Coming to Game Pass: Hollow Knight: Silksong, RoadCraft, I Am Your Beast, and More
Megan Spurr, Senior Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass
You’ve been asking “when?” and I am so excited to tell you exactly when a certain group of games are coming to Game Pass (looking at you, Hollow Knight: Silksong!). We have games, Perks, updates, and more – let’s get to the details.
Available Today
I Am Your Beast (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
I Am Your Beast is a shortform covert revenge thriller FPS about getting hunted across the North American wilderness by the military-industrial complex — and turning the tables. Break your opponents. Use their own equipment against them. Duck into your tunnel network before enemy forces zero in on your location. Repeat.
Coming Soon
Nine Sols(Xbox Series X|S) – September 3 Now with Game Pass Standard
Nine Sols is a lore-rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer with Sekiro-inspired, deflection-based combat. Embark on a journey through an Asia-inspired fantasy world, explore a land once ruled by an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero on a quest to slay the 9 Sols – the powerful rulers of this forsaken realm.
Hollow Knight: Silksong(Cloud, Console, and PC) – September 4 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass: Ascend to the peak of a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! The sequel to the award-winning action-adventure, Hollow Knight. Explore, fight and survive as Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest, as she discovers a land ruled by silk and song.
Cataclismo (PC) – September 4 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Design and build fortresses brick by brick to stand against endless hordes of Horrors in this real-time strategy game with resource management, siege defense, and exploration. Lead from the ramparts, push back the darkness, and hold fast against the creatures of the Mist.
PAW Patrol World(Cloud, Console, and PC) – September 10 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Returning to the Game Pass library, explore the world of the “PAW Patrol” cartoon like never before, in a 3D action adventure where anything is PAWsible. Play as your favorite pups, drive their vehicles, and save the day by taking on fun rescues and missions either in single-player or with your family in couch co-op. It’s the ultimate PAW Patrol playtime!
RoadCraft(Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) – September 16 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard
In the wake of natural disasters, RoadCraft calls on you to rebuild what’s broken. Operate a fleet of over 40 authentic construction vehicles to clear debris, repair roads and bridges, and restore essential infrastructure. Tackle realistic challenges solo or in cooperative play across expansive, physics-driven environments shaped by destruction and recovery.
DLC / Game Updates
Overwatch 2 Season 18: Stadium Quick Play – Available now Season 18: Stadium Quick Play reshapes the current as you master the rhythm of new aquatic Support Hero Wuyang, dive into Quick Play or Competitive Stadium with Winston, Brigitte, Pharah, and (later this season) Tracer plus the new Payload Race mode, and climb the ranks now that our full-system PvP refresh has reset the playing field. Whether you’re drafting Stadium comps, experimenting with over 50 new Perks, or flexing your skills in third-person Lúcio Ball, it’s time to make a splash.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants – September 4 An all-new chapter that takes Indiana Jones to the ancient streets of Rome where forgotten catacombs twist into something far more sinister. Indy must outwit a dangerous cult and decipher intricate puzzles designed by emperors to uncover the dark legacy of the Nephilim giants. Game Pass members can save 10% on the Digital Premium Upgrade to get access on day one or purchase the DLC separately on September 4 (base game required).
EA Sports NHL 26: EA Play Early Access Trial – September 5 Tell the world to Check My Game with the EA Play early access trial on Xbox Series X|S. Game Pass Ultimate members can take to the ice for up to 10 hours in EA Sports NHL 26. If you decide to buy, your progress carries over to the full game, so you can get ready for the next match.
In-Game Benefits
Asphalt Legends Unite: Monthly Gift Bundle (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Speed into action with the Jaguar C-X75, 10 Card Packs, and 500,000 credits to upgrade, enhance, and dominate the track!
The Finals: Welcome Pack (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – September 11 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
The Season 8 Welcome Pack includes 500 Multibucks, a 25% Bonus XP boost, and the “Scale of Heaven” set featuring weapon skin, an emote, a gun charm, and an outfit.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Skate 3: The Unlock Bundle – September 2 Upgrade your skate. 3 experience with The Unlock Bundle and EA Play. You’ll get Danny’s Hawaiian Dream, the San Van Party Pack, and the Time is Money Pack.
Leaving September 15
The following games will be leaving the Game Pass library soon, so there’s no better time to jump back in! Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% off your purchase to keep them in your library.
All You Need is Help (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Wargroove 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Don’t forget that we’re continuing to add more games over time to the stream your own game collection for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. Keep an eye on Xbox.com/Play for the current list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices.
Play Like A Superstar in EA Sports NHL 26 with the EA Play 10-Hour Trial
Juliet NiczewiczSenior Director, Corporate Communications, EA
Summary
The EA Sports NHL 26 10-hour EA Play early access trial is available on Xbox Series X|S.
NHL Edge data powers how your favorite superstars think, move, and play in true-to-life fashion.
Score 3,000 WOC Coins and Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens, plus recurring rewards.
Game Pass Ultimate members can now take to the ice for up to 10 hours in EA Sports NHL 26. If they decide to buy, their progress carries over to the full game, so they can get ready for the next match.
Members can save 10% off EA digital purchases, including the full version of the game and NHL Points. Plus, score in-game rewards, including 3,000 WOC Coins and Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens. It’s time to show out and tell the world to check my game.
Ice-Q 2.0 powered by NHL Edge
Think, move, and play like your favorite superstars. By informing player Attributes, Tendencies, and with the all-new Goalie Crease Control System, NHL Edge data brings a deeper level of authenticity to Chel.
NHL Visual Package
Enjoy a litany of visual updates, including the addition of the Delta Center as a playable arena, all-new net mesh behavior, neck guards for players, and a dynamic new menu screen. From Dynamic Cinematic Lighting that turns all preplays and off-play camera moments into a thing of beauty, to a font update for increased legibility, there are a ton of new updates to Chel’s overall visual package.
Be A Pro
The revamped Be A Pro mode lets you live your hockey journey from rookie to superstar with fresh storylines, characters, challenges, and cutscenes. Play your way from World Juniors to the draft. Experience the emotions of your first pro game: the highs of being a human highlight reel, getting grilled at post-game pressers for a lingering dry spell — and if that keeps up, having to work your way back to the big league from the minors.
The EA Sports NHL 26 10-hour EA Play trial is available on Xbox Series X|S. Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See EA Play Terms for details.
Battle your friends and enemies in chaotic online multiplayer that combines shooting with deckbuilding.
Learn about the basics and the best cards and characters for beginners.
Hey fellow Xbox enjoyers! Today we announced that our chaotic online PVP shooter Friends vs Friends will be coming to Xbox Series X & S next week on the 1st September!
