After the thrilling release of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty earlier this year, we’re excited to now offer players the full package in the form of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition! Containing the base game, its spy-thriller expansion, and the game-changing Update 2.0, it’s the ultimate Cyberpunk experience — and it’s out today! You can snag a physical copy for your Xbox Series X at select retailers or download the digital version for Xbox Series X|S.

To celebrate the game’s availability, we’re also launching the free Update 2.1, featuring brand-new features like the much-requested Radioport, a functional metro system, hangouts with partners in V’s apartment, and much more. Later in the month, we’ve got a treat for every Night Citizen — a full game booklet containing developer interviews, insights into the game’s creation, and a healthy dose of inspiration straight from the people who created the game.

Before the full booklet comes out, we’ve got an exclusive excerpt to share with you, featuring ten things you’ll definitely want to try your hand at, whether you’re a brand-new merc or an Afterlife legend. Let’s dive in!

Shoot some street photography

Every district here has its own flavor and feel, so what’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local vibes? Photography! Take in the sights and see life through the lens of an NC native by taking preem shots across every district. That’s right, time to enter full-on Photo Mode. If you wanna admire the sights but don’t wanna cross paths with scavs, cyberpsychos, or bored street gangoons, use those handy new sightseeing binos and enjoy the city’s vista points from a safe distance.

Travel on the NCART

Who said getting around has to be a chore? Travel in NC is surprisingly efficient, and we say the NCART sky metro is one of the coolest (and safest) ways to get from A-B. Tickets are pretty cheap, so consider taking a smooth ride on public transit before going bumper to bumper with gonk city drivers.

Ride the rollercoaster in Pacifica

Pacifica was supposed to be a booming vacay resort, the perfect place to chill and indulge in all the pleasures the oh-so-wonderful megacorp bottom line could muster. Obviously, it all went to hell, but you can still find some moments of joy amidst the ruins. The broken down roller coaster seems primed for a jumpstart, so if you’re up for a thrillride and willing to put the work in, you might just be able to capture a moment of what this forgotten district should have been in the first place.

Discover preem arcade classics

Back in the day, kids and kid-like adults would burn eddies and hours breaking their fingers to get high scores in the local arcades. It’s a bust business now, what with BDs and the like, but we’ve recently discovered some absolute classics — playable if you find an arcade machine in working order. Roach Race and Trauma Drama — ahhh, now they take me back.

Explore Dogtown

Okay, yes you’d have to be desperate to even try to break into Dogtown — and we don’t usually encourage our readers to risk their lives getting into what most people call the ‘deadliest district’ of Night City — but if you’re dead set on seeing all there is to see in Night City, it might be worth it. Who knows, with a little patience, an opportunity to get through those impenetrable walls in Pacifica might even present itself to you. Crazier things have happened! Anyway, from what we hear, you can bag some sweet deals in that black market… just try not to piss off Hansen and Barghest while you’re at it.

Join the gig economy

Corps might rule Night City but we also have a thriving business of badass entrepreneurs. Mercs, edgerunners, cyberpunks — they go by many names, but the best thing about them is there’s always work to be done. Fixers are always in need of individuals with special skills, so if you wanna try your hand then keep an eye out for lucrative gigs. Eddies and street cred await!

Help fight crime

Gangers think they run this town. Sure, it’s hard to argue when they’ve got a gun in your face with their finger on the trigger, but it’s high time someone put these gonks in their place. The NCPD is understaffed and… well, let’s just leave it at that — so if you’ve got the gear to lend a hand and chip away at the daily crime statistics, you’re bound to be well rewarded. Stay tuned for NCPD alerts across the city; there’s always a crime in progress.

Change your entire self!

Y’know what they say: Night City Changes Every Body. Whether you’re bored of your looks or you just wanna try something new, head to any ripperdoc and they’ll be able to sculpt your appearance however you wish. And hey, while you’re at it, why not get chipped with some chrome? Can you really say you’ve been to Night City if you haven’t refreshed your implants?

