion across the region.

Iron Meat screenshot

The Forest

You’ll dive into the invasion firsthand as you run through a forest sector bathed in the blood of your fallen comrades, as crimson rain falls around you. Volleys of gunfire light up the trees in the distance–a sign that your fellow soldiers are desperately trying to halt the seemingly endless hordes.

Iron Meat fire hazard

The Meat-Infested Base

At a fallen research base, you’ll fight your way through hallways and corridors overrun by monsters, with floors ridden with corpses of scientists and half-infected mutilations. In this den of horrors, some Meat monsters have evolved and ingrained themselves into the base’s technology, allowing them to control different mechanisms of the former human stronghold.

The Runaway Train

Not even a moving train is safe from being consumed by the Meat! You’ll jump from train car to train car, as you blast through infected humans and Meat-ified overgrowths waiting to chomp you into bits! And if that isn’t enough to make you lose hope, you’ll have to shoot down flying cars transformed into hungry monsters–and fully equipped with their infected drivers!

Iron Meat weapon fire

The Burning City

Running through the streets of a once densely populated city, you’ll find only pits of fire and mounds of fleshy tendrils waiting to consume you. Infected soldiers aim at you from destroyed apartment complexes, and malfunctioning turrets have no favorites for who to shoot at! And if you thought the Meat couldn’t get even more outrageously evolved, you’ll be staring up at a massive monster house eager to feast on its next meal: you.

Iron Meat screenshot

2024 marks the official start of the Meat’s invasion of Earth, so grab your favorite weapons, grab a friend, and grab a seat to defend the world against the endless, bloodthirsty hordes in Iron Meat today!

Iron Meat

Retroware


4


$19.99

$17.99

Iron Meat is a fast-paced, run-and-gun shooter that immerses players in a world overrun by The Meat–an all-consuming interdimensional biomass. With a mix of classic arcade and console mechanics, players will battle against mutated victims and machines, dodge bullet barrages, and crush bosses in nine levels of gore-ific brutality. As Vadim, fight back against The Meat and stop the terrors spawned from scientist Yuri Markov’s experiments on the Moon.

MULTI-PHASE BOSS FIGHTS
Iron Meat pays homage to classic run-and-gun titles from the past, with intense boss fights fixed into multiple phases. With three difficulty settings to choose from, players can put their skills to the test, where a higher difficulty is rewarded with an even more challenging boss battle.

MULTIPLAYER COUCH CO-OP
Who says you have to take on The Meat invasion alone? With 2-player couch co-op, you can grab a buddy to leave a trail of bloody, Meat-infected corpses together! It’s double the firepower, double the carnage, and double the MEAT!

OVER 30 UNLOCKABLE SKINS
You don’t have to be a soldier to fight against The Meat. Hell, you don’t even have to be a HUMAN to do so! With over 30 unlockable skins to choose from, players can customize their character the way they want. Each skin comes with interchangeable parts, allowing for greater customization with mixing and matching. Want a shark head on a robot body with dinosaur feet? DONE. Maybe a half human, half doggo? YOU BET! Or how about a cowboy with a tail and demon wings? Hmm…YEP!

The post How Iron Meat’s Levels Bring You a Gore-ific Experience appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Crossbow: Bloodnight’s Fast-Paced Blend of FPS Action and Gothic Horror

Summary

  • Experience the relentless combat of Retro Horror.
  • Arcade-style FPS with gothic horror – optimized for Xbox controllers.
  • Intense engaging combat that challenges reflexes and decision making.

Enter the World of Gothic Horror FPS

FPS games have captivated players for years, offering dynamic combat and adrenaline-pumping challenges. But what if we added a gothic horror atmosphere and hordes of hellish creatures to the mix? Welcome to Crossbow: Bloodnight, a game that redefines fast-paced, retro-style shooter experiences.

You become a hunter, armed only with a mythical crossbow, tasked with facing endless waves of demonic forces. Your mission? Survive. The game not only delivers a frenetic pace but also evokes the spirit of classic arcade titles loved by millions.

CrossbowB screenshot

Incredibly Fast-Paced Combat with a Learning Curve

Crossbow: Bloodnight stands out by focusing on rapid, arcade-like gameplay that demands precise aiming and quick reflexes. It’s a game designed for true old-school FPS fans who thrive on relentless action with no breaks. Every second counts in this fight for survival, and every defeat teaches you something new. What’s more, the controls are perfectly optimized for your trusty Xbox controller, making it easy for any player to dive headfirst into the chaos.

What Makes an Outstanding Action Game?