Friends vs Friends is a game that blends deck-building with first-person shooting. All at once. That can be exciting (or a bit overwhelming) at first, but if you keep reading, you might just get an edge over your friends!
How to Play
Each game of Friends vs Friends is played in rounds. At the start of each round, you’re dealt cards that can modify your abilities or sabotage your opponent’s. Once the round begins, you can use these cards without any restrictions until one player is defeated: either through card effects or with good old-fashioned guns (it’s still a first-person shooter, after all).
When a round ends, new cards are dealt and added to any unused ones you still have. Rounds continue until one player wins three times.
The cards you draw depend on your personal deck, which you can edit in the in-game menu located in Buddy’s Boulevard. All cards are accessible without spending real money – in fact, you can’t spend money on gameplay-related content at all. We’ve done this to keep the game as fair as possible.
Best Cards for Beginners
The starter deck is as balanced as we could make it and gives you a good taste of the variety of strategies the game offers. Once you start earning booster packs with new cards, just experiment! Think about how two cards could work together, look for counters to cards you often face, and most importantly have fun. Don’t stress too much about “optimal” play.
However, the “Big Head” card in particular is a great choice for beginners. Use this one and you’ll be firing off some headshots straight from the get-go!
Best Characters for Beginners
Most of the starting characters are distinct enough to feel unique. The rest unlock naturally as you play (again, there’s no payment system for this, every character is available to everyone, simply by playing).
That said, Spike Remington hits the hardest (literally Spike deals more damage than the others.)
Best Cards for Seasoned Players
As mentioned earlier, there are no truly overpowered cards, but certain synergies can put even the most experienced player on the ropes. We’re not going to list those combos here—that’s part of the fun to discover – but here’s our main tip: think of your deck as a whole rather than just a collection of individual, unrelated cards.
Cards also improve when you get duplicates of the same one. The more you play, the better their stats become. This progression is subtle and absolutely not game-breaking, we’re talking about percentage boosts only noticeable to very experienced players.
Map-Specific Tips
Maps in Friends vs Friends cover a range of styles, both visually and in terms of layout. Some are more open, others are tighter, but all are relatively small and quick to traverse. As with any shooter, mastering the maps is part of improving your game.
While they aren’t overly complex, there are certain tendencies like the importance of holding high ground. Still, you can adapt to the map dynamically thanks to your cards. For example, playing a wall-generating card in a hallway can effectively block an access point.
How to Level Up Quickly
Play. Have fun. And if you lose, hit “rematch” and learn from opponents who seem more skilled. The penalties for losing are very low in this game, so it’s always worth observing when and how experienced players use their cards.
As developers, we’ve learned a lot just from watching people play our game.
(This advice might actually help you level up your IQ as much as your profile level.)
How to Upgrade Cards
Just open card packs (never by paying real money) and hope for the best. There’s also a machine in the basement of the HUB designed to help complete your collection in the late game—so it’s not all RNG.
How to Get the Best Cosmetics
Complete missions—and yes, buying DLC helps too. We have several paid add-on packs that purely add cosmetic items, including new weapon skins and some awesome character outfits. So please, Buy Buy Buy… just kidding.
How to End this Post
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to learn about our game.Friends vs Friendsis a bit unusual in many ways, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we struggled to develop it.
We’ve mentioned several times that there’s no way to access playable content through real-world transactions because, for us, this was a core design principle. It might sound like a small thing, but it’s important to us.
Play 1v1 or 2v2 in online, fast-paced, chaotic combat! Gain player levels, get new cards, improve the ones you already have, and get to know an array of eclectic characters with their own unique passive skills. The best part? At this price, you can invite all of your friends to get wrecked, guilt-free!
●Friends vs Friends: Matchmake with players worldwide in 1v1 or 2v2 combat, or host private matches with your friends. Need Support? Invite your friends to spectate!
●A Game with Character: Choose from a stylish cast of characters, each with their own abilities that improve the synergies of your deck.
●Low Price + High Quality = How?!: In order to keep the crew together, we made sure to level the playing field on cost so jumping in is a big-brain move.
●Progress to Impress: Level up and get new cards through matched bouts and timed challenges.
●Stack Your Deck: Collect weapon, trap, and curse cards, then level them up to increase their power.
●Updates and Seasonal Content: Expect post-launch content including new unique characters, cards, maps, and upgrades to your home base.
●Play Dress-up: Unlock cool cosmetics like skins and card design variants for bragging rights!
●Practice, Practice, Practice: Go up against bots to try out new card combos and improve your skills for when it counts.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – How the Passion of a French Studio Brought a Japanese Legend Back to Life
John Harry De LaraXbox Wire France Editor
The legendary Shinobi returns today with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. At the helm of this revival is French studio Lizardcube, led by CEO and Creative Director Ben Fiquet. We spoke with him to understand how his team managed to balance respect for the series’ heritage with a modern touch, all while pouring an incredible amount of passion into every detail.
To appreciate the importance of this comeback, it’s worth remembering that Shinobi defined a whole generation of players back in the late ’80s. Born in the arcades and later released on the Master System and Mega Drive, the white-clad ninja Musashi became an icon of Sega’s golden years. Demanding gameplay, striking visuals, and unforgettable soundtracks made Shinobi a symbol of the 2D action genre’s golden age.
As launch day draws near, emotions are running high at Lizardcube: “Of course there’s some apprehension, but also a lot of excitement,” explains Fiquet. “We released a demo at the end of July, and the feedback has been excellent. That really reassures us about how the game will be received and about bringing this iconic series back to life.”
This excitement fuels the team, who see this release not only as an achievement but also as a huge responsibility: to deliver an experience worthy of the Shinobi name.
Reviving such an emblematic series requires striking a delicate balance. For Fiquet, the challenge was clear – extend players’ memories without simply replicating the past: “Players don’t want to replay exactly the same game they knew on Master System or Mega Drive. They hold on to strong memories, but gameplay has evolved. Our role is to prolong those memories while adapting them to today’s expectations.” This is the philosophy that guided Lizardcube: staying true to the franchise’s identity while refining its mechanics for a new era.
This expertise isn’t new for the Paris-based studio. Having already worked on Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap (2017) and Streets of Rage 4 (2020), Lizardcube has earned its reputation as a specialist in bringing beloved franchises back to life. Their strength lies in recreating a faithful atmosphere while adding artistic and gameplay polish that elevates nostalgia into something fresh. With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, this vision takes on a whole new scale.
From the very first images, the studio’s distinctive style is unmistakable. Instead of opting for a realistic 3D approach, the team chose to embrace traditional 2D animation—a bold choice in today’s landscape.
“2D gives us finer control, almost an intimacy, over every pixel. There’s a warmth and honesty in hand-drawn animation that you don’t always find in 3D.” This artistic direction gives the game a sense of timelessness, reminiscent of classics like Cuphead or Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, while paying tribute to Shinobi’s visual legacy.