Indulge in some romance

Got a special someone you just love spending time with? First, good for you! Who knew you could find love amidst the chaos of Night City, huh? Sometimes a quiet moment with your soulmate is all you need to recharge and feel content, and believe me that’s a rare thing in this screwed up world we live in. So go on, give that lucky person a call on the holo and forget about everything else for a bit. Date night ftw! Or, you know, if you’re not currently seeing someone, you can always go visit Jig Jig Street for some late-night fun…

Settle down

Can’t stop digging Night City? Try out life in different districts by checking out the apartment rental market! EZEstates on the Net has you covered, whether you’re yearning for the high-life in Corpo Plaza or the gritty feel of Japantown. And what the hell, while you’re in the shopping mood check out the Autofixer site to claim some sweet wheels of your own. A house and a car: ain’t that the life?

Feeling inspired? Jump into Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and try out the full list! The game and the free Update 2.1 are out now Xbox Series X|S — so see you in Night City.

The post 10 Things to Do In Night City With Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition appeared first on Xbox Wire.

If you’re looking to give the perfect present to a gaming fan over the holidays, it can be a little daunting to work out exactly what to put in their stocking. Thankfully, Xbox offers a huge amount of variety, meaning there’s a perfect gift for every player. With multiple consoles, subscriptions tailored to every player’s needs, games across every conceivable genre, and personalized accessories, you’re spoiled for choice when you’re looking to spoil a loved one. 

With that in mind, we’ve put together “stockings” for multiple kinds of gaming fans. From buying them a very first console, to figuring out what to get for a veteran player, here are some suggestions of Xbox goodies to gift your loved ones over the holidays.  

Their First Console

There’s nothing quite like unwrapping that suspiciously big box and finding your first games console inside. If you’re planning on gifting someone a console this year, the Xbox Series S – Starter Bundle is the perfect choice – this all-in-one gaming gift includes an Xbox Series S , designed to play next-gen games, as well as 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. With Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll get access to four generations of Xbox games, including our biggest titles, meaning the lucky recipient is sure to find something perfect to play – from the year’s biggest releases like Starfield or Forza Motorsport, to family-friendly gems like Minecraft Legends (and with our convenient Xbox Family Settings App available on iOS and Android, you can set your parental controls and choose what’s appropriate to play, who your child plays with and more)., you can choose what’s appropriate to play). 

If you want to make this holiday extra special, consider customizing their own Xbox Wireless Controller from Xbox Design Lab. Here you can create the perfect controller to match their personality – and you can even engrave their name or Gamertag to make it truly their own. 

The Seasoned Player 

Some players will already have their Xbox in heavy rotation, but there are some perfect ways to make their gaming experience even better. To give your giftee a truly top-tier experience, consider creating an Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with Xbox Design Lab just for them. Built to let seasoned players have the best possible experience, with adjustable thumbsticks, rubberized grips, and components built to last. With Xbox Design Lab, you can customize the perfect controller, right down to adding extra paddles, or a carrying case and charging pack. 

Of course, they’ll want some games to play as well, and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership is the perfect solution. With hundreds of titles included as part of the price – and access to them across Xbox consoles, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) – it offers some of the best value in gaming. Play huge releases like Starfield on day one, discover indie gems, and even get access to EA Play for even more games, all in one package. 

With all those games to download, your giftee might need some extra space to store them on. Consider adding an Xbox Series X|S Expansion Card into the mix to help with that. Both the WD_BLACK C50 and Seagate Storage Expansion Card offer a seamless way to offer more space on their console. 

The PC Player 

Xbox games don’t have to be played on a console – if you’re gifting for a PC player, PC Game Pass is their ticket to hundreds of new experiences. Including PC favorites from our own studios and incredible partners – like Starfield, Age of Empires IV, and Crusader Kings III – you’ll be opening up multiple new worlds to play with a keyboard and mouse. 

If you really want to treat the PC player in your life, consider giving them a new way to play. The ASUS ROG Ally is a portable gaming PC that includes full support for Game Pass (and even comes with 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free), and supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning you can start a game at home and pick it up again on the move. 

Your Far-Flung Multiplayer Partner 

Sometimes, your perfect Halo Infinite comrade can’t be nearby – but with Xbox that doesn’t need to be a problem. Keeping in touch over comms is never easier than with the Xbox Wireless Headset, which offers crystal-clear sound, a cable-free direct connection to the console, and a comfortable design for those long multiplayer sessions. It’s an affordable way to get the very best online experience. 

If you’re the kind of players who don’t want to stick with a single game, an Xbox Game Pass for Console membership is the way to go. The gigantic catalogue includes multiplayer games from many genres – battle it out in Party Animals, compete for the fastest finish in Forza Motorsport, or survive together in State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition. 

A Budding Co-op Player 

If you’re hoping to play with a partner in your own home, make sure they have the perfect controller to play with. The Xbox Wireless Controller comes in multiple styles, meaning there’s something for everyone. The new Gold Shadow Special Edition offers a sophisticated gold-to-black metallic finish, the Remix Special Edition offers a multi-toned green finish and one third is made from regrind and reclaimed materials, and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 offers a best-in-class gaming experience. 

And if you both want a screen to yourselves, the new Xbox Series S – 1TB (Black) offers an affordable way to add a second powerful console to your home. Get the same next-gen speed and performance of our Xbox Series S, now with double the storage. And if you do want to play together, Xbox Game Pass Core unlocks online gaming on Xbox, as well as a slate of over 25 games to try, including multiplayer favorites like Grounded, Gang Beasts, and Among Us. 

The Sci-Fi Fan 

Some players want to immerse themselves in new worlds – none more so than sci-fi fans. Starfield (available with Game Pass) is the perfect gift for the explorer in your life. Discover over a thousand worlds in Bethesda Game Studios’ first new universe in 25 years and embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery. 

For the full Starfield experience, you can help customize their console, too. The Starfield Xbox Series X Console Wrap offers a striking design inspired by the game, made to offer a precision fit around their console.  

The Racing Fan 

Some players want the thrill of a race on their console, and Forza Motorsport (available with Game Pass) offers the most advanced racing simulation ever created across Xbox Series X|S and PC. With over 500 cars, 20 tracks, 800 performance upgrades, and more on the way Forza Motorsport will keep fans racing for years to come. 

For the true at-home racing experience, consider adding a Designed for Xbox Racing Setup – these creations from our partners allow you to add a dash of real-life drama to your racing fantasies, all designed to work perfectly with your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel delivers 11Nm of force feedback in a low-latency direct drive motor for ultimate realism, the Thrustmaster T128X adds a wheel-and-pedal bundle to bring the simulation home, while the Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub v2 for Xbox allows you go fully modular, offering customization with multiple wheel rims, steering wheels, wheel bases, and pedals. 

The post Build Your Perfect Xbox Stocking appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Introduce four ferocious new predators to your parks with Jurassic World Evolution 2: Cretaceous Predator Pack! This latest update brings four extraordinary species to the game that are sure to stop your parks guests in their tracks. Manage and control these striking dinosaurs as they fight for dominance in your parks and search for their next meal.

Bringing these fascinating dinosaurs to Jurassic World Evolution 2 requires a lot of work from our talented team, and in this post, we’re going to show you how each species is brought to life, from start to finish.

Gigantoraptor

Let’s start with the Gigantoraptor, the hero from our Key Art and my favourite from the update. This is the largest known Oviraptorosaur from the Late Cretaceous era and features a stunning coat of feathers and large elongated legs.

Before we can start modelling any of the species, the art team creates a concept for the design approach to the dinosaur. To kick things off we’ll produce some initial concepts on the shape of the species, paying special attention to any standout elements. In this case we focus on the Gigantoraptors legs, height, neck, feathers, and head. This is used as a starting point for the design and a foundation to make sure we get the important features nailed down early on. You can also see in this step that we have a few variations on how the feathers might look, something we continue to experiment with in the next step.

After step one, we put together some additional concepts to explore other options. As you can see below, we are adding in some extra parts to the Gigantoraptors design such as more feathers on the head, thinner wings, and some extra pattern variations on the body. Once this crucial step is complete, the team then has a selection of concepts to pick from and build the final design.

Next, we take a closer look at the head of the Gigantoraptor. The team will design a variety of head shapes, using bones, eye positions, beak layout, and feather formation to produce a mix of options. Once we’ve settled on an approach to the head, the Gigantoraptors shape is locked in, and we can then move onto the final stage of the design process.

Bringing the best elements from each step we build the final concept of the Gigantoraptor. In this reference below you can see one of the colour variations for the species. Our approach to colour is just as important as the previous steps. The team will use information we have about the species and combine that with real-world references of other animals and their colour patterns. This helps us form a realistic approach to the colour and patterns of these stunning species.

Concavenator

The next dinosaur we’ll look at is the Concavenator and although we’ll take a similar step by step approach to its design, each species has different challenges and characteristics that we need to focus on.

The Concavenator has a unique silhouette, so in these early stages of the design we wanted to focus heavily on its shape to make sure we faithfully represent the species. It’s also important that the dinosaurs we design fit within the Jurassic World franchise. The Concavenator appears in the background of Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom as a statue in Lockwood Manor, so we used this as one of our many references when designing the model. Finally, in these early stages we’ll also include some initial measurements in our concepts, this helps as a guide for the team to see how this particular dinosaur will stack up against other in-game items, dinosaurs, and environments.

Once we have the overall shape locked in, we’ll then start to add some additional details to the dinosaur. A notable feature on the Concavenator is the two narrow humps on its back, formed by extremely large vertebrae. Sometimes when we’re designing a dinosaur that has such a distinct shape, we’ll have an additional step in the design process to explore ways of approaching this. In this case we had two different designs for the back, design A features the humps being significantly taller and B has the same design but shorter.

Finally, we bring it all together! Real-world fossils of the Concavenator feature structures that resemble quill knobs, so you’ll see in this final step we’ve added some to the design. This agile predator is a great addition to the game, and I can’t wait to see how players introduce them to their parks.

Utahraptor

Our third fierce predator in this pack is the Utahraptor. This is one of the largest known dromaeosaurs, so we had a lot of references on how to approach this design. In this first and second stage of the concept you’ll see that we’ve included some early examples to show how it would look when moving. This gives the team an opportunity to explore how the tail, neck and overall body stance would change with movement. We also included detailed concepts of the Utahraptor’s face, looking at the scales on its nose and how the feathers form. These detailed designs are integral to the team so we can create highly detailed models later on.

Towards the end of the design process, we will have a final highly detailed drawing of the Utahraptor, bringing in all the key elements of the species into one concept. This will act as the base plate moving forward for the colour and pattern variations.

Lastly, we’ll bring it all together with a final pattern design that players can then enjoy in-game and customise in their parks. Our main inspiration for this species were birds of prey and how their feathers and colours influencer their look and fierceness.

Tarbosaurus

Our last addition with this pack is the Tarbosaurus. This design is heavily inspired by the Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation Netflix Show, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Hidden Adventure. We worked closely with our fantastic partners at Universal to create an accurate model of this species so fans of both the game and the show can enjoy this dinosaur in their parks.

With the shape and approach to the model complete we spent some time looking at colour and pattern variations for the Tarbosaurus, focusing on a couple favourite designs with multiple variations and then a few distinctly different alternatives. This gargantuan hunter looks fantastic in-game and will be a great fit for any large tyrannosaurine sections of players parks.

The team have done a brilliant job at bringing these exciting species to life in-game and we’re thrilled that players can now get their hands on them! Jurassic World Evolution 2: Cretaceous Predator Pack is available today on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

Jurassic World Evolution 2: Cretaceous Predator Pack

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Introduce four ferocious new predators to your parks with Jurassic World Evolution 2: Cretaceous Predator Pack. Manage and control these striking dinosaurs as they fight for dominance in your parks and search for their next meal.

Welcome the following extraordinary species:
–          Gigantoraptor, whose name means “Giant Thief”, is the largest known Oviraptorosaur from the Late Cretaceous era. Featuring an impressive coat of feathers and large elongated legs, the Gigantoraptor can maintain speed for an extended period of time as it chases down its prey.