The best action games make you feel every moment of the fight, every shot, and every movement. Crossbow: Bloodnight achieves this through its fast-paced, dynamic combat where there’s no room for mistakes. Battling waves of enemies requires mastery of controls and quick decision-making.

At the same time, the game plunges players into a gothic horror world, creating a perfect blend of dread and excitement, reminiscent of classic titles from the ’90s and early 2000s. Each playthrough offers new challenges, and with the ever-changing enemy patterns, every session feels fresh and thrilling.

CrossbowB screenshot

You’re the Weapon. Survive the Night

There’s nothing more satisfying than a well-aimed crossbow shot that takes down a group of enemies in one swift motion. In Crossbow: Bloodnight, the crossbow isn’t just a weapon—it’s your key to survival. Every shot needs to be precise, and every decision, calculated.

The game throws you into a mysterious, gothic world where you must fight to survive in the most treacherous of environments. Only the fastest and most skilled will make it through the night and see their name climb the leaderboards.

Style and Atmosphere at its Best

Creating a dynamic FPS within a horror setting requires not only great combat mechanics but also artistic excellence. Crossbow: Bloodnight excels in this regard with its pixel-art aesthetic, paying homage to classic games while incorporating modern visual effects. Every level, every arena is filled with detail that brings the gothic horror atmosphere to life.

With perfectly matched music and sound effects, every battle is an immersive experience that pulls you in for hours. This is a game that not only tests your skills but also your mental endurance.

CrossbowB screenshot

Step into the Bloodnight and Fight for Survival

Dive into the relentless action of Crossbow: Bloodnight, where every second counts in the fight for survival. Battle waves of enemies, survive the night, and etch your name in history as the ultimate hunter. The game is a love letter to classic FPS titles while offering fresh, modern thrills.

Play Crossbow: Bloodnight today and experience fast-paced action like never before.

Xbox Play Anywhere

CROSSBOW: Bloodnight

Hyperstrange

$4.99

From the developers of POSTAL: Brain Damaged and ELDERBORN comes CROSSBOW: Bloodnight, a fast-paced single-player FPS arcade game with classic horror vibes. Master the occult powers of your automatic crossbow and fight for every second of survival against a relentless demonic horde!

Game features:

– Arcane Crossbow with various shooting modes, further empowered by siphoned spirits of your prey.
– Fluid, skill-rewarding movement mechanics with dashes, jumps, and bunny hops.
– Devastating special attack that takes time to recharge and is best used in strategic moments.
– Instant respawn button and fast respawn after death, so you can stay immersed in the game.
– Six enemy types in two variants, endlessly flooding the darkness-clad courtyard of the old, desecrated abbey that becomes the arena of your struggle.
– Global leaderboard system so you can compete against friends and strangers.

The Coven of Crossbow, an ancient order of hunters sworn to guard the balance between the forces of heaven and hell prevailed against all odds. In the year 1666, as fire and plague ravages London, the Coven is facing its greatest challenge yet. It is The Ancient Horror from Beyond makes its way towards our reality. In its wake, legions of nightmare creatures spawn in the darkness. The Bloodnight is upon us, let the hunt begin!

The post Crossbow: Bloodnight’s Fast-Paced Blend of FPS Action and Gothic Horror appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox – New Games for September 30 to October 4

Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

Next Week on Xbox – New Games for September 30 to October 4

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


Cats with Guns (Xbox)

Synnergy Circle Games

Cats with Guns – October 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Cats with Guns is a 2D casual game with rogue-lite elements, where you can make strategic decisions on the middle of the battle and go from a small kitten to a powerful and intimidating feline. Evolve your cat and overwhelm the enemy forces with powerful abilities. Fight sheer enemy numbers with a huge firepower and defeat the generals until you reach Meowstopia.


Predator: Hunting Grounds

IllFonic Publishing

Predator: Hunting Grounds – October 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Hunt or be hunted in this asymmetrical multiplayer shooter that pits man against Predator. As part of a Fireteam, complete missions before the Predator finds you. Or be the Predator and hunt your prey. Wield human and alien weaponry – fight with a state-of-the-art arsenal as the Fireteam, and deadly tech like the shoulder-mounted Plasma Caster, Combistick and more as the Predator.


THRONE AND LIBERTY: Early Access Pack – Ultimate

Amazon Games

$99.99

Throne and Liberty: Early Access Pack – Ultimate – October 1

Throne and Liberty captures the essence of classic MMORPGs while introducing new gameplay elements, adding depth and excitement at every turn. Choose your dual-weapon loadout to customize your approach on the battlefield, or morph into creatures of the land, water and sky to traverse the vast and seamless world. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure where you’ll need to gather your guild, prepare for battle and claim the throne.


Damikira

Eastasiasoft Limited

Damikira – October 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

What do you get when you combine frenetic arcade-style shooting, tons of guns and violence, a sprinkle of dark humor and a grappling hook? It’s Damikira! Grab a firearm and blast through side-scrolling stages as you face hordes of costumed enemies, challenge online leaderboards, upgrade your arsenal and discover hidden mechanics to stack the deck in your favor!


Prison of Illusion (Xbox Series X|S)

DERIK D.F


3

$4.99

Prison of Illusion – October 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A young white-haired vampire was walking through the darkness of the forest and saw a large castle on top of the mountain. He then decides to go inside and explore the environment. But he discovers that the magic present in the castle makes him trapped. Help the young vampire overcome traps, challenges and find the way out.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Spot The Differences! Party

Sanuk Games

Spot The Differences! Party – October 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

The most complete difference game on consoles, in an all-new version with gorgeous 4K graphics! Play solo or with up to 3 friends and see who the quickest spotter is! Featuring 300 pictures and 3,000 differences to find!


Cryptmaster

Akupara Games

$24.99

Cryptmaster – October 3

Say anything in this bizarre dungeon adventure where words control everything. Fill in the blanks with text or voice to uncover lost abilities, embark on strange quests, and solve mindbending riddles.


KILL KNIGHT

PlaySide

$14.99

Kill Knight – October 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Once a loyal knight, betrayed, and banished to the Abyss. A desecrated corpse inside reanimated armor. You rise to an eternal death. Branded Kill Knight, you have one purpose: kill the Last Angel.


Parcel Corps

Secret Mode

Parcel Corps – October 3

Forgo the mundanity of the 9-5 and embrace the high-octane life of a freelance bicycle messenger! Forget the job security, stable salary, and basic workplace rights less cool jobs offer while you ride along walls, grind rails, and startle pigeons on your way to corporation-toppling domination.


SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream Pre-order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.


9

$59.99

Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream – October 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream is an exciting new start, departing from the 10th anniversary of the Sword Art Online game series. Galaxia, a new system that allows players to relive the past, has been added to ALfheim Online; however, Galaxia spins out of control causing players from all over time and space to be displaced! To set the timeline back on track, Kirito must work with fallen friends…and foes.


Skautfold: Shrouded in Sanity

RED ART GAMES


9

$9.99

Skautfold: Into the Fray – October 4

Set in the alternative historical setting of 1897 Angelic Empire of Britannia, your contract will order you to eliminate the source of the unnatural fog enveloping the Berelai Manor. A strange and repelling madness took hold of the servants roaming the halls, and they will attack on sight, for their madness is one rooted in a deeper understanding of cosmic insignificance.


SpongeBob SquarePants™: The Patrick Star Game

Outright Games Ltd.

$39.99

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game – October 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Patrick fans, your time has come – and Bikini Bottom is your open-world playground! So become the Star of the show, put your silliest ideas into action, and enjoy the physics-based chaos that unfolds all around you. From The Krusty Krab to Glove World, the SpongeBob universe is yours to goof off in.


Ballotron Galaxy

Desert Water Games

Ballotron Galaxy – October 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Discover the newest challenge in your favorite arcade! Blast off into space and put your skills to the test once again. Shoot small balls to strike larger balls and blocks. Uncover creative solutions to connect the blue and green ball. Experiment with unique strategies to overcome challenging, logic-based puzzles.


Block & Shot

17Studio LLC

Block & Shot – October 4

A puzzle game in which you must control various weapons. In the game you will see more than 50 interesting levels and many different locations. Overcome obstacles and find ways to solve puzzles on your way to get to the main goal – the golden cartridge case.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Johnny Trigger

QubicGames S.A.

$4.99

Johnny Trigger – October 4
Xbox Play Anywhere

Stylish, deadly, and smooth as a billiard ball, Johnny Trigger is a man on a mission in this non-stop platform shooter game where the action never ends. Do you have what it takes to bring down the underground world of the mafia?


NHL® 25 Standard Edition Xbox Series X|S

Electronic Arts


36


$69.99

$62.99

NHL 25 – October 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

EA Sports NHL 25 is the latest installment in the NHL video game series developed by EA Vancouver and published by EA Sports. This year’s version features Ice-Q, a new gameplay intelligence system that enhances the realism and responsiveness of player movements and actions on the ice, the Grudge Match System which tracks the competitive history between teams, Sapien Tech which improves character models for more lifelike appearances, a revamped Franchise mode, and more! Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with EA Play can experience a 10-hour trial of EA Sports NHL 25 starting September 27.


Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel – October 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Who said bad guys cannot be heroes? Aero the Acro-Bat’s infamous enemy comes for some ninja squirrel action with an adventure of his own! While working on Edgar Ektor’s evil plan, Zero receives a letter from his girlfriend telling him their forest is in danger and her father has been kidnapped. Now Zero needs to head back to his forest as soon as possible, but the evil madman Edgar Ektor doesn’t take a no for an answer.


The post Next Week on Xbox – New Games for September 30 to October 4 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Free Play Days – Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, Sudden Strike 4 European Battlefield Edition and Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition

It’s a jam packed weekend with with Free Play Days! Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, Sudden Strike 4 European Battlefield Edition and Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday September 26 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, September 29 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.


How To Start Playing


Find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.


Keep The Fun Going


Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.


Free Play Days (Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate Required)


NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.


256


$59.99

$35.99
Xbox One X Enhanced

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections
Get ready for the ultimate ninja showdown! Battle through iconic storylines from both the Naruto and Boruto series and experience thrilling combat with a massive roster of over 130 playable characters. Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is on sale now at up to 40% off for a limited time during this Free Play Days. Be sure to also check out Boruto Uzumaki (Karma Progression) as a playable character in the newest DLC, available now!


Sudden Strike 4 – European Battlefields Edition

Kalypso Media


213


$29.99

$11.99
Xbox One X Enhanced

Sudden Strike 4 European Battlefield Edition
The world is at war, will you answer the call? World War II Real-Time Strategy heavyweight Sudden Strike 4 – European Battlefields Edition will send you through three extensive campaigns across Europe. Command the British and American, German, or Soviet troops in over 20 intense tactical missions. Take control of historic wartime battles such as Dunkirk, the Vyborg Offensive, or Operation Barbossa. Play as historic generals from each faction within the war, unlock new doctrines to win battles, and play a pivotal role in one of the most brutal conflicts in history!


Free Play Days For All


Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition

Kalypso Media Group


273


$24.99

$9.99

Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition
Have you ever wanted to be a ruthless dictator of your own island nation? Well too bad! El Presidente got there first, but he has invited you to visit…Return to Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition! Watch the passage of time sweep through Tropico, from the Colonial era, the World Wars, and more. With the Penultimate Edition, enjoy add-ons “The Big Cheese” and “Hostile Takeover”, giving El Prez extra scenarios, buildings, accessories, and maps to explore and exploit. Check out Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition now on Free Play Days!


Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.

The post Free Play Days – Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, Sudden Strike 4 European Battlefield Edition and Tropico 5 – Penultimate Edition appeared first on Xbox Wire.

FragPunk Closed Beta Begins October 10!

We are excited to bring FragPunk Closed Beta, a fast-paced 5v5 hero shooter, to Xbox Insiders on Xbox Series X|S consoles! The closed beta will begin on Thursday, October 10 at 3:00 PM PT (22:00 GMT) and Xbox Insiders are able to sign up early to participate. Space is still available so join now to secure your spot! Come join and on October 10, battle it out while selecting special Shard Cards that dramatically change the rules of engagement.

Key Features:

Bend the rules with Shard Cards!
No two rounds of FragPunk are ever the same. Discover over 100 Shard Cards with an activatable selection that changes every round. Cards can enhance your jumps, resurrect allies and so much more! 

Frantic 5v5 Hero Shooter!
Each round lasts 2.5 minutes, so get a move on! The short TTK means you have to aim well and react fast. Pick between 12 heroes with diverse abilities, customize your weapon combination, choose your cards and get ready for a fight!

Immersive Maps & Vibrant Visuals!
Prepare for rich map designs and mixed visual effects including graffiti and a blend of realistic and stylized textures. Feast your eyes on bold colors, sharp shapes and dynamic lines to provide you with diverse visual experiences while the bullets fly. 

Playtest Times:

Pre-load: Tuesday, October 8, 3:00 PM PT (22:00 GMT)
Start: Thursday, October 10, 3:00 PM PT (22:00 GMT)
End: Monday, October 21, 4:59 PM PT (23:59 GMT)

How to Participate:

  1. Sign-in on your Xbox Series X|S console and launch the Xbox Insider Hub app (or install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary)
  2. Navigate to Previews > FragPunk
  3. Select Join
  4. Wait for the registration to complete to secure your spot for the Closed Beta!

NOTE: FragPunk Closed Beta begins on October 10. Joining now secures your spot for the playtest. Return to the Xbox Insider Hub on October 8 and select Show in Store to begin installing the game early. On October 10, in game servers will open to allow you to play.

NOTE: Limited space is available and offered first-come first-served.

NOTE: This playtest is only available on Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Other resources:

For more information: follow us on X/Twitter at @XboxInsider and this blog for announcements and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the Xbox Insider SubReddit.

The post FragPunk Closed Beta Begins October 10! appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Sci-fi Extraction Shooter Synduality Echo of Ada Arrives January 23 – Pre-order Today

Sci-fi Extraction Shooter Synduality Echo of Ada Arrives January 23 – Pre-order Today

Synduality Key Art

Find a way to survive in Synduality Echo of Ada, a new online extraction shooter where humanity must rely on mechs and AI companions to rebuild.

After a massive toxic rain event brings terrifying creatures to the world and drives humanity underground, mankind has developed two technologies to survive – Cradlecoffin mechs to safely forage for resources on the unforgiving surface, and your humanoid AI assistant, a Magus.

Synduality Screenshot

Your job is to rise to the surface with your Coffin and Magus in tow to collect resources that improve your base. Can you ascend beyond mere survival when you never know if other players are friends or foe?

Your one constant in this world is your Magus companion. As advanced machines that can assist in various tasks, a Magus is bound to their human through the Three Laws of the Magi:

1. Law of Contract: A Magus shall form a contract with a single individual. Said contract cannot be terminated by the Magus itself.

2. Law of Friendship: A Magus shall stand by their contractor, like a friend of humanity.

3. Law of Growth: A Magus must grow alongside their contractor, as long as said growth does not contradict the first two laws.

Under these directives, the Magus bond adapts to their human’s playstyle, evolving new feedback and information through continued sorties to the surface.

Synduality Screenshot

Law of Contract

To form your contract with your Magus, you will first build and customize them.

You’ll select from four different models, each with a different personality type. From the encouraging big brother type to the unexpectedly witty, a Magus type with different communication styles exists for all humans. Once selected, Magus also have different System types. The Weather Gazer is environmentally-focused, displaying incoming toxic rain on the HUD and equipped with a skill to shield from it. The Anti-Cradle System on the other hand is combat-focused, making up for limited environmental resource scans with an ability to read the health of other Cradlecoffin and a skill to restrain them. More Systems exist with their own benefits and drawbacks for different situations.

Synduality Screenshot

Further customization of the face shape, hair color, and more ensures your Magus is well-suited to your own aesthetic preferences. After you’ve selected the body, system, and customized the Magus to your liking, your Magus will be optimized in both personality and skillset to best assist you in your quest to gather AO Crystal currency and other resources.

Law of Friendship

Friendship is scarce in a world where monsters and other players with unpredictable loyalties can mean losing everything you’ve gathered in a sortie. Though you may lose equipment, materials, and even your Magus in a fight, your Magus is the only thing that will always find their way back to base with you.

Synduality Screenshot

The base is where you’ll spend most of your time when you’re not fighting beasts and scavenging for goods on the surface. Here, you’ll catch glimpses of your Magus doing yoga, tidying up – even dancing. Not only this, but they can offer guidance on how to build up your base to improve your facilities. With the proper resources, you can create a craft station to make equipment and materials without journeying to the surface, and a pit area to focus on your Cradlecoffin.

But to truly ascend beyond survival, one needs more than just weapons and crafting stations. At the base, you can spruce up your Magus with new outfits, and even improve their living quarters – upgrading an empty warehouse into a lavish kitchen, and even building a shiny new shower to help clean up after particularly rough missions. Your Magus may be contracted to stand by your side, but there’s no reason why you can’t reciprocate their friendship with some creature comforts.

Law of Growth

As you continue to sortie, your Magus will learn more about your playing style and the environment, offering insightful advice on which enemies may lurk in certain areas or let you know if that special resource you need to upgrade your base is lurking nearby. They’ll also give you analysis on and off the field –  filling your map with useful info as you explore more and even letting you know if that player in the distance has a history of taking out other players, so heed their advice because it might just save you!

Synduality Screenshot

Ruled by these Three Laws of the Magi, your Magus will assist you in every step of your way to rising in the world of Synduality Echo of Ada and with the Ultimate Edition, you’ll also get 7 days early access and one more exclusive Magus type – Mystere from the anime Synduality Noir! Unlike the others, she’s got a bit of a rougher personality, but her cool demeanor can help you in the heat of battle. Be sure to pre-order the Ultimate Edition today!

Synduality Echo of Ada arrives January 23, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S.

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