But beyond aesthetics, the feel of the game was central to development. “I love games that get straight to the point: you launch, you play, and you immediately have fun,” explains Fiquet. The combat system reflects this philosophy: combos, dashes, double jumps, and executions flow naturally without heavy tutorials.
Each encounter feels like a rewarding little challenge, almost a mini-game within the game. A unique “execution” mechanic even rewards players for skilfully chaining enemies, turning combat into a rhythmic and spectacular dance.
Demanding yet approachable, the game also includes options to adjust difficulty, making it accessible to newcomers without compromising depth for veterans. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance was designed so that every type of player can find their rhythm—an inviting entry point for the curious and a perfect playground for seasoned players on Xbox.
While Shinobi is a quintessential Japanese franchise, Fiquet highlights the project’s dual identity. “I’m a Sega kid. I grew up with the Master System and the Mega Drive, and Shinobi was one of my very first games.” This personal connection is paired with deep respect for Japanese craftsmanship: “We don’t make Japanese games, but we have enormous respect for Japanese game culture. Our French touch blends with that heritage, and that’s what convinced Sega.”
Breathing new life into such a legendary franchise is no easy task, but Lizardcube’s relationship with Sega has been built over time. “There was real mutual respect. Of course, there are cultural differences and different working rhythms, but every discussion was about improving the game. We found a great synergy.” Thanks to this mutual trust, every exchange with Sega was focused on improving the game, always with respect for the original spirit of Shinobi.
To extend the experience, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance also includes secrets, powers, and unlockable skins. And that’s just the beginning: the first DLC has already been revealed. “It’s the ‘Sega Villains Stage’. You’ll get to face iconic antagonists from across the Sega universe. The first one we announced is Robotnik. Seeing Musashi take on Robotnik is pure fan service, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes working with Sega so exciting.”
With Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Lizardcube delivers far more than the return of a legendary hero on Xbox—it offers a love letter to video games: to their heritage, their challenge, and their ability to evolve. It’s a bold gamble, crafted with passion and precision, proving that a legend can return without losing its soul.
Pre-order SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance and receive a 10% discount, the Original Arcade Outfit, and Fortune Hunter Amulet.The iconic SHINOBI returns in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4.
Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi, master of the ninja arts. After finding your village burned to the ground and your clan turned into stone, you must set off on a quest for vengeance, ready to face an unparalleled evil and avenge your clan.
• EXECUTE THE NINJA ARTS WITH PRECISION
Wield your vast ninja arsenal including the great Katana Oborozuki, Kunai, Ninjutsu arts, and Ninpo to vanquish your foes.
• MASTER THE WAY OF THE SHINOBI
Unleash limitless combos with unique combat moves, acquire Amulets for enhanced abilities, and discover Ningi tools to overcome obstacles and uncover new paths.
• JOURNEY THROUGH A STYLISTIC NEW WORLD
Venture through more than a dozen unique and visually striking stages, from military bases to a scorching desert, challenging platforming puzzles, and hidden secrets.
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, 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!
Cronos: The New Dawn is a brutal third-person survival horror where you fight for the future by salvaging the past. Burn monsters before they merge. Extract souls from the living. Adapt or die. Set in a grim world where Eastern European brutalism meets retro-futurist technology, Cronos: The New Dawn lets you experience a gripping story that straddles the line between past and future. Pick up the Cronos: The New Dawn Preorder Deluxe Edition to start playing on September 3.
Become the ultimate high-tech warrior in an action-packed new entry in the Daemon X Machina series. Fly into battle in your customized Arsenal, unleashing a variety of attacks tailored to your playstyle. Feel the exhilaration of fast-paced combat as you freely explore a deadly and dangerous open world on land or in the air. Suit up for a dark sci-fi story where you can face the titanic boss battles alone or with up to two other players online.
Bragging rights are on the line in NBA 2K26. Build your legend in MyCareer, collect and compete with stars in MyTeam, and make executive decisions in MyNBA on Xbox Series X|S or MyLeague on Xbox One. Dominate every possession with immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into realistic gameplay on Xbox Series X|S. Feel more connected to every dribble and crossover, and move with freedom as you unleash dynamic playmaking using all-new features.
Bad Cheese is a psychological horror game inspired by the eerie charm of 1920s animation. Step into the tiny paws of a mouse spending the weekend at home with a dysfunctional Dad while Mom’s away. Be on your best behavior and keep daddy happy! Complete tasks, eat snacks, find toys, and navigate the “complicated family dynamic.” Experience the gruesome reality of a child-mouse trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in a not-so-normal household.
When Willow Martin awakens with no memories in an unfamiliar room, she can’t figure out how she got there. Without any semblance of who she is or where she came from, can she trust the AI who aids her? You’ll never know what comes next as you make your way through the military facility. Each floor will present a procedurally generated layout complete with new enemies to face and equipment to grab.
A third-person adventure where you play as a magical unicorn, exploring five realms filled with puzzles, collectibles, and secrets. Uncover a poetic story as you journey through a world of wonder and magic.
The Attic Archive presents a curious collection of forgotten games from the 1980s. Originally published for the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and Sinclair ZX Spectrum home computer systems, these games are authentically reproduced in all their 8-bit glory. Featuring classics from Ocean Software, Artic Computing, Imagine Software, and Atlantis.
Deadzone: Rogue is a fast-paced roguelite FPS set aboard the ISS- X, a space station overrun by rogue machines. Venture into The Deadzone solo or team up with up to 3 friends in online co-op. Wield over 30 upgradable elemental weapons to carve through enemies and powerful bosses. Improve your build each mission with augments, rare gear, and upgrades that amplify your strength and versatility. Snipe from afar, sneak in close, or go all-in with melee. Grow stronger in death. Fight. Die. Revive. Repeat.
A new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.
Get ready for a puzzle filled adventure with fire, coins, and clever decisions. In Dragon Snack, you don’t control the dragon… you prepare the path! Rotate and place hexagonal tiles to build a perfect trail that leads the creature to its golden nest.
The year is 2050. Humans have been forced to flee Earth and colonize Mars! Now it’s up to you to exterminate hordes of aggressive local creatures so your kind can settle on the planet. Exterminate hordes of menacing creatures in twin-stick shoot ’em up style so your fellow humans can settle on a new planet!
Narrative-driven first-person horror adventure inspired by Lovecraft’s short novel “The Nameless City” (1921). Explore the ruins of a city that some say is older than humanity itself. While you delve deeper into the ancient buildings, reality and visions blend into an indistinct haze.
Craft your world. Survive the Wilds. Discover the secrets of the land. Step into a handcrafted Wild West-inspired world in this relaxing isometric adventure RPG with light survival elements. Build, explore, farm, and fight as you piece together your own unique journey across shifting biomes and mysterious threats.
Adventure of Samsara, a mysterious, Metroidvania action-adventure, reimagines the spirit of the original Atari 2600 title, Adventure. With stunning, 2D pixel art, Adventure of Samsara combines classic gameplay, a deeply connected world, and a heady, twisting narrative of death, rebirth and memory.
Explore 15 colorful locations, look for lost puzzle pieces to open the way to the last boss. Pass through the green meadows, dark caves, deep rivers and oceans, mystic castles, ruins, islands and other colorful locations. Collect jewelry fragments to buy unique types of magic. Collect all the elements and summons. Find all the secrets, destroy all the cake towers and solve all the riddles. All this will help you to win and save Magic University!
Welcome to Chocolate Factory Simulator, where cogwheels and steam work overtime to create the most delicious chocolate! Use your clockwork workshop full of gourmet machinery to create every kind of chocolate your customers could dream up! The world’s steampunk technology is perfect for sweet-making, and all available to you in your manufacturing.
Step into the role of a detective in Detective – Scene Crime, a challenging mystery game where you’ll investigate five gripping crime scenes. Each level presents clues, testimonies, and puzzles to analyze carefully in your quest for the truth. Do you have what it takes to solve them all?
Get ready to lock, load, and double the chaos! Double Dangerous is a high-octane third-person shooter that flips the script on traditional gameplay. Wield dual guns and unleash a storm of bullets in any direction—regardless of where your character is facing. Run forward while blasting behind you, pull off wild one-arm shots, or take down enemies mid-dive in slow motion. The choice is yours, and the fun is limitless.
In Fling to the Finish, teams of two players race through colorful, chaotic obstacle courses while tethered by a stretchy elastic rope. When you and your friends first pick up the game your rope will get tangled in practically everything you pass. But as you quickly improve your communication skills you’ll learn that the rope is your biggest asset.
Push the boundaries of what’s possible and deliver what clients ask for! Change weapon configurations and customize equipment with modern accessories. Check optical sights, pistol grips or lasers. Add flashlights or collimators to create weapons with maximum unique features, perfectly suited to the individual needs and style of each enthusiast. Let your work become a symbol of perfection and a dream come true for the fussiest clients!
A 3rd-person action-adventure game that combines intense melee combat with the thrill of exploration. Explore a semi-open world to find answers to your questions and face mysterious creatures all along your journey.
Inspired by Lovecraft, a psychological survival horror game set in a dystopian, alternative universe. Discover the mystery of the woman’s death and learn the dark secrets of the Happy Rock. Are you ready?
A relaxing 3D game about finding the differences between two handcrafted dioramas. If you are looking for a game that allows you to just sit back and play Tiny Lands is for you! This also includes the “Final Challenge” special world for those who are ready for the ultimate Tiny Lands experience.
Embark on an epic journey into a procedurally generated world where you will explore a variety of locations full of monsters and traps. You must collect body parts of the various monsters, and the rarity system will affect the generation of stats and passive effects. Each collected body part provides new abilities and capabilities, changing battle tactics.
Sokocat – Islands is a charming puzzle adventure where you guide an adorable cat across peaceful islands filled with clever challenges! Slide blocks with precision and solve smart, minimalist puzzles. Every move counts — think carefully, explore each space, and find the best path forward.
A dangerous trend has emerged among young people: they are evading reality by taking permanent refuge in a new entertainment medium known as DMovies, which allows people to immerse themselves in a world of virtual reality and become part of a movie. Join Diamond Dogs Ryo and Maria in their mission to rescue young Sayaka from the DMovie she’s trapped in before it’s too late.
Ragdoll Fighter throws you into chaotic, physics-based battles where only the most unpredictable brawler survives. Control a wobbly warrior and face off against wild ragdoll enemies in hilarious, high-stakes duels!
Carnival Heroes is online multiplayer super party board game for 1 to 4 players. Inside the game you will enjoy 24 fun minigames which you play along the main game. You’ll play arcade games, runner games & other offline games. The game offers online play, local play or solo play (vs AI).
The year is 2112, and the world is no longer the same. In the crumbling remains of a country once known as England, Detective Matthew Wallace—a man with a mysterious past—works as a private investigator. After returning from the Third World War, Matthew takes on an off-the-record case with only one ally: Abigail, a resourceful young secretary. Together, they uncover the dark secrets of the city’s elite while confronting shadows from Matthew’s past in a series of interconnected cases.
Brave the depths of an ancient ruin discovered in the capital of Isigwere, where no soul has ever returned—and where a legendary dragon awaits. In this retro-style dungeon crawler RPG, become the hero who conquers the maze and slays the beast lurking in the shadows.
Folly Of The Wizards is a comedic 2D roguelike action game that puts you in the shoes of a clumsy wizard apprentice. Join a wacky wizard cult and use unique spells to defeat enemies, explore procedurally generated dungeons, and save the world from chaos.
Step into the dark halls of the royal castle with the fearless Red Cape Knight, summoned by the King after dangerous creatures seize his home. Armed with his sword and the magic of his enchanted red cape, the knight must face deadly traps and fierce enemies to reclaim the castle.
Before starting a mission, select a combination of three types of aircraft in your fleet, which will help you during the mission. Your goal is to destroy the enemy aircraft carrier or buildings, breaking through the enemy air armada. If your plane was hit, it’s not the end of the game, the extermination of the enemy will not stop. Just keep your aircraft carrier safe.
Get ready for an action-packed challenge where every strike brings you closer to victory! Join friends or family in up to four-player matches, compete in thrilling tournaments against top bowlers from across the lanes, and bowl in amazing alleys with cool views. Only the best players make it to the final rounds – will you be the one holding the trophy?
Project Evilbane Pre-Alpha Playtest Will Begin Tomorrow!
Tim, Xbox Program Manager
The first pre-alpha playtest of Project Evilbane will begin tomorrow in the Xbox Insider Hub! During this 3-day test, we hope to gather your valuable feedback and further refine the game into a more polished experience. Gather around if you’re ready to hunt demons, Insiders!
Game Overview:
Project Evilbane follows a hardened team of apocalyptic survivors who have sworn to avenge their ruined world. Join the battle to triumph over the Archdemon’s forces and save humanity!
Playtest Introduction:
Project Evilbane is currently in the early stages of development. To help shape it into a more enjoyable game, we’re conducting our first playtest to gather your valuable feedback. The main goal of this playtest is to evaluate the fun and feel of combat. You can enter the battlefield solo or in a party of up to four players, taking on various missions and fighting powerful bosses.
In this playtest, you will be able to try out four different characters and four weapon types. Players can equip one melee weapon and one ranged weapon at the same time to use strategically in combat. Skills are divided into two types: Active Skills and Heavenstone Skills. Each character can equip two of each type, allowing for customizable loadouts. Turn the tide of battle in critical moments with well-timed skills and experience the thrill of clutch plays. Mix and match your preferred skills to create your own unique combat style. Whether you fight solo or team up with others, we hope you’ll have a thrilling time.
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.
Free Play Days – EA Sports College Football 26, Surviving Mars, The Knightling and Lost Eidolons
Kyle Ocean, Marketing Manager, Xbox
Lock in this weekend, as we’ve got plenty to play with Free Play Days! EA Sports College Football 26, Surviving Mars and Lost Eidolons are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday, August 28 until Sunday, August 31.
The Knightling is free for all Xbox members to try during Free Play Days with a 2-hour timed trial (Xbox Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core membership not required).
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 Ultimate, Standard and Core 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.
EA Sports College Football 26 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S Bring Glory Home in EA Sports College Football 26 and experience the world of college football. Whatever path to greatness you choose, from high school recruit to the Heisman, or as a coach, you can forge your legacy.
Surviving Mars There will be challenges to overcome. Execute your strategy and improve your colony’s chances of survival while unlocking the mysteries of this alien world. Are you ready? Mars is waiting for you.
The Knightling Optimized for Xbox Series X|S The Knightling is a platforming action adventure where you play as an aspiring knight in search of their missing mentor, Sir Lionstone. Equipped with only a legendary shield, you’ll brave your way through the lands of Clesseia to become the unlikely hero.
Lost Eidolons Optimized for Xbox Series X|S Try our turn-based tactical RPG with a gripping cinematic narrative for a limited time. Set in a waning empire riven by civil war, take on the role of a charming mercenary captain, Eden, and lead his band of allies through epic encounters on a classic turn-based battlefield during Free Play Days. Enjoy a special 40% discount until September 8.
Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core 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.
Taking You Back to School: Indie Selects for August 2025
Raymond Estrada, Deron Mann, Steven AllenID@Xbox Hall Monitors
Every Wednesday, dive into the Indie Select Hub—your gateway to a fresh, curated indie collection plus four themed spotlights that rotate weekly! You can always find this collection hub in the Xbox Store and on Xbox.com/IndieSelects.
Indie Selects is back for another month and, in honor of the new school year, we are pleased to inform you that the (definitely, absolutely real) ID@Xbox School of Independent Gamers has put together a curriculum of indie games that will give you an education in new ideas, advanced mechanics, and “having a really good time”. Here are the courses we think you should attend this month:
Platforming, Ninjas, and You with Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Interpretive Loot-and-Shoot with Wildgate
The Politics of Ratshaking with, er, Ratshaker
Adrenaline 101 with Killing Floor 3
Illusionary Architecture Theory with Monument Valley 3
Advanced Communication and Coordination with Ready or Not
Here’s more on what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):
From the studio behind the Blasphemous series, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a new 2D action platformer that serves as a side-quel to Ninja Gaiden (NES), with all the modern-retro polish that publisher Dotemu (Streets of Rage 4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge) has become known for. Players control Kenji, a student of Ryu Hayabusa (franchise main protag, former Halo 3 armor), who’s merged with a rival ninja, Kumori, to fight off a demon invasion… and maybe the CIA.
If you’re wondering whether this can capture the gratifying difficulty of classic Ninja Gaiden, well, I’d say the game is called “Ragebound” for a reason (please don’t roll your eyes). It’s hard but it feels rewarding.
A combination of compulsive storytelling and satisfying gameplay mechanics helped me overlook the hours I’ve accumulated fighting the same boss, or when navigating the unforgiving level design. The emphasis on combat mastery and skill has been a staple of the modern series, while the tight platforming, pattern recognition and frankly, punishing enemy placement has been around since its first title on the NES. Developer The Game Kitchen has done an excellent job of bridging the two eras of Ninja Gaiden – leveraging a refined, classic 2D formula as the base while interweaving the combat complexity of the later installments.
Don’t be discouraged by the promise of difficulty, though – Ragebound does a great job of onboarding new players, and the difficulty curve is pretty graceful between acts. It doesn’t feel sudden, rushed or unexpected and instead played well into the narrative. Things got harder as the situation for Kenji became worse, which made sense, so I couldn’t really be mad (even if I frequently was). Regardless of what this game put me through, I could not put it down – I recommend this to you if you’re into old-school action and gameplay, if you’re a fan of the franchise… or if you just like ninjas – Deron Mann
A NEW TWIST TO THE SIDE-SCROLLING NINJA GAIDEN SERIES EXPERIENCE
From the acclaimed team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound successfully unites the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed (now KOEI TECMO GAMES) NINJA GAIDEN series from the classic era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries. The best of both eras come together to create an epic and thrilling adventure.
DIVE INTO AN UNTOLD CHAPTER OF THE NINJA GAIDEN SAGA
Our story begins when Ryu Hayabusa journeys to America to honor his father’s will. While he is away, the barrier between the human and the demon worlds suddenly shatters, unleashing a terrifying army upon the Hayabusa Village, which now faces an unprecedented threat in Ryu’s absence.
To stand against this new threat, Kenji Mozu, a young ninja from the Hayabusa Village, rises to the challenge! Trained by Ryu, he fights fiercely but soon finds himself in desperate straits. Forced to tap into forbidden power, Kenji sets aside centuries of animosity and forms an alliance with the sinister Black Spider Clan, convinced that combining their souls and skills is the only way to protect the world out of the Demon Lord’s grasp!
OLD SCHOOL GAMEPLAY WITH A BRAND-NEW POLISH
Combining old-school feeling with modern precision, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound retains the pick-up-and-play action of the classic titles, while introducing new layers of depth.
Alongside the new protagonist, Kenji Mozu, is the skilled assassin Kumori. Take control of these two powerful ninjas simultaneously and unravel their interconnected stories.
Use the Ninja Fusion to unleash devastating abilities and obliterate your enemies. NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound features impeccable mechanics that are easy to learn but hard to truly master, challenging the skills of even the most seasoned fans of the NINJA GAIDEN series!
A SPECTACULAR PIXEL ART SHOWDOWN
Step into a reimagined version of the classic NINJA GAIDEN universe, brought to life through stunning, meticulously crafted visuals. Every enemy is recreated with a level of detail that was once impossible.
The brutal, nostalgia-filled aesthetic of NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound pays homage to the past while pushing the boundaries of modern pixel art, making every battle a feast for the eyes.
Do you have what it takes to become a true ninja master?
Wildgate is a team-based PvPvE extraction shooter that throws players into the chaos of deep space, blending high-stakes spaceship battles with close-quarters crew combat. Each match features 20 space pirates called Prospectors split into squads of four. The mission? Dive into space, raid PvE dungeons for loot, upgrade your ship, outgun rival crews, secure the mysterious artifact, and make your escape through the Wildgate. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities to contend with, deadly environmental hazards, and, of course, loot worth fighting for. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like if Sea of Thieves and Overwatch had a baby—this is it.
From the very first match, it’s clear to me that Wildgate isn’t your typical multiplayer experience. Coordination over voice chat isn’t just helpful, but essential. You and your crew will be leaping from asteroid to asteroid, raiding different spots in pursuit of loot, upgrades, and the elusive artifact that everyone’s after. That means the faster you can be in and out, the less likely you are to run into an unexpected ambush.
But running and gunning is just half the battle, as your crew will have to coordinate piloting the ship, performing repairs, and boarding rival ships. With the right team, few things are more satisfying than hopping onto an enemy ship, picking it clean, and making a daring escape. But I’ve also been in squads that were either eerily silent or loud and chaotic – both of which can make the experience feel overwhelming or, worse, made us cannon fodder for more organized crews. You truly need to find a squad for this one.
Customization in Wildgate is impressively well-designed. Each of the characters you have to choose from, called Prospectors, have unique traits, loadouts, and a signature ability that can dramatically shift the tide of a match. Traits can include not needing to breathe, healing while aboard your ship, seeing through walls, or punching through enemy hulls, all of which can lead to some wild and memorable encounters with rival crews. The same goes for weapons, gear, and unlockable ships offering plenty of room for creative builds and min-maxing opportunities.
Wildgate’s design is layered and impressively polished, yet it still feels like it’s in its initial stages – there’s so much scope to grow from here. This could easily become a standout in the fiercely competitive extraction shooter genre as more content rolls out. If you’re a fan of the genre already, this needs to be in your queue – and if you’re a newcomer, get yourself a crew and come aboard – Raymond Estrada
Blast off into high-stakes spaceship battles and intense first-person shootouts, where no two matches are ever the same. If you want to claim the ultimate prize — the mysterious and priceless Artifact — you’ll need to improvise on the fly, whether it’s chasing down rival crews and stealing their gear, repairing your damaged ship, or scanning for precious resources.
Your ship is your home and lifeline — for you, and your prospector crew. Keep it topped up with ice, fuel and ammo so you’re ready for anyone or anything the Reach throws at you.
EPIC SPACESHIP BATTLES
Blast your enemies with hi-tech cannons and gadgets, lure them into deadly traps, or even mess with their ship… as long as they don’t sabotage yours first. When your perfect plan goes out the airlock, there’s only one option… wing it!
NEW ADVENTURES, EVERY MATCH
Stay one step ahead as you and your crew navigate the Reach — a vast, procedurally-generated map that changes with every game.
UNIQUE PROSPECTORS
Choose from a variety of daring prospectors, each with their own abilities and tools. Whether you’re a brave pilot or a clever trickster, there’s no wrong way to commit space crimes!
EXPLORE THE REACH
The Reach is a dangerous, unpredictable place, filled with deadly hazards and treasure beyond your wildest dreams. Navigate through cosmic storms, battle space vermin, and plunder alien ruins for lost caches of loot. Just make sure you beat the other prospectors to the punch, or you’ll fly away empty-handed!
OUTRUN OR OUTGUN
The Artifact is the most valuable object in the known universe. Be the first to find it, snatch it, and pass through the Wildgate, or destroy the ships of every other crew and be the last crew standing.
I still remember my first time booting up the original Killing Floor – the frantic reloads, the eerie silence before a wave, and the absolute panic when a Scrake rounded the corner. Killing Floor 2 dialed it all up: better weapons, bloodier battles, and a glorious soundtrack that made every fight feel like a metal concert in a warzone. So, when Killing Floor 3 dropped, I didn’t hesitate. I was already home.
Developed by Tripwire Interactive, Killing Floor 3 is a co-op FPS that throws you and your squad into the heart of a sci-fi nightmare. You’ll face relentless waves of Zeds – genetically engineered monstrosities that are faster, meaner, and somehow even uglier than before. The combat is crunchy and satisfying, the maps are drenched in neon and dread, and the pacing keeps you constantly on edge.
It’s everything longtime fans love, but sharper. The atmosphere feels like Doom and Aliens had a baby, raised in a bunker lit by strobe lights and soaked in adrenaline. I’ve spent hours perfecting my loadout, yelling “Cover me, I’m reloading!” with unnecessary action hero bravado , and laughing with friends as we barely survived wave ten.
Tripwire Interactive knows exactly what makes this franchise tick – and they’ve delivered a third chapter that’s as brutal and brilliant as ever. If you’ve been with the series since the beginning, Killing Floor 3 feels like a love letter to the chaos we grew up with – just louder, faster, and somehow even more fun. And if you’re new? Welcome to the party. Just don’t forget to heal your teammates. Or at least pretend you tried – Steven Allen
It’s 2091. Join up with Nightfall, the last line of defense against megacorp Horzine’s inhuman army of monstrous zeds. The future is in your hands… if you can survive long enough to reach it.
Killing Floor 3 is the next installment in the legendary action/horror series. This intense FPS puts you in the boots of a Nightfall specialist joining forces with up to five teammates to battle waves of Zeds, earn dosh, unlock skills, and build the ultimate arsenal.
KILLER CO-OP
Assemble the ultimate zed extermination squad for frenzied 6-player co-op. You can also brave the battlefield alone in tense single-player mode.
RELENTLESS ZEDS
Brace yourself for the most lethal zeds yet. Every enemy has been redesigned and retuned with smarter AI; making them faster, deadlier, and more strategic than ever.
SURVIVAL TECH
From flamethrowers to shotguns to katanas, you’ll have an expansive arsenal at your disposal. Customize your own unique brand of bloodletting with hundreds of mods, gadgets, and skills to choose from.
DANGEROUS LOCATIONS
Drop into a variety of treacherous hot zones where you’ll have to contain the further spread of the Outbreak. Thankfully, you can use the environment to your advantage by activating turrets, fans, and other devastating traps.
MORE GORE
Our MEAT System returns to deliver even more realistic carnage. Featuring additional points of dismemberment and persistent blood, the game responds to your attacks with gruesome authenticity.
Monument Valley 3, the newest installment in the acclaimed puzzle series, has arrived on Xbox. Renowned for its serene, visually captivating gameplay, this series challenges players with clever puzzles while immersing them in stunning, artful environments. With its fixed perspectives, Persian-inspired aesthetics, and mesmerizing Escher-like architecture, this latest chapter continues to offer a soothing yet stimulating experience that’s as beautiful as it is brain-bending.
New to the series? No worries! While Monument Valley 3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, it tells a completely standalone story. With minimal dialogue and text, the game relies on subtle visual storytelling through movement, animation, and atmosphere to convey its themes. The crux of the story is that the world is crumbling, the water is rising, and you must find a way to restore light back into the world by navigating architecture-based puzzles.
After the introduction, you’ll find yourself guiding the protagonist, Noor, to the exit of each area by moving parts of the environment around – the architecture bending reality through optical illusions. Structures that go across an axis can sometimes blend into one another, changing the structure of the environment just by altering its perspective. At times, it feels like solving a living Magic Eye puzzle – spotting the hidden path can make your eyes work overtime.
The puzzle difficulty in Monument Valley 3 ramps up nicely. Early levels gently ease you into the game’s signature perspective-shifting mechanics before gradually presenting more and more intricate challenges that will have you scanning every detail for clues. A standout new feature in this installment is the addition of a boat, which you can navigate across rising waters. This mechanic adds a new layer of complexity, especially in puzzles that require you to coordinate movement between multiple areas to progress.
Monument Valley 3 is a beautiful, bite-sized puzzler that is very enjoyable while it lasts. I would recommend it for anyone that enjoys a calm serene puzzle but won’t get frustrated when the answer is literally staring you in the face – Raymond Estrada
Set sail for adventure in MONUMENT VALLEY 3, a brand new story in the award-winning Monument Valley series.
Guide Noor, an apprentice lightkeeper, through impossible monuments, shifting landscapes, and tranquil seascapes to uncover the Sacred Light and save her home.
Monument Valley 3 takes you beyond the monuments and into the open sea. As Noor, you’ll navigate stunning, changing environments, solve mind-bending puzzles, and uncover the secrets of the Sacred Light. With her village threatened by rising tides, Noor must chart her own course—and discover her own strength—in this stunning, emotional adventure.
Sail between geometry, manipulate architecture to reveal hidden paths, and let the iconic soundtrack guide you forward. With new mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and the series’ signature charm, Monument Valley 3 is a voyage like no other.
Features:
– Defy Perspective: Rotate and manipulate the environment to reveal hidden paths, solve intricate puzzles
– Uncover The Mystery: Help Noor unlock the secrets of this ever-changing world.
– Beautiful Art: A stunning world inspired by modern design, global architecture and hand-crafted, personal stories.
– Every Update Included: Full Story is included, with brand new updates to come
Adventure awaits—will you uncover the light that guides the way?
ustwo games are proud independent developers, best known for the award-winning Monument Valley series, Land’s End, Assemble with Care and Alba: A Wildlife Adventure.
Every so often, a game comes along that defies neat descriptions. RatShaker is one of those. It’s short, strange, and unlike anything else I’ve played on Xbox and that’s exactly why it stuck with me. This isn’t the kind of game where you grind levels or chase loot. Instead, RatShaker asks you to slow down, lean into the absurd, and let yourself experience something that feels more like an experiment than a traditional adventure. The controls are simple, the pacing deliberate, and yet the effect is oddly captivating.
This is a game for players who appreciate the unconventional. If you enjoy titles like What Remains of Edith Finch, The Stanley Parable, or Don’t Touch Anything, you’ll likely find RatShaker intriguing. It’s perfect for those who value atmosphere, experimental design, and games that make you think (or squirm). If I had to pin it down, I’d call RatShaker a surreal narrative experience with elements of psychological comedy. It blends interactive storytelling with absurdist humor and a touch of eerie tension – think walking simulator meets performance art.
What impressed me most was how RatShaker balances its humor and its tension. It never feels like it’s trying to be a blockbuster or a polished crowd-pleaser – instead, it leans fully into its own identity. You’re invited to play along, to laugh, to feel uneasy, and, above all, to experience something you probably didn’t expect when you pressed start. It’s the kind of game I recommend not because it’s “fun” in the conventional sense, but because it’s memorable.
You’ll finish RatShaker in one sitting. It’s roughly 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much you explore or linger. It’s designed to be brief but impactful. You might finish RatShaker in an evening, but you’ll likely be thinking about it the next day, wondering how such a simple idea managed to get under your skin in such a playful way. If you’re looking for something different, something you can’t quite compare to anything else, RatShaker won’t be easily shaken after you finish – Steven Allen
RATSHAKER – The Ultimate Solution to All Your RAT Problems!
Tired of pests taking over your space? Say goodbye to them for good with RATSHAKER, the revolutionary new way to deal with unwanted pests! Just take and shake, and RATSHAKER does the rest. No traps, no mess, no unmarked disposal barrels!
With RATSHAKER, you take control! Feel the satisfaction of watching the meter rise as you shake that rat into submission. The more you shake, the closer you get to solving your problems for good. Fast-acting, easy to use, and highly effective, RATSHAKER ensures your space stays problem-free in no time.
Developed by Void Interactive, Ready or Not is a co-op FPS that puts you in the boots of a SWAT officer called in when things go from bad to worse. Hostage rescues. Barricaded suspects. Active threats. The tension is relentless, but the game makes it thrilling, not overwhelming. You don’t need to memorize military jargon or master complex controls. Just grab your gear, trust your squad, and try not to flashbang yourself (again). So, it started with a simple plan: hop online, play a few rounds, and maybe not embarrass myself. I’d heard Ready or Not was intense, but I figured, how hard could it be? Then came the mission.
A quiet suburban house. The briefing said, “hostage situation.” My brain said, “don’t mess this up.” We stacked up at the door, flashbangs ready, hearts pounding. Two floors cleared. One room left. The hallway was silent, too silent. Lights flickered. A suspect shouted from behind the locked door. My team waited for my signal. I nodded. Breach. Flash. Chaos. Victory. Fist-bump.
Since then, I’ve spent countless evenings laughing, learning, and slowly mastering the art of clearing rooms without yelling “clear!” into empty hallways. It’s got the tension of Rainbow Six Siege, but with more breathing room and a slower, more deliberate pace. Ready or Not doesn’t ask if you’re prepared, it surrounds you with silence, pressure, and the kind of intensity that makes you lean in. And once you’re in, you won’t want to leave – Steven Allen
Become an elite SWAT commander and bring order to a city overwhelmed by chaos and corruption.
Lead a team of highly-trained SWAT officers through harrowing, high-risk missions against violent, cruel and calculated criminals to stop the city from spiralling into disorder. Equip real-world weapons and gear to tackle missions inspired by current events against Los Sueňos’ ruthless criminal element.
Every decision, from squad selection to tactical breach and engagement is the difference between life and death.
Are you ready?
FEATURES
Take Command
Ready or Not delivers an immersive SWAT experience. Equip your team with authentic weapons and gear, deploy into high-stakes, real-world inspired missions to secure locations concealing unknown criminal threats and potential civilians. Every mission demands tactical precision and situational awareness. Bullets from known and concealed threats react realistically with the environment, passing through walls, furniture and bodies. Cover your six, clear your corners, apprehend the threats and rescue the innocent.
The Weight of the Badge
Shoulder the weight of being a SWAT commander entrusted with confronting Los Sueňos’ criminal corruption and stopping it from overwhelming the city’s citizens. Every tactical decision matters, every outcome is yours to bear. Your choices in the field dictate mission success, the survival of your squad and the safety of hostages. Squadmate and hostage deaths take a profound psychological toll on surviving team members, affecting their performance or ending their careers altogether.
True Tactical Gameplay
Ready or Not is a true tactical shooter. Every mission is a high-stakes, life-or-death operation. Strategically forge your squad of elite SWAT officers, equip them with the right weapons and gear for the mission, position your team to tactically breach criminal strongholds and quickly identify and neutralize threats in tense, life threatening scenarios. Follow the rules of engagement, communicate with your team, and execute flawlessly – failure is for the unprepared.
Your Mission is the Story
Ready or Not confronts you with a raw, unflinching mirror of real-world crime, exposing the horrors of human trafficking, drug running, illegal arms dealing, militant extremism and terrorism through interwoven storylines that span multiple missions. Grapple with moral dilemmas as you’re forced to balance your duty to exercise constraint in the face of Los Sueňos’ most vile criminals.
Cross-Comradery
Team up with friends to stem the tide of crime infesting the city. Enhanced with crossplay, Ready or Not supports up to five players in a co-operative tactical experience on all platforms. Communicate effectively to increase your tactical precision, watch your squad’s back and successfully complete your mission.
No Man’s Sky Voyagers Update Ushers in a Whole New Dimension to Ship-Building
Sean MurrayFounder, Hello Games
Summary
On our 9th anniversary, the 6.0 update for No Man’s Sky, Voyagers, is available today, free to existing Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Game Pass players
Players can now build their own large multi-crew starships, and are able to customize them inside and out.
Fellow travellers can be invited to journey with you in your new starship. Why not set to autopilot and hang out as you watch the universe whizz by?
Ship customisation is just one of a large number of quality of life updates ushered in by Voyagers, our biggest update of the year.
It’s been gratifying to see so many Xbox and Game Pass players return to the No Man’s Sky universe to take command of the all-new planetary settlements after the Beacon update a few months ago. In the background, the tiny team at Hello Games have been hard at work and today we’re pleased to reveal perhaps our biggest update of the year. The Voyagers update launches today and is free to existing players.
Spaceships have always been my favourite thing, the coolest thing. Give me any sci-fi film or novel or game, and I want to talk to you about the spaceships in it! I can draw you a map of the Millennium Falcon, or the Nostromo – those are important characters in those worlds. I know for our team and our players it’s that same feeling. Your ship is maybe the most important character in No Man’s Sky.
What if we could build our own ships? With real interiors, med-bays, sleeping quarters, war rooms? What if we could get out of the cockpit seat mid-flight, wander around, look out the window as the universe flies by? What if we could share our ship with friends, to build a crew and adventure together? That’s a fantasy we’ve had for the longest time. I’m sure players never thought it would happen, but it’s something we’ve been working towards for years.
This has been just a huge undertaking for our small team. Starships move at incredible speed, and to add a player calmly walking around inside a ship that is hurtling through space brings up all sorts of physics and game development problems (suddenly you have to think about relative space!).
We went even further, allowing networked crewmates to walk about inside too, networking with each other, whilst also travelling at vast speed on a networked ship. To take it even further we allow players to edit and decorate those ships around them, whilst pulsing through space or flying over a planet. It’s one of the harder game development problems!
Building your own ship, decorating it with friends, your own space that you share together – there really isn’t anything like it. Those moments where you look out the cockpit as a Space Station spins into view. Opening the airlock to rush out and discover a new planet, our returning home to your new custom ship from a hazardous environment. It feels so different and new.
Voyagers is version 6.0 of No Man’s Sky, which for us represents a big milestone. It’s honestly one of our biggest updates ever, and what I love about it is it opens up a whole new path that we will want to build on and expand in future.
Really though, we see each update as another step on a much longer journey. Sometimes we will put a lot of work into something that the community will perceive as small, but we know is important for the future. Sometimes something that was easier for us is actually really meaningful to the community – those are great too! The most satisfying part is when we’ve put in a lot of hard work for something we know is really meaningful to players, and I think Voyagers is luckily one of those updates – a lot of hard work to create something really meaningful for the future.
The best thing about No Man’s Sky continues to be the community. Something about the game attracts the best, most welcoming players. As long as players keep coming back to enjoy the content we’re making, and as long as the team is enjoying coming up with crazily ambitious stuff like Voyagers, then we are happy!
Behind the scenes, our new game, Light No Fire, is really coming along well. Honestly we always presumed that No Man’s Sky would have sailed off into the sunset long before Light No Fire ever saw the light of day. If anything, from a player and team perspective, No Man’s Sky is more vibrant now than ever, and both projects are benefitting from each other.
The Voyagers update (6.0) is available now, free to existing players. Our journey continues.
No Man’s Sky comes complete with all 29 major updates up to and including Worlds Part I.
Inspired by the adventure and imagination that we love from classic science-fiction, No Man’s Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore, filled with unique planets and lifeforms, and constant danger and action.
In No Man’s Sky, every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly smoothly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. In this infinite procedurally generated universe, you’ll discover places and creatures that no other players have seen before – and perhaps never will again.
Embark on an epic voyage
At the centre of the galaxy lies a irresistible pulse which draws you on a journey towards it to learn the true nature of the cosmos. But, facing hostile creatures and fierce pirates, you’ll know that death comes at a cost, and survival will be down to the choices you make over how you upgrade your ship, your weapon and suit.
Find your own destiny
Your voyage through No Man’s Sky is up to you. Will you be a fighter, preying on the weak and taking their riches, or taking out pirates for their bounties? Power is yours if you upgrade your ship for speed and weaponry.
Or a trader? Find rich resources on forgotten worlds and exploit them for the highest prices. Invest in more cargo space and you’ll reap huge rewards.
Or perhaps an explorer? Go beyond the known frontier and discover places and things that no one has ever seen before. Upgrade your engines to jump ever farther, and strengthen your suit for survival in toxic environments that would kill the unwary.
Share your journey
The galaxy is a living, breathing place. Trade convoys travel between stars, factions vie for territory, pirates hunt the unwary, and the police are ever watching. Every other player lives in the same galaxy, and you can choose to share your discoveries with them on a map that spans known space. Perhaps you will see the results of their actions as well as your own…
College Football 26