–          Concavenator has a distinctive narrow hump, formed by two extremely large vertebrae, making its profile instantly recognisable. This agile theropod from the Early Cretaceous period is a fierce hunter that will make an exciting addition to your parks.

–          Utahraptor, one of the largest dromaeosaurs, is an intelligent and ruthless predator that is sure to impress your guests. With a stunning feather coat and large scythe-like claws, this predator, hailing from Utah, will stop any prey in its tracks.

–          Tarbosaurus, is a gargantuan hunter inspired by the Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation Netflix Show, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Hidden Adventure. This unique Tyrannosaurine theropod will need a secure enclosure to protect guests from its powerful jaws.

The post How Jurassic World Evolution 2 Brings Four Cretaceous Predators To Life appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Hi buddies! Welcome to Born of Bread, a home-cooked turn-based role-playing adventure full of fun characters and charming stories for children and adults alike. Beings from another age are causing havoc across the land and their mischief comes as a great threat for everyone. The unlikeliest hero, Loaf, a golem born of bread who possesses a never-ending childlike wonder, finds himself and his newfound friends in the middle of a drama that’s thousands of years in the making. Adventure awaits!

Today we’d like to give folks a gander at Born of Bread’s unique take on turn-based combat. You play as the doughy golem Loaf, a being made of flour by the culinary crackerjack Papa Baker. Just as bread is tasty on its own but requires other ingredients to make a sandwich, Loaf needs companions to really get cooking. It’s up to you to build up a party of allies in Loaf’s quest to stop the unruly invaders wreaking havoc about town.

His friends include Lint the racoon, a neurotic aspiring writer with a penchant for digging and the ability to attack with his tail and manuscripts; Yagi, a talented goat martial artist who can materialize ethereal platforms by mediating, and land flaming strikes on enemies; and Chloe, a young aspiring detective with a lantern that can burn obstacles, and who can use her deduction skills to inflict status ailments.

Battles are largely tactical, though you’ll need precise timing to really get the most out of your attacks. For basic moves, like walloping a foe with a ladle or tail, you’ll need to hit a button the moment a needle crosses the green part of a meter to deal extra damage. More powerful blows, like using the dreaded Druidic Sickle, require you to rock the joystick as quickly as possible to fill up a meter for maximum damage. These cost Will Points, however, so use them wisely. For rare emergencies you can deploy Special Attacks using rare Resolve Points. For example, Loaf’s Roast special will prevent him from taking any damage at all. Simply hold A to heat up – but be careful not to overheat. Nobody likes burnt toast after all!

Just as important as a good offense is a strong defense, and you can mitigate damage by pressing A the moment an enemy makes contact with you. Quick reflexes are also crucial to kicking off combat encounters, as a good smack to an enemy during the game’s exploration phase will ensure that you get to take the first turn in battle.

As important as timing is, it will take wits as well as reflexes to come out victorious. Every enemy has its own strengths and weaknesses. In the early parts of a battle you’ll want to use your Type Sight boon to display enemy weaknesses and resistances. Husky Hornets are weak to normal attack types, like your ladle or a pickaxe, while Spidusts will be weak to leaf attack types, like Lint’s tail ability, but they resist slashing attacks like Loaf’s druidic sickle. You’ll have to manage your maneuvers carefully to efficiently obliterate your opponents before they crush you into crumbs!

Of course you’ll want to prepare for a rumble even during peaceful times, so make sure you’re managing your Hit Points, Will Points, and Resolve Points during your breaks between fisticuffs. Feed your party with apples, chocolate cakes or croissants (don’t think too hard about the fact that Loaf is eating baked pastries) to replenish your points, and defeat foes to level up for permanent upgrades. 

That should be enough to get you started on your journey. You won’t have to wait long to see what further adventures Loaf and his buddies have in store, as Born of Bread emerges from the oven onto Xbox platforms on December 5. Bon appetit! 

The post How Born of Bread Turