What do Greek Heroes do After Death? Find out Now in Achilles: Survivor
Weronika “Roni” Jaszcz, Community Manager, Dark Point Games
Summary
Fight, build, die, evolve your godly powers, die again.
A fast-paced roguelite set in Ancient Greece.
Play it now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
Imagine this:you’re enjoying a peaceful day in Ancient Greece. You’ve spent your entire life fighting, your name is known across the land… and then someone stabs you in the heel.
It can happen to anyone.
But what do you do next? Retire? Rest? Reflect?
Achilles didn’t get the memo.
At the end of Achilles: Legends Untold, our hero landed in Tartarus. But instead of staying dead like a sensible person, he decided to get out and pick another fight – this time with Hades’ entire army. No peace. No pension. Instead, he charges into wave after wave of skeletons, spiders, and explosive plant-things that would ruin even the nicest afterlife brochure.
If you ask Achilles about his favourite pastime, the answer is obvious: he fights.
He’s quite happy in this game, because your main job is to battle through swarms of mythological enemies using your weapon, four power slots, and a bit of luck.
Prometheus, on the other hand, would prefer to sit this one out. Paris does his best to stay out of trouble (with mixed results). And Brontes… Brontes smashes and asks questions never.
Every hero in Achilles: Survivor handles retirement a little differently. As you progress, you’ll unlock familiar faces like Hector, Steropes, and Agamemnon – each with a unique signature power, talent, starting stats, and a class-specific passive tree. Whether you enjoy magical chaos, structure-based control, or old-school brute force, you’ll find a Survivor who fits.
Feel free to experiment – some powers are safer early on, while others really shine in the late game (looking at you, Pythia). My advice? Focus on upgrading one power early. The stronger your foundation, the better chance you’ll have of surviving the growing onslaught.
At higher levels, you’ll unlock powerful transformations in the Forge, which evolve your core abilities into something deadlier. Take Phalanx, for example: his venomous spikes stick around longer and spread across multiple rows, turning chokepoints into death traps.
Treat Your Build Like a Phalanx.
Your main power is the spear at the front – strong, direct, and always advancing. But without coverage on the sides or back, one bad flank and you’re done. If your main power is using close-range attacks, pair them with powers that control space around you or hit enemies from a distance. You don’t need a perfect set of upgrades – just one that holds the line.
And if you’re struggling with frontal powers, like Prometheus’ Fire Breath? Run in circles. Seriously. It might look ridiculous, but you’ll gain great AoE coverage!
Speaking of Foundations…
Combat is only half the story. The other half? Building.
During each run, you’ll gather stone – a resource used to place structures across the map. Flame turrets, traps, healing shrines… and yes, a Trojan horse that spawns backup. Structures are vital for your survival. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or had no luck with upgrades, they’re here to bail you out.
One of my favorite tactics? Luring enemies into a triangle of flame towers and enjoying the views. It’s oddly peaceful.
A lot of players forget that structures also grant passive bonuses. If you’re running a status-focused hero like Tantalus, placing a few Ominous Visages can give a solid boost to your poison damage without you having to change anything else in your build. Keep an eye on map objectives (like “Get X armour” or “Get Y amount of Luck” – placing the right structure can complete a side task for you.
And when in doubt? Especially on the first few maps, just spam flame turrets. They will do a lot of heavy lifting for you.
(P.S. This section was definitely not sponsored by Diomedes, king of Argos, said to have built at least ten cities before he died.)
Dying is a Feature Too
Be careful. It’s a roguelite, so nothing is permanent (except maybe the pain). Stone runs out, and structures fall under the waves of enemies. You don’t want them to be destroyed before you kill the boss.
Because you know what happens next?
You’ll see this screen a lot…
But here’s the good news: death is how you get stronger. Gods look favourably at your defeats. Or maybe they’re just bored.
Each run earns you resources that go into meta progression – general and class specific upgrades that stay with you no matter how many times you die. You’ll also unlock new Survivors, buildings, game modes, and more by completing achievements and in-game challenges.
It’s all part of your journey. You shouldn’t be gone for ten years, but some runs might feel like it.
Start Your Afterlife Adventure
To sum up, what do Greek heroes do after death?
They build flame towers. Dodge very unfriendly plants. Complain to the gods about exploding spiders, then ask them for more power to defeat said spiders.
As you can see, it’s not an easy feat: (after)life of a Greek hero. But whether you’re a roguelite veteran or just looking for some action to relax after another day at work, Achilles: Survivor has more enemies than the entire Trojan War.
Achilles: Survivor is a fast-paced, single-player bullet heaven set in Ancient Greece. Play as Achilles – or one of the legendary souls freed from Tartarus – and face relentless waves of enemies. Build deadly structures, evolve your powers, and grow stronger with every run. Defeat your enemies… or die trying.
Are you ready for battle?
DEFEAT YOUR ENEMIES… OR DIE TRYING
Achilles has never faced monsters like this – and now it’s your turn. Dive into chaotic, action-packed runs and hold your ground against relentless waves of enemies. Pick from dozens of powers and transform them mid-run in the Forge.
The deeper you go, the tougher it gets. No two runs are the same – and surviving means adapting fast.
BUILD LIKE A STRATEGOS
Drop flame turrets, raise healing shrines, or summon Myrmidons to fight at your side. Unlike other survivor-likes, your best weapon might be the map itself. Structures aren’t just defenses – they’re tactical tools for crowd control, sustain, and damage that can turn the tide of battle.
But remember – your resources are limited.
Build smart, and you’ll live longer.
WIELD THE MIGHT OF LEGENDARY HEROES
Achilles made a bit of a mess escaping Tartarus. Now the world’s crawling with souls that shouldn’t be here – and you’re one of them.
Unlock and master a growing roster of heroes, each with a unique playstyle and signature power. From Achilles’ raw melee strength to Paris’ precise shots, Pythia’s devastating magic, or Brontes’ brute force – these are just a few of the heroes you can discover in the game.
SURVIVE THE TRIALS OF THE OVERLORDS
Every region throws new horrors at you – venomous beasts, relentless ranged attackers, and bosses that won’t give you a second chance. Learn their patterns, adapt your build, and survive escalating waves until it’s time to face an Overlord.
These bosses don’t wait for you to get ready – they’ll punish weak strategies and reward smart structure placement.
GET STRONGER WITH EVERY RUN
Death isn’t failure – it’s part of your path. Complete challenges to unlock new characters, earn treasures and Favors, and improve your stats with long-term upgrades.
The further you push, the more power you bring into your next run.
EXPLORE ANCIENT GREECE
Return to the world of Achilles: Legends Untold and slay them all!
Battle across mythical arenas drawn from Greek legend, such as Troy and the sun-scorched coasts of Greece. Each map features unique objectives, building zones, and mythological threats waiting to be conquered.
Special thanks… to YOU
We’re a small team making the kind of games we love to play – and they wouldn’t be the same without your feedback.
We’re adding new content, improving systems, and optimizing performance with every update. Got suggestions, questions, or a wild build to show off? Join our Discord or drop us a message – we’re always listening.
Cook Serve Forever Launches with a Banger Soundtrack and Celebrity Voice Actors
Nicholas Kraak, Narrative Lead/Writer, Vertigo Gaming
Cook Serve Forever is a brand new, story-rich cooking adventure from the creators of Cook, Serve, Delicious.
You play as Nori Kaga, a food cart chef who dreams of making it big like her role model, the Culinary Queen, Chef Rhubarb. Nori leads a pretty simple life, serving food to the locals of her small town, Moraine. But when she finds out the once-in-a-decade cooking event, the Couteau d’Or, is happening in the neighbouring city of Helianthus, Nori sets out on a quest for greatness. Her idol Chef Rhubarb might be the only three-star chef in history, but maybe Nori could be the second?
As you travel from your small hometown of Moraine to the futuristic solarpunk city of Helianthus, you’ll cook over 80 foods and skilfully master more than 400 recipes.
Your quest for culinary greatness will take you and your food cart to over 50 locations throughout the city of Helianthus. Each location has its own menu and set of cooking objectives. For instance, you’ll serve pizza to burnt-out game developers at a video game studio, and old-timey eats at the city’s historic district. Some locations will force you to prioritize speed, others accuracy, and some locations will see you apprehend criminals (no, really). After all, if you want to be the best chef of all time, you’re going to need a wide range of skills.
Throughout the game, you’ll encounter friends and foes. Cook Serve Forever features a fully voiced narrative and includes voice work by Elspeth Eastman (League of Legends), SungWon Cho (ProZD) and Broden Kelly (Aunty Donna).
The game also includes over two hours of original music by award winning composer Jonathan Geer. The soundtrack hooks into the game’s narrative in some interesting ways. For instance, your partner Brie is a musician, and throughout the game you get to hear her composing a song, with the song growing and changing throughout the story. Jonathan was adamant on using a range of real instruments for Cook Serve Forever, and in total a dozen different musicians contributed to the game’s soundtrack.
Vaulting ambition and perfection are big themes of the game’s narrative and gameplay. In each location you have two goals – an easier one and a harder one – and completing them sees you earn stickers. During the testing process, we found players became obsessed with collecting all the stickers, so we created a cookbook to show off your progress.
The cookbook is also a way to show off your Blitz challenge-mode medals and other achievements.
But That’s Not All…
Over 80 Foods and 400 recipes.
Easy to learn, hard to master gameplay, perfect for casual and hardcore players alike.
An emotionally rich story full of mystery, love and ambition.
A sticker collection to track your progress and tease your inner perfectionist.
We’re so excited to see Xbox players explore the wonderful world of food in Cook Serve Forever. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Chop, stir, and sauté your way through the bustling solarpunk city of Helianthus. You play as Nori Kaga, a food cart chef aspiring to make it big like her role model, the Culinary Queen, Chef Rhubarb.
“Cook Serve Forever” is a brand new, story-rich cooking adventure from the creators of “Cook, Serve, Delicious!”
Features Include:
• Over 80 Foods and 400 recipes!
• 50 locations to master!
• 30 fully-voiced characters to meet – some friends, some foes!
• Easy to learn, hard to master gameplay, perfect for casual and expert players alike!
• An amazing soundtrack by award-winning composer Jonathan Geer!
• An emotionally rich story full of mystery, love and ambition!
To understand Mafia: The Old Country, you have to understand that this is a project concerned with looking back. It looks back, with deep research, at the very birth of the idea of the Mafia itself. It looks back, with real reverence, at the series it’s a part of. Hell, even its setting – the areas surrounding San Celeste, a Sicilian town at the turn of the 20th Century – is a callback to the opening mission of Mafia 2. But it takes those nostalgic ideas, and gives us a look forward at what Mafia can be in a modern gaming landscape.
Having played three hours of the game, it’s a fascinating exercise in marrying what players expect from a modern third-person narrative action game with what they loved about a series that began more than two decades ago. Key to that is, yes, there is a gorgeously realized Sicilian countryside for players to immerse themselves in, but this is not an open world game as we’ve come to expect it.
“The formula we’ve chosen to follow for Mafia: The Old Country is much more similar to that of Mafia 1 and Mafia 2,” explains Game Director, Alex Cox. “There is a world to explore, but it’s a backdrop to the story, it’s not the focus. It’s not an open world game in a conventional sense. The world is there to kind of provide an immersive environment for the story to take place.
“But we wanted something new and fresh as well. For us this game is the start of a new generation of Mafia games. We’re not in hock to nostalgia, we’re not bound by the rules of the past.”
You’ll feel that right away. In your typical game, gameplay leads story – you’ll know the familiar feeling of walking into a room that feels suspiciously like a shooting gallery, or up to a device that definitely contains a puzzle. But in Mafia: The Old Country, story always takes the lead. In my time with the game, I never walked into a firefight, stealth section, car race, or horse ride that didn’t have a reason to be there.
It all serves a story that follows the same balance of old and new. Taken in one sense, this is a deeply nostalgic mob tale – we follow our main character, Enzo, over the course of years, dipping into the key moments of his transformation from a miner to a made man, meeting the unpredictable Don Torrisi, his noble enforcer Luca, and his wayward nephew Cesare.
But there’s much here that isn’t familiar – the Mafia was treated more like a secret society than a criminal business at this time in history, and that plays out fascinatingly as you wander the Sicilian countryside to collect protection money, take down camps of brigands, and indulge in the pleasures the accompanying loot brings you.
Even more unusually, there’s also a true love story built into the mix. Enzo falls for the Don’s daughter, Isabella, and we see their forbidden romance bloom in a way few games would make space for.
“There are topics that I don’t think [have been covered] in a video game before,” enthuses Cox. “Real stuff that affects real people everyday, not in video games. We used cinema and prestige TV as a benchmark for us in terms of the quality of where we want to get to from terms of our storytelling.”
The premium that Hangar 13 have placed on storytelling means that this is truly Enzo’s tale, not a straightforward player fantasy. Yes, there’s a gorgeous, Unreal Engine-powered Sicily arrayed around you and, yes, you can explore it between missions – but this game wants to make the way you travel through that world feel believable. When Enzo has a goal, you’re not able to deviate in a way that wouldn’t be true to life.
It gives a sense of cinematic pace to what can be a very freeform genre. There are times during my playthrough where I’m simply on a pleasant horseback ride with Isabella – no emergent shootouts, no distractions, other than the landscape stretching to the sea. You’re playing a story, not a sandbox.
But when the action does become earned, there’s a lot to play with here. Don’t mistake The Old Country’s restraint for a lack of ambition – there’s a lot of classic gameplay thinking here, it’s more that the delivery feels different to what we’ve come to expect.
The game oscillates smoothly from character building to energetic bursts of pure gameplay. In an early mission, as Enzo learns the ropes, I’m sent to recover a seized shipment of whiskey, and it transforms into a stealth game as I creep through a police station storehouse, distracting guards, stashing knocked-out threats in hiding places, and making out without raising the alarm.
In a later mission, Enzo and Cesare take a joyride in a car around Roman ruins, before Isabella’s kidnapped and a full firefight breaks out – and the game suddenly becomes a surprisingly exacting cover shooter, and subsequently becomes a car chase, then a horse chase, and then an infiltration of the kidnappers’ camp.
Most impressive is when it combines multiple ideas in a single sequence. Eventually, Enzo is trusted enough to take the lead when a local businessman needs to be… made an example of. First, I’m able to visit the Don’s weapons dealer, and introduced to an extensive variety of weapon types and optional combat systems (take it from me, being able to use a throwing knife for stealth takedowns is great). From there, I need to pick my own way into a mansion’s grounds, taking a more lethal approach to stealth than previously – until I overreach and it seamlessly becomes an all-out gunfight, and then an on-foot chase scene back through the grounds when my target escapes.
But all of the above ties directly back to the story of Enzo himself – we learn about the character through what he does, and each scene has repercussions on those around him. None of this feels throwaway.
It’s a style that Hangar 13 believes in enough to say that this isn’t an experiment, it’s a full-blown direction for the series. “We’re putting a marker out there as to where the quality of our narrative and cinematic presentation sit – and that is something which is kind of a new benchmark for the series,” says Cox. The plan, from here, is to use this style to tell more epic stories from across the Mafia timeline – all still standalone enough to feel fresh, but with events rippling from one game to another, rewarding fans for returning.
Unlike most developers, for Hangar 13 it’s less about finding new gameplay mechanics and more about finding new stories that can stand as proudly as this one. “When we think about these epic, multi-generational crime narratives [from film and literature] – that’s how we want the franchise to be,” concludes Cox. “The feeling that there’s many stories told within this universe that overlap with one another. If we can make that the experience of playing Mafia games, I think we’ll be successful in the future.”
Mafia: The Old Country comes to Xbox Series X|S on Friday, August 8.Game Pass Ultimate members who purchase the game will be able to stream it with cloud gaming on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox PC and compatible smart TVs.
Pre-order Mafia: The Old Country Standard Edition or Deluxe Edition to receive the Soldato Pack featuring distinctive cosmetics and a helpful Charm.*
Mafia: The Old Country Deluxe Edition lets you descend into Sicily’s criminal underworld in true mafioso style with a variety of bonus items for your collection.
Deluxe Edition includes:
• Full base game
• Padrino Pack
– “Lupara Speciale” Shotgun
– “Vendetti Speciale” Pistol
– “Immortale” Charm
– “Padrino” Outfit
– “Stiletto Speciale” Knife
– “Eckhart Speciale” Limousine
– “Cosimo” Horse and Accessories
• Gatto Nero Pack
– “Bodeo Nero” Pistol
– “Velocità” Charm
– “Gatto Nero” Outfit
– “Carozella Nero” Race Car
• Bonus materials
– Digital Art Book
– Original Score
Uncover the origins of organized crime in Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily. Fight to survive as Enzo Favara and prove your worth to the Family in this immersive third-person action-adventure set during a dangerous, unforgiving era.
Enzo will do anything for a better life. After a brutal childhood of forced labor, he’s ready to risk everything to become a man of honor in the Torrisi crime family.
His oath to the Mafia, with all the power, temptation, and hardship it entails, is a burning reminder of this simple truth:
Family Takes Sacrifice.
This thrilling narrative is brought to life by stunning visuals, cinematic storytelling, and the authentic realism that the critically acclaimed Mafia series is known for. Enzo’s story unfolds in a time when skill with a stiletto blade was a deadly asset, a lupara sawed-off shotgun was a go-to firearm, murderous vendettas raged for decades, and mafiosi patrolled their protection rackets on foot, horseback, or behind the wheel of turn-of-the-century motorcars.
UNCOVER A MERCILESS WORLD OF ORGANIZED CRIME
The rough-hewn beauty of Sicily’s rugged countryside is a stark contrast to the grime of urban alleyways—but the treachery and violence of this gangland run just as deep. Rival families and their ruthless leaders wage unending turf wars in the shadows, hidden from the public eye. Trust is a fleeting rarity, and loyalties are worth killing for.
PLAY A CLASSIC MOB MOVIE
You’re the antihero of this thrilling 1900s story, living out every tense moment of Enzo’s descent into Sicily’s clandestine criminal underworld. Come face-to-face with a cast of unpredictable allies and cutthroat enemies in this classic crime drama, rich in period-authentic details that will immerse you in this treacherous Mediterranean setting.
FIGHT TO SURVIVE
Engage in life-or-death combat, be it up close with a blade or from afar with a variety of firearms. Ambush enemies for vicious stealth takedowns, or slice them up in close-quarters duels. If you prefer firearms, wield period-authentic handguns, rifles, and shotguns to overcome any odds and doggedly eliminate the Don’s enemies.
TRAVEL IN AUTHENTIC STYLE
Traverse a wide range of Sicilian environments, from underground crypts and crumbling ruins to bountiful vineyards and ornate opera houses. To reach your next target or make a hurried getaway, you’ll need to gallop on horseback across cobbled streets and open fields, or speed down dirt roads in authentic turn-of-the-century automobiles.
*Pre-order offer available for Mafia: The Old Country Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition until launch. Internet connection required to redeem bonus content. Items will be automatically entitled in-game at launch. Terms apply.
Purchase grants a license to the digital product subject to the Terms of Service (“ToS”) and Privacy Policy in game and at www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy. Access to special/bonus/online features, content, services, or functions (“Special Features”), may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or online account registration (minimum age varies). Special Features may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms in accordance with the ToS. See https://bit.ly/2K-Online-Services-Status for availability of certain Special Features. Violation of the ToS may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account.
Pre-order Mafia: The Old Country Standard Edition or Deluxe Edition to receive the Soldato Pack featuring distinctive cosmetics and a helpful Charm.*
Uncover the origins of organized crime in Mafia: The Old Country, a gritty mob story set in the brutal underworld of 1900s Sicily. Fight to survive as Enzo Favara and prove your worth to the Family in this immersive third-person action-adventure set during a dangerous, unforgiving era.
Enzo will do anything for a better life. After a brutal childhood of forced labor, he’s ready to risk everything to become a man of honor in the Torrisi crime family.
His oath to the Mafia, with all the power, temptation, and hardship it entails, is a burning reminder of this simple truth:
Family Takes Sacrifice.
This thrilling narrative is brought to life by stunning visuals, cinematic storytelling, and the authentic realism that the critically acclaimed Mafia series is known for. Enzo’s story unfolds in a time when skill with a stiletto blade was a deadly asset, a lupara sawed-off shotgun was a go-to firearm, murderous vendettas raged for decades, and mafiosi patrolled their protection rackets on foot, horseback, or behind the wheel of turn-of-the-century motorcars.
UNCOVER A MERCILESS WORLD OF ORGANIZED CRIME
The rough-hewn beauty of Sicily’s rugged countryside is a stark contrast to the grime of urban alleyways—but the treachery and violence of this gangland run just as deep. Rival families and their ruthless leaders wage unending turf wars in the shadows, hidden from the public eye. Trust is a fleeting rarity, and loyalties are worth killing for.
PLAY A CLASSIC MOB MOVIE
You’re the antihero of this thrilling 1900s story, living out every tense moment of Enzo’s descent into Sicily’s clandestine criminal underworld. Come face-to-face with a cast of unpredictable allies and cutthroat enemies in this classic crime drama, rich in period-authentic details that will immerse you in this treacherous Mediterranean setting.
FIGHT TO SURVIVE
Engage in life-or-death combat, be it up close with a blade or from afar with a variety of firearms. Ambush enemies for vicious stealth takedowns, or slice them up in close-quarters duels. If you prefer firearms, wield period-authentic handguns, rifles, and shotguns to overcome any odds and doggedly eliminate the Don’s enemies.
TRAVEL IN AUTHENTIC STYLE
Traverse a wide range of Sicilian environments, from underground crypts and crumbling ruins to bountiful vineyards and ornate opera houses. To reach your next target or make a hurried getaway, you’ll need to gallop on horseback across cobbled streets and open fields, or speed down dirt roads in authentic turn-of-the-century automobiles.
*Pre-order offer available for Mafia: The Old Country Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition until launch. Internet connection required to redeem bonus content. Items will be automatically entitled in-game at launch. Terms apply.
Purchase grants a license to the digital product subject to the Terms of Service (“ToS”) and Privacy Policy in game and at www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy. Access to special/bonus/online features, content, services, or functions (“Special Features”), may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or online account registration (minimum age varies). Special Features may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms in accordance with the ToS. See https://bit.ly/2K-Online-Services-Status for availability of certain Special Features. Violation of the ToS may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account.
Games for Your Summer Escape: Indie Selects for July 2025
Raymond Estrada, Steven Allen, Joe Olk, Oscar Polanco, Deron MannID@Xbox Travel Agents
Summer is a fun time for a great vacation. Whether you’re flying solo to disconnect or trekking a full minivan full of your favorite people, you’re likely looking for a change of scenery this month. But what if you can’t get away in real life? Well, you’re in luck because the ID@Xbox team has handpicked six Indie Select titles for July that could be your ideal getaway.
We can get you booked for a luxury vacation planet that might have a slight robot revolt to contend with. We have some incredible views on our island-hopping city building packages. What about a stay in the wintery North American wilderness filled with hired guns for some therapeutic guerilla warfare? Nothing says family like jumping into a random portal in New York City with three of your closest people to rescue your rodent father figure. If you prefer to manage your vacation more precisely, how about a trip to the theater where you choose the outcomes of everyone involved? Otherwise, a staycation can be filled with romance where you least expect it.
Act now and book our Monthly Selects for your latest dream destination. Here’s what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):
The latest game from Strange Scaffold is a shortform covert revenge thriller FPS. However, more specifically, it’s the video game equivalent of yelling “I’m fine!” while sprinting through a dense forest full of laser tripwires and heavily armed guards. You play as Agent Alphonse Harding—a man with a past, a knife, and a serious grudge. Once a top-tier assassin, Harding’s been living off-grid in a frozen forest, trying to forget the things he’s done. But when his old handler, Burkin, shows up with the classic “one last job,” Harding refuses. Bad move. Burkin retaliates. Worse move.
Harding “snaps”—his word, not mine—and what follows is a comic-book-style rampage of sweet rebellion and stylish vengeance. The game doesn’t ease you in—it kicks down the door, hands you a blade, and says, “Figure it out.” And honestly? I loved every second of it.
The mechanics are tight, fast, and unforgiving in the best way. Every level is a high-speed puzzle of movement and timing. One of my proudest moments? Sliding under a laser, catching a guard off-guard (pun intended), flinging their weapon into another enemy’s face—then catching it mid-air and using it to shoot a third. It felt like I was auditioning for an action movie no one asked for, but everyone would absolutely watch.
But what really surprised me was the emotional weight behind the chaos. Between the synth-heavy soundtrack and the stylized carnage, there’s a surprising amount of heart—thanks in large part to the stellar voice acting. Harding’s narration is delivered in a gravelly, deadpan tone that somehow manages to be both hilarious and quietly devastating. There’s a heaviness behind every line, like he’s not just angry—he’s tired of being angry. After one particularly brutal encounter, he mutters, “I’m not angry. I’m just disappointed… in everyone.” It’s absurd, yes—but it hits.
If you’re into games like Superhot or Ghostrunner, and you enjoy feeling like a one-person demolition crew with a flair for the dramatic, I Am Your Beast is your next obsession. Just don’t be surprised if you start narrating your grocery runs in a gravelly voice. – Steven Allen
Hunt the military-industrial complex across stylish comic book micro-sandboxes in this fast-paced covert revenge thriller FPS from the developers of El Paso, Elsewhere.
We’ve all been lonely, but have you ever been lonely enough to date your coffee table? Well, to be precise you’re dating the “concept of a table” – there’s a difference, trust me. On the surface, Date Everything! is a quirky dating simulator where each object in your house has a distinct and lively personality, but it only takes a few minutes in the intro to realize something else entirely is going on, something sinister and corporate. Your contacts in the human world seem more disembodied than the inanimate objects you’re beginning to form bonds with and, believe me, that’s entirely the point.
As the protagonist your goal is not simply to discover how to get your bed into bed (a thought that is absolutely 100% part of it), but to unravel the complex nature of the personalities around you, to truly understand the situation and world you exist within. And that’s what makes Date Everything! so incredibly compelling; the characters that exist within it are so rich, and the world so filled with loose threads just begging to be pulled. By doing so, you are rewarded with strange tales and lovely bits of steamy dialogue written so pitch perfectly and delivered by an absolutely stunning cast of voice actors.
That is the gasoline that fills the engine of the game’s loop. The engine itself is simple and effective; you wake up each morning and have a limited amount of battery life to talk with objects around your house, all the while receiving curious and sometimes desperate messages from your human contacts over your phone. You repeat this process, and a puzzle begins to form in front of your very eyes, each piece slotting into place but opening another space for yet another piece to fit. It is a sprawling tangle of emotions and personalities all caught within the walls of a house, while you glance suspiciously at the outside world.
So go ahead, I beg of you, learn about your lamp’s burgeoning streaming / influencer business and your fridge’s ice cream restaurant; and remember to treat them well, because objects are people too. – Joe Olk
Date Everything! brings an exciting new twist on the dating simulator genre.
Your BFA in customer service unfortunately goes to waste as you lose your job to AI. But… a mysterious stranger sends a gift – magical glasses called ‘Dateviators’ – which make your house come alive and dateable!
Each dateable object will open up, have their own stories and potentially become your lovers, friends, or enemies. With an exhaustive Who’s Who of voice actors keeping you company on your journey!
Features:
• 100 Datable Characters
• Fully Voice Acted
• Branching Narratives
• At Least 3 Endings Per Dateable Character
• Puns Galore!
Robots at Midnight is a retro-futuristic, soulslike action-RPG that combines storytelling with atmospheric worldbuilding and skill-based combat. You play as Zoe, a stowaway onboard her father Michael’s spaceship orbiting their home planet Yob, a luxury vacation world. When a sudden emergency breaks out and the ship’s robotic crew turns hostile, Zoe, believing she’s the only human left, sets out with her robot companion Phlite to find an escape capsule. Along the way, she discovers the Mobile Impulse Traversal Technology (MITT), a relic of the Space Walkers used for space exploration. The gauntlet-like device adds depth to combat and exploration, granting Zoe a booster dash, overcharged punches, and charged energy shots.
After a chaotic battle and multiple turns of events, you arrive on Yob, where the tone shifts. Once a beautiful, idyllic place, it’s now lonely and in ruins. From there, the game unfolds into a carefully crafted narrative full of secrets and eccentric, yet endearing, characters. What I love most is how the game pulls you in emotionally through small, quiet moments. Conversations with forgotten robots, the haunting stillness of abandoned places, and Zoe’s unwavering hope all create a world that feels deeply personal. You feel invested in helping her get the answers to the mysteries.
The story is layered but not convoluted, with each encounter, memory fragment, and clue feeling purposeful. You’re not just hacking through enemies; you’re uncovering questions left unanswered. What drove the machines to revolt? Where is her father, and why was he spared?
The sound design amplifies the tension with retro synths that echo isolation, wonder, and occasional dread. The world feels both abandoned and alive, and every interaction – whether it’s an offbeat robot or a strange remnant of the past – adds personality to the setting. The soulslike combat is never punishing; there’s a rhythm to each encounter that rewards patience and creativity, especially as you unlock new abilities and uncover new layers of the MITT’s potential.
If you’re drawn to story-driven RPGs with atmospheric exploration, strong companions, and combat that complements rather than overshadows the narrative, Robots at Midnight is one to watch. It’s a haunting and heartfelt journey that asks you to think, feel, and fight with just one warning: be sure to be home before midnight… – Oscar Polanco
Robots at Midnight is a retro-futuristic Action RPG set on the planet Yob, a world left in ruins and haunted by the machines once built to serve it.
After twenty years in cryo-sleep, Zoe wakes to find a world she barely recognizes. To survive and to save what’s left, she must track down her missing father, lost during the cataclysmic event known only as The Blackout. Along the way, she’ll take on gangs of corrupted robots, confront towering bosses, and uncover long-buried truths about Yob.
Just be home before midnight.
[Combat with Fluid Movement]
The MITT is a powerful piece of old-world tech made for Space exploration, now repurposed for survival. Launch off enemies, soar through the air, and smash through bots with momentum-based combat that keeps you constantly moving. Whether in battle or traversal, fast, fluid movement is your greatest weapon. Find your rhythm. Sharpen your skills. Discover what you’re really made of.
[Choose Your Challenge]
Whether you’re new to action RPGs or a seasoned fighter, Robots at Midnight adapts to your playstyle. Hero Mode offers a more forgiving, story-driven experience, while Master Mode pushes your reflexes and tactics to the edge with high-stakes combat.
Whichever path you choose, prepare for a fight.
[Explore and Uncover Hidden Lore]
Waking up on a ruined planet isn’t the hard part, figuring out what happened is. Step into Zoe’s sneakers and investigate the mystery behind Yob’s downfall. Discover lost technologies, unravel the threads of the past, and determine your place in a future that moved on without you.
Sometimes you just know before you even hit the start button when something is going to be your jam. The sequel to the critically acclaimed title that launched on Xbox back in 2021, Islanders: New Shores is a calm, welcoming, minimalist, island-hopping city builder that is, in my opinion, the ultimate stress relief. The core of the game is pretty straightforward: slowly build a small civilization on a procedurally generated island in the most efficient way possible, with a limited amount of buildings. When you build up enough points, you can move on to the next island whenever you’re ready. No big rush.
You collect points based on how you lay out your buildings. Certain buildings interact with aspects of the environment or other buildings in specific ways. Sawmills next to trees, bonus points. Seaweed farm set up next to a body of water, bonus points. City center next to other homes, bonus points. However, there are deductions to your points if certain buildings are next to elements that don’t gel.
The UI is not only very pretty, but very intuitive. There’s a lot of trial and error, but there’s no massive consequences for any errors. It was easy to pick up quickly and learn how to access the information I needed to make the right choices. Suddenly, you just keep going, earning more point tiers and landmarks as you start learning the synergies and, before you know it, you’re offered the chance to build a new civilization on a different island.
And when I say different, I mean different. The island types don’t just offer a color palette swap but completely different environments with different city builds. You can go from a warm tropical paradise to an aviary-focused island with a carrier pigeon network, to a barren rock surrounded by lava. Along the way you’ll unlock special boons that can create some powerful combos, allowing you to copy a building, gain a point multiplier, or shrink building sizes that can lead to a massive point gain. However, by the third or fourth island, you’ll start to feel the challenge of the higher point requirements and smaller landmasses. If the challenge starts to be more than you want to experience, don’t worry – you begin the game in High Score mode, but you can just as easily slide into Free Build mode allowing you to customize the island shape, size, climate and buildings at your whim.
This game feels like cross between a zen garden and roguelike, and I found myself up late at night with straining eyes saying to myself “just one more run.” It has such a chill and pleasing soundtrack and aesthetic that I found myself at peace. However, as simple as the game is, it’s not exactly easy either. Overall, there’s just something about finding that one pixel of space to create a crazy point bonus that is unreasonably satisfying. I’d recommend this for anyone that enjoys turn-based strategy and roguelikes, but just needs a night to chill out. I’ll be playing this for a while. – Raymond Estrada
The next chapter in the beloved minimalist city-building franchise is here. ISLANDERS: New Shores invites you back to a world of tranquil creativity, now reimagined with expanded gameplay, stunning visuals, and a host of fresh features that build on the charm of the original.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, prepare to explore, build, and strategise like never before.
Build Your Dream Cities Across 50 Unique Levels
Explore over 44 building types across 6 diverse biomes, each available in 4 vibrant colour variations, letting you customise your strategy and create truly unique cities.
Choose your mode of play; High Score Mode for those who love a competitive twist, or Sandbox Mode to let your creativity run wild.
Experience a World of New Features
Photo Mode – Capture and share your stunning island creations with customisable filters and a turntable camera.
Expanded Soundtrack – Enjoy 75 minutes of original music that sets the perfect mood for your building adventures.
Dynamic Scoring Systems – Master innovative scoring methods – such as line of sight, distance bonuses, and inter-island strategies – to enhance your gameplay.
Boons – Unlock single-use power-ups that give you unique tactical advantages as you progress.
Twitch Integration – Streamers can now engage their audiences directly with interactive features built into the game.
A Visual Overhaul That Elevates the Experience
With a complete reimagining of the minimalist aesthetic, ISLANDERS: New Shores delivers a visual feast that complements its deep, strategic gameplay. Whether you’re here to relax or to challenge your building skills, every new shore offers a fresh canvas for creativity.
Key Features
– Two modes: High Score and Sandbox (with separate saves)
– 44 unique building types and 7 island properties
– 50 dynamic island generators offering endless variety
– Photo Mode with filters and a turntable camera
– 75 minutes of original, immersive music
– Boons: new one-time power-ups for strategic gameplay
– Advanced scoring systems that reward clever tactics
– Twitch integration for an interactive streaming experience
ISLANDERS: New Shores – where every island is a new adventure, and every build is a chance to create something extraordinary.
Part-visual novel, part-puzzle adventure, Bad End Theater asks you to you make decisions for each of its characters, with every choice affecting everyone’s path through the story –, which all seemingly lead towards a bad ending. The ensemble for this tragedy includes the Hero, the Maiden, the Servant, and Demon Overlord, and the overall theme takes on morality, fate, and finding yourself despite the fear of what could happen. The game emphasizes replayability much like a roguelike –every mistake isn’t necessarily a failure, but a necessary choice that could unlock a new path.
When you start out, you’re asked to lead these 4 charcaters to their doom. You lead each of them through their storylines, making a few choices until they reach their horrible conclusion (usually, they die). After each run, you’ll unlock new traits that can alter their paths and lead them to dozens more bad endings. Each character has their own story and dilemma that intersects with each other character. A decision made for one character’s path can alter the direction of another character. You’ll constantly hop between each character, all seeing the same events, but from a unique perspective, which forces you to rethink character intentions, and what is ultimately the “right” choice.
As a kid, I loved “choose your own adventure books,” mainly because 90% of the endings were, “you chose poorly so they died.” But the point of those books was to illustrate how any of our choices can lead us astray from our true path. This game really illustrates this, as you will see your characters die a lot. However, as you continue your little experiment, you’ll learn more about the Bad End Theater and the bigger picture this game is ultimately painting. The game is a snack-sized experience in terms of length, but it’s a great snack to go back to again and again, offering 40 different endings. I highly recommend it to anyone that loves puzzles, as this is definitely a game that rewards curiosity and experimentation. – Raymond Estrada
Select your protagonist and explore a variety of terrible fates!
The decisions you make in one story will affect the others. You can toggle these behaviors to open up new paths! Unfortunately, every path leads to a bad ending…
This is what you get when you combine all the charm of an iconic franchise with the popular – and quite frankly, addictive – action-roguelike genre. Players will find the gameplay reminiscent of other roguelike favorites like Hades but with 1-4 player co-op and featuring the rich story and characters of the TMNT universe.
The game begins with Leonardo (my favorite turtle) getting ambushed by Foot Soldiers – a staple enemy to the Turtles and loyal grunts of the universe’s main antagonist, Shredder. However, after clearing these henchmen, you are faced with an unwinnable fight (either you’re supposed to lose or I’m bad… or both). You then learn that Shredder, or someone even darker than him, has not only kidnapped Master Splinter, but possesses some powerful, portal creating, world altering…thing, and it’s up to the gang to save their master and stop the mastermind behind this plot.
What I love most about it is how the developers retained key components of the genre, incorporated TMNT lore and design, and managed to make things feel fresh, fun and engaging. Fans of the franchise will appreciate seeing the Turtles’ hideout repurposed as the central hub for upgrades, pizza being the symbol for health pickups, the ability to unlock Casey Jones, fights against Leatherhead or Rocksteady, and your chats with April or Slash.
The developers even went as far as adding dialogue to in-run upgrades that are themed after other characters. There was a point where I chose an ability that was themed after Mikey, and Leo said something along the lines of “I hope it doesn’t come with the bad puns.” It’s classic Turtles and whether you’re a diehard fan or novice to that fandom, it’s charming to see and easy to appreciate – Ralph can get irritating sometimes, but that’s canon. – Deron Mann
Unleash Turtle Power!
Grab your friends, pick your favorite Turtle and jump into an adventure to save Master Splinter from the Foot Clan! Master ninja skills, unite in bodacious online and local co-op gameplay, and conquer iconic NYC locales.
Bodacious Co-Op Gameplay
Brace yourself for fast-paced, roguelike action where no two runs are the same. With randomized power-ups, room layouts, and boss modifiers, the excitement never ends. Take control of all four Turtles, each wielding unique powers, and team up with friends for bodacious co-op gameplay. Explore iconic NYC locations, upgrade your Turtle powers, and prepare to face off against formidable enemies.
Build Your Power
Master the powers of water and fire, utrom and ooze, light and darkness, and -most importantly- Ninja to create unique and bodacious builds for your Turtles. Every run brings new challenges and opportunities – explore and perfect your favorite builds, and combine them with allies to conquer your enemies.
A Thrilling Story
When Splinter is kidnapped by Shredder, mysterious portals appear across NYC and the Turtles will battle to recover their father from the clutches of the Foot Clan. However, an even greater threat lingers in the shadows…
With additional settings, balance and tuning enhancements for PC, Splintered Fate promises to keep you engaged in the FIGHT, ADAPT, REPEAT portal loop. Be ready to restore peace to the city!
It’s time to get shrunk, gear up, and enter Brookhollow Park in Grounded 2, out in Xbox Game Preview and Steam Early Access today. Grounded 2 takes us – and the first game’s cast of teenagers – to some brand-new bug-stomping grounds, and this world is bigger, denser, and holds many more secrets and stories to uncover than the Backyard we played in previously.
But if you haven’t played the first Grounded, don’t worry about things you may have missed. Grounded 2 is built to be a welcoming entry point for new players, and the best possible Grounded experience all round.
“Grounded 2 gave us a fresh start, a chance to rebuild the game from the ground up, push the world further, and finally introduce features like mounts, new biome structures, and a more narrative-driven experience,” says Chris Parker, Game Director on Grounded 2.
“The story begins fresh, and we’ve designed the world, tools, and pacing to be more approachable from the start. Whether you’re into survival systems, co-op gameplay, weird bugs, or just want to explore a wild suburban park with friends, this is the best way to experience what makes Grounded special.”
The park is full of sizeable perils for such tiny folk, but fear not, we’ve been in and among the weeds (literally) to bring you some top tips for getting started on your adventure in Grounded 2. Grab your Omni-Tool, and hop in.
Analyze Everything
Everything you’ll gather up in Grounded 2 has a use, and scanning items at a Resource Analyzer is the best way to find out what they do. Doing so also unlocks new crafting recipes, unveiling new creations that you can build with said component. Be sure to scan every new ingredient that you find before you use it; anything from plant resources to bug bits may reveal something super useful for your adventure, whether it’s a piece of furniture or powerful armor for those dangerous escapades (such as the possibility of a spider unceremoniously stomping through your base).
Get Armed
Even with only one section unlocked for Game Preview launch, Brookhollow Park is a vibrant, inviting space with nearly as much ground to explore as the entirety of the original Grounded– but danger will find you fast. Without the right tools, even a tiny pack of mites can catch you and leave you suffering.
Before you venture too far from your home base, be sure to craft some basic weapons – a crude Pebblet Spear will help you take down small bugs at first, but a bow for long range combat or a Warhammerlet for heavy stun attacks are also great options that can be crafted from easily accessible components. You’ll also want to make some armor as soon as possible – I quickly crafted the Red Ant armor set for some early game protection (sorry to the friendly ants) which gave me some much-needed confidence in working through missions and finding new supplies.
Bag Your Buggy
Exploring such a vast landscape on such little legs feels like a monumental feat, so we’d recommend working toward the questline that unlocks the Buggy – Grounded 2’s new insect mounts – a priority in your first hours. This can be a tough task to get through – you’ll need to do a fair bit of hunting for all of the right components, and the final part – securing a Red Ant Soldier Egg – means taking on a fair few powerful foes. Make sure you armor up, pack some strong weapons, and craft some healing items before venturing to go get it.
These mounts – starting with a strong Red Ant Soldier – are fresh additions in Grounded 2, and will help you swiftly traverse the park with ease. Not only that, but your Buggy pal can help you carry heavy items used for base building, support you in combat, and gobble up smaller items in bulk so you don’t have to dismount and slowly pick them up one by one. The Buggy makes all the difference when there’s so much to do and see, so be sure to get it as soon as possible.
Stay Supplied
With so much to do it’s easy to forget that Grounded 2 is a survival game, and the sudden need to eat and drink will creep up on you. Luckily, the park is teeming with edible wildlife, and building a Roasting Spit will let you cook bug parts you’ve harvested. Water can be found dotted around the park too, but we’d recommend crafting a Canteen at the workbench so you’ll always have a drink or two on hand. The recipe for the Canteen is unlocked by scanning Grub Hide, and Grubs are pretty easy to find and take down once you unlock the Omni-Tool shovel upgrade – you’ll often spot them rumbling around underground. Keep a few snacks on you at all times and an eye on those sustenance levels. Just don’t slurp the nasty water. Don’t do that.
Swot Up on Science
Upgrading your Omni-Tool – a new tool that combines the axe, shovel, hammer and wrench into one single, handy piece of equipment – will make survival much easier. To do that, you’ll need to earn Raw Science points, which can be primarily accumulated from scanning items at the Resource Analyzer, or completing Ranger Challenges which can be picked up at Ranger Stations dotted around Brookhollow Park. Raw Science points can be spent at these spots too – either to add additional skills to your faithful Omni-Tool, or at the Science Shop which lets you exchange Raw Science points for cooking recipes, building components, decorative pieces, and other useful upgrades.
We hope these tips are helpful, whether you’re getting shrunk again or preparing for your first adventure in Grounded’s large, tiny world.
Grounded 2 is available in Game Preview today for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, and Xbox Cloud, in Early Access on Steam, and with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. And with Xbox Play Anywhere, a single purchase lets you play with Xbox consoles and Xbox on PC with full cross-saves – at no additional cost.
Shrunk again, but the world is much larger. Survive a sprawling open world alone or in co-op with friends. Craft weapons, forge armor, and build bases while exploring the park on your trusty Buggy mounts. Unravel hidden mysteries and face unexpected threats. But something else is out there—and it hasn’t forgotten you.
Shrunk to the size of an ant, you’ll find once-familiar spaces turned into a sprawling, uncharted frontier. Survive alone or in co-op with friends, crafting weapons, forging armor, and building bases as you explore manmade playgrounds overgrown by nature. Traverse this new realm on trusty Buggy mounts—your capable allies—and uncover the mysteries lurking beneath bright colors and towering structures. But stay wary: something else is out there, and it hasn’t forgotten you.
Survive, Adapt, Overcome
The world is relentless, but so are you. Shape your adventure with unique archetypes, each offering distinct abilities to match your playstyle. Whether you rely on precision, cunning, or sheer strength, you’ll need every advantage to survive against the threats lurking in the park.
Stronger Together
The perils of the park are daunting alone, but with friends, every challenge becomes an adventure. Work together to build, fight, and uncover the secrets buried beneath the grass. Whether you’re facing danger side by side or continuing your journey in a shared world, survival is always better with allies.
Because Walking is Bogus
They scurry, they fight, and now—they help you survive. Hatch, raise, and ride your own insect friends – Buggies! Saddle up and traverse through the park, fight on them or alongside them in battle, or use them to gather resources and build your base. The right partner could mean the difference between thriving and barely surviving.
A Shadow That Follows You
The threat is always there—watching, learning, waiting. You don’t know where it’s coming from, only that it never leaves. The deeper you dig, the closer it gets. Some mysteries should stay buried, but it’s too late now. It knows you’re looking. And it’s ready. Every answer drags you deeper, every step invites something closer. You were never alone. You thought you were in control. You were wrong.
Age Verification in the UK and Xbox’s Ongoing Commitment to Player Safety
Kim KunesVice President of Gaming Trust & Safety, Xbox
At Xbox, we’re committed to providing players with a safe and secure experience on our platform. Since launching our first ever gaming console that could connect players online in 2005, we’ve continued to invest in state-of-the-art tools and technologies to protect the Xbox community. Over more than two decades of experience, we’ve developed a multifaceted safety, privacy, and security approach that features built-in safety measures, respects player privacy, and empowers players, parents, and caregivers to have control over their gaming experiences.
We frequently iterate on these safety measures in collaboration with our community, publishing partners, and industry regulators to ensure we’re providing our players with the safest possible experience. Beginning today, as part of our compliance program for the UK Online Safety Act and our ongoing investments in tools and technologies that help ensure age-appropriate experiences, players who indicate their account age as 18 and over, based in the UK, and signing into an Xbox experience with a Microsoft account will begin seeing notifications encouraging them to verify their age. This one-time process for players in the UK ensures we can continue to provide all players on our platform with age-appropriate experiences.
Starting early next year, age verification will be required for these players in the UK to retain full access to social features on Xbox, such as voice or text communication and game invites. Players who don’t verify their age between now and early 2026 can continue to play and enjoy Xbox. However, starting early next year, their use of social features on Xbox will become limited to friends only until they complete the age verification process. Whether a player verifies their age will not affect any previous purchases, entitlements, gameplay history, achievements, or the ability to play and purchase games, however we encourage players to verify their age via this one-time process now to avoid uninterrupted use of social features on Xbox in the future.
Adults in the UK can begin the age verification process now on their mobile device by scanning the QR code to then left, or by clicking this link: https://aka.ms/XboxUKAgeVerification
There are several easy and secure methods for age verification that players can choose from, including proof of government-issued ID, age estimation, mobile provider check, and credit card check. The information players provide during the age verification process is protected with industry-standard encryption and is not stored or used for any other purpose. Additional information about the age verification process, including step-by-step instructions, the options players have for verifying their age, and how player data is kept private and secure, is available at aka.ms/XboxUKAgeSupport.
The Future of Safety at Xbox Globally
As this age verification process rolls out across the UK, we’ll continue to evaluate how we can keep players around the world safe and learn from the UK process. We expect to roll out age verification processes to more regions in the future. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to player safety, so these methods may look different across regions and experiences. We’ll work with local communities, publishing partners and regulators to determine the right approach that both respects player privacy and doesn’t take away from the Xbox gameplay experience. We’ll continue to communicate the changes we’re making to our practices and the data we collect so we can better protect players on our platform.
Additional Resources
We encourage parents and caregivers of children or teens who use an Xbox console to set up child or teen accounts, which do not require age verification and allow them to manage gaming activities like screentime, spending limits, privacy and content settings, and more using the Xbox Family Settings app. You can learn more at www.xbox.com/en-US/family-hub or check out the Xbox Gaming Safety Toolkit to read more about how caregivers can support safer gaming.
For more information on Microsoft privacy, safety, and responsible gaming, please see the below list of resources:
Xbox July Update: More Ways to Play on PC – Stream Your Own Games via the Xbox PC App and More
Dean Shimabukuro, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Xbox Services Marketing
At Xbox, we’re always working to make your experience more meaningful, flexible and fun – wherever and however you choose to play. This month, we’re introducing new features in the Xbox PC app that bring that vision to life, giving you more ways to stay connected to your games and your progress.
These updates are part of a broader effort to make the Xbox experience on PC even better and bring more of what players love about Xbox into more places. Whether you’re streaming your own games, jumping back into the cloud, or earning rewards just for playing, it’s all about giving you more control, more flexibility, and more reasons to play your way.
Here’s what’s new:
Stream Your Own Games on PC Now you can stream over 250 games you already own directly through the Xbox PC app. No extra downloads or purchases. Just launch and play from your library.
Get Rewarded for Playing on the Xbox PC app Earn Microsoft Rewards points just by playing games on your PC. It’s a simple way to get more out of the time you already spend gaming.
Earlier this year, we rolled out the ability for Game Pass Ultimate members to stream their own games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, TVs, Meta Quest Headsets as well as other browser supported devices like PCs, smartphones and tablets. We are now bringing that same flexibility to the Xbox PC app!
Starting today, Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to stream over 250 select games they own beyond the Game Pass catalog with the Xbox PC app, in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is supported, including recently added game titles such as Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Mafia: Definitive Edition, The Callisto Protocol, and more.
With this feature (Stream your own game), players can save time, conserve hard drive space, and have greater flexibility in accessing their gaming library. Even better, this update includes console-only games that previously couldn’t be played with the Xbox PC app.
Just head to the Cloud Gaming section on the Xbox PC app, look for the Stream your own game list, choose a supported title you own, and start playing instantly. Learn more here.
Cross-Device Play History and Easier Access to Your Cloud-Playable Console Games on PC
In addition to being able to stream games you own on the Xbox PC app, we want to make playing Xbox games easier than ever across the Xbox platform. Xbox Insiders that are Game Pass Ultimate members have access to all cloud-playable games in their Xbox PC app library, including console-only games from the original Xbox through the Series X|S. Games that are either owned or available through Game Pass will all be in one place, so players can choose what and how they play. Also, Insiders can now preview their play history across devices, including on console and the Xbox PC app, displaying recently played games so players can pick up where they left off.
Rewards with Xbox – Get rewarded for playing games on the Xbox PC app
Keeping tabs on your weekly point bonuses just got easier! The Xbox PC app now includes a new feature that shows your progress toward rewards earned while you play.
This new feature is rolling out now in select markets for players ages 18 and older with a Microsoft account. Keep in mind that points must be claimed to be added to your Rewards points balance and that terms apply. To get started, open the Xbox PC app and check out the channel on the Home page. Start playing, track your progress, and rack up those points! Learn more about rewards with Xbox here.
In Case You Missed It
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition
We launched the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition on June 24, a headset fully equipped with everything players need to start playing with Xbox on a massive virtual display, right out of the box. It marks a celebration of Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on Quest, with its unique colorway and in-box accessories, but anyone with anin-market Quest, strong internet connection, and Xbox wireless controller (sold separately) can play Xbox games on a massive virtual screen.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Check availability for the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition online through the Best Buy (USA), Argos (UK), and EE (UK) websites.
This limited-edition bundle was also featured in a Supersized Livestream with the AMP crew, including Kai Cenat, that aired on July 1st. Watch the replay here.
Accessible Games Initiative
We launched Accessible Games Initiative tags across Xbox platforms, just in time for Disability Pride Month. Accessible Games Initiative tags are a standardized, cross-industry system for labeling accessibility features in video games, helping players quickly identify whether a game supports their specific accessibility needs.
Look out for Accessible Games Initiative tags marking specific accessibility features, like “Narrated Menus” or “Large & clear subtitles,” across console, PC, and mobile storefronts. They’re now visible across multiple customer-facing surfaces in the Xbox ecosystem, including on Xbox Consoles, the Xbox PC app, and on Xbox.com.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 introduced a new dynamic background for Xbox Series X|S consoles, because your background should be as rad as your gameplay.
To learn how to customize your Xbox Series X|S console by choosing a dynamic background, visit the Xbox Support page.
Game Additions
Xbox Play Anywhere – Buy once, play anywhere
With over 1,000 games now supporting Xbox Play Anywhere, players can seamlessly switch between PC, Xbox console, and supported handhelds at no additional cost. Your progress, including saves, game add-ons, and achievements, is carried over wherever the game is played. Simply log in with an Xbox account on any device to continue playing from where you left off.
100+ games have been released with this feature so far in 2025! In June, these games came into the Xbox Play Anywhere collection:
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3on3 FreeStyle
Candivity
Covenant of Solitude
Date Everything!
Dustwind: Resistance
FBC: Firebreak
Final Fantasy XVI
Forest Golf Planner
Freddy Farmer
I Am Your Beast
Keeper’s Toll
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die
Musical Vibes RX
Narcissus
Oirbo
Paper Bad
Pathfinders: Memories
Rematch
Robots at Midnight
Rollerdrome
SpotCat vs The Cheddar Mafia In The Americas
The Alters
Tropical Resort Story
Volcano Princess
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition
We’re continuing to add more games to the “Stream your own game” collection for Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Game Pass Ultimate members can stream from a library of over 250+ cloud playable games they own on supported devices, such as Assassin’s Creed Unity and PGA Tour 2K25.
Recently added:
Aragami 2
Assassin’s Creed III Remastered
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag
Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection
Assassin’s Creed Unity
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
Bramble: The Mountain King
EDENS ZERO
Flock
LEGO Batman
LEGO Batman 3 Beyond Gotham
LEGO CITY Undercover
LEGO Jurassic World
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers
LEGO WorldsMafia: Definitive Edition
Magical Delicacy
PGA Tour 2K25Saints Row
Saints Row 2
Saints Row IV Re-Elected
Saints Row The Third Remastered
SIGNALIS
Tchia
The Callisto Protocol
The Case of the Golden Idol
Coming soon:
Bassmaster Fishing 2022
Choo-Choo Charles
DEEEER Simulator Your Average Everyday Deer Game
F1 Manager 2023
F1 Manager 2024
Fae Farm
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Gigantic: Rampage Edition
Hole io
I Am Fish
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Mortal Shell
MX vs ATV All Out
MX vs ATV Legends
PICO PARK 2
RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business
Rubber Bandits
Rugby League 26
Solasta Crown of the Magister
Spelunky 2Streets of Rage 4
Tetris Effect Connected
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
Ultimate Custom Night
Visage
Wheel World
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty
Check out the full list of cloud-playable games available to stream on supported devices here. For more information, learn more here.
More games added to Retro Classics
We believe great games should never be left behind. That’s why Xbox and Antstream Arcade are bringing retro favorites to modern devices through Game Pass. With 1 million players already enjoying Retro Classics, here’s a look at the latest titles:
Caesar
Conquests of Camelot: The Search for the Grail
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
Hard Head
Okie Dokie
Skate Boardin’
Skeleton+
Game Pass members can keep an eye out for new weekly tournaments, community challenges and more games added from Activision and Blizzard, expanding the Retro Classics collection to more than 100+ titles over time. Click here for more information on Retro Classics.
Xbox adds mouse and keyboard and touch controls for more games
We support use of wired USB mice and keyboards for navigation in select games and apps, and for getting around on Xbox and Windows devices.
In addition, for Xbox players enjoying games on their mobile devices, Xbox touch controls are available for select games, allowing you to experience a different way to play – by touch and without a controller. Some games render their own controls in-game or supply custom control overlays, providing a more tailored experience for each game’s unique gameplay. Learn more about how you can set up and tailor your game’s touch controls here.
These titles became available this month:
Mouse and keyboard:
Police Simulator: Patrol Officers
Touch:
South of Midnight
For support on setting up devices, see here for more details.
Help Shape the Future of Xbox
Stay tuned to Xbox Wire for future updates and the latest and greatest Xbox news. For support related to Xbox updates, visit the official Xbox Support site.
We love hearing from the community, whether you have a suggestion for a new feature that you’d like to see added, or you want to give feedback on existing features that could use some improvement. We’re always looking for ways to improve Xbox experiences for players around the world. If you’d like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider Programtoday by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox Oneor Windows PC.
Xbox returns to gamescom with over 20 titles to play, including the first public hands-on opportunities for multiple games.
Play Hollow Knight: Silksong with a new demo – on PC or ROG Xbox Ally X.
The Xbox booth will also include a theater experience for The Outer Worlds 2.
For those who can’t attend, check out the official Xbox @ gamescom Broadcast: Live From the Showfloor on August 20 & 21.
We’re excited to return to gamescom in Cologne, Germany from August 20-24 to connect with our fans from all over the world.
This year, the Xbox booth will be full of fantastic upcoming games from Xbox and our incredible third-party partners coming to Xbox, PC, and Game Pass this Holiday and beyond – and yes, that includes Hollow Knight: Silksong. On top of that, there will be the first ever public opportunity to go hands-on with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, as well as other fun activities and photo opportunities. We’ll also deliver two days of broadcasts live from the show floor on August 20 and 21, join up with our amazing community for another FanFest, and more.
Keep reading for more details on everything we’ve got planned for gamescom 2025.
Xbox Booth
This year the Xbox booth will feature over 20 games from our first party studios and our amazing third-party partners – spread across more than 120 gaming stations – alongside photo opportunities and experiences.
Attendees will be able to go hands-on with some of our upcoming game releases and hardware, as well as experience updates to some of our most beloved franchises, including:
ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X – our two new handhelds crafted in collaboration with ASUS that combine the power of Xbox with the freedom you expect from Windows. Players can go hands-on with games including Hollow Knight: Silksong, Roblox, Sea of Thieves, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, with additional hands-on experiences with more games available at the ASUS ROG booth.
Grounded 2is heading to gamescom! Attendees can check out hands-on demos of the shrunken co-op survival adventure from Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos Montreal.
Ninja Gaiden 4: Gamescom attendees at the Xbox booth can get the first public hands-on with Ninja Gaiden 4, a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in a high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat
MachineGames, in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, is bringing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to gamescom in celebration of the upcoming story DLC, The Order of Giants. Attendees can play the base game on the showfloor, snap a themed photo, and step into the boots of Indy himself and attempt to find and piece together a mummified cat puzzle—a daily competition where the fastest participant wins a prize worthy of the adventurer. All activities and activations will be available at the Xbox booth starting Wednesday, August 20 through Sunday, August 24.
World’s Edge is heading back to Cologne for gamescom 2025, bringing with it the legendary worlds of Age of Empires and Age of Mythology: Retold. With a significant presence on the show floor, the studio will be showcasing the depth and diversity of the Age franchise, offering fans a fresh look at beloved titles and teasing a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the battlefield, there’s something epic in store for everyone.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introduces an exciting city update, a brand-new aircraft that many fans will recognize for use in the sim, and exciting and unique challenges for players to test their piloting skills.
We will also host an exclusive theater presentation of The Outer Worlds 2, the sequel to the award-winning first-person sci-fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. Step into Protectorate territory for an exclusive look inside the Tomb of the Matriarch—an opulent facility where history, loyalty, and propaganda intertwine. In this guided theater experience, witness how The Outer Worlds 2 explores a society that trades freedom for security, and reveres its founders with unsettling devotion.
From our third-party partners around the world, the Xbox booth will feature playable demos for:
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Borderlands 4
Onimusha: Way of The Sword
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
EA Sports FC 26
Aniimo
There Are No Ghosts at the Grand
PowerWash Simulator 2
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy XVI
Invincible VS
Super Meat Boy 3D
Cronos: The New Dawn
Mistfall Hunter
And we’ll have a couple more surprises at the show from our partners too.
You’ll be able to find us in Hall 7 of the Koelnmesse, North entrance. See below for the consumer show opening times:
Thursday, August 21 – 10am – 8pm CEST
Friday, August 22 – 10am – 8pm CEST
Saturday, August 23 – 9am – 8 pm CEST
Sunday, August 24 – 9am – 8pm CEST
World of Warcraft
gamescom 2025 will also see a celebration of the World of Warcraft community, unveiling the game’s next expansion, Midnight, with a dedicated booth in Hall 8. For the first time, players will be able to get their hands on the all-new Housing system. One of WoW’s most anticipated features ever, Housing will allow players to build, decorate and customize their own homes in Azeroth.
The booth will also feature a Community Stage with non-stop programming, including developer & creator meet & greets, esports competitions, cosplayers, and Midnight developer panels. The celebrations aren’t limited to the WoW booth, as the entire week kicks off with a World Premiere of the expansion’s opening cinematic during Opening Night Live on August 19, immediately followed by a special Midnight Expansion Reveal broadcast on the World of Warcraft YouTube and Twitch channels.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be revealed live on August 19 during Opening Night Live at gamescom. Get ready for epic twists, developer intel, and the official start of a bold new chapter in Black Ops history. Then tune into Call of Duty social channels after the show for even more exclusive content.
Xbox Play Anywhere @ gamescom
This year at gamescom, we’re thrilled to introduce the Xbox Digital Passport Quest – a fun and interactive way to explore each Xbox booth and get a chance to win exciting prizes from Xbox and our top partners including Amazon, Meta, LG, NVIDIA GeForce, and NVIDIA GeForce NOW. As attendees journey through the broader Xbox booth, they will complete activities that showcase the benefits of Xbox Play Anywhere – buy a game once and play across PC, Xbox console, and supported gaming handhelds – and the unbeatable value of Xbox Game Pass – hundreds of high-quality games on Xbox console, PC and cloud. At Gamescom we’re celebrating our commitment to let you play the games you want, with the people you want, anywhere you want.
Gaming for Everyone
We want everyone to be able to visit us in comfort and safety. As such, we are ensuring that all areas of the booth are wheelchair accessible, Xbox Adaptive Controllers will be available upon request, and there will be select demo stations with adjustable-height desks and monitors. Plus, we’ll have “Here to Help” staff to assist players of all abilities navigate our booth and game experiences.
Live from the Showfloor with our Broadcast Teams
For those who can’t make the trip to Cologne this year, we’ll be bringing the show to you with a broadcast live from the heart of the Xbox booth on Wednesday and Thursday. Join Xbox and friends for a deeper dive into some of the highly anticipated games at gamescom 2025 from our first party studio teams and partners around the world. We’re bringing you first-look gameplay, developer interviews, new trailers, updates, and more. We can’t wait to connect with fans across the globe and show off some of the amazing games coming soon to Xbox.
Wednesday, August 20
Xbox @ gamescom 2025 Broadcast
Start: 6am PT / 9am EDT / 2pm BST / 3pm CEST
Featuring the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, Grounded 2, Keeper, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and more.
Thursday, August 21
Xbox @ gamescom 2025 Broadcast
Start: 6am PT / 9am EDT / 2pm BST / 3pm CEST
Featuring Ninja Gaiden 4, Overwatch 2, The Outer Worlds 2, and more.
Keep an eye on Xbox Social channels for the full content schedule in the days leading up to gamescom.
The live English-language broadcast from Xbox’s gamescom booth will be available in Traditional Chinese, German, French, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese and Mexican Spanish, along with ASL and English Audio Descriptions. You can catch the Xbox @ gamescom Broadcast on regional Xbox channels on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and elsewhere.
Building on a successful tradition, Bethesda will once again bring gamescom directly to its global fanbase. The team will deliver three days of live broadcasts from the Xbox show floor in Cologne, beginning on Friday, August 22. Each daily show on twitch.tv/bethesda_de will feature developer interviews, game showcases, community segments, crafting highlights, and live IRL tours from the event.
Xbox FanFest
Xbox FanFest is turning 10—and we’re celebrating a decade of unforgettable moments and community at gamescom 2025 in Cologne! From our first gathering in Los Angeles to this milestone event, FanFest has always been about bringing fans closer to the games, creators, and each other.
Winners of our 10th Anniversary Sweepstakes have been selected—congrats to all! Not a winner this time? Sign up at https://aka.ms/XboxFanFestso you don’t miss future events and giveaways. Already a member? Join the celebration and share your favorite moments with #XboxFanFest on social.
Xbox Socialand Xbox Wire
Our social media teams will be on the ground bringing you live coverage, updates, news, new videos, and lots of fun stuff too. And make sure to keep an eye on Xbox Wire all week for coverage of the Opening Night Live show, not to mention articles about many of the games on show.
For all the latest updates on Xbox at gamescom this year, stay tuned to the Xbox channels on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp and LinkedIn social channels, or the @XboxDACH X, Facebook, Instagram,TikTok, and YouTube social channels for German-language coverage. We’re using #Xboxgamescom as our event hashtag.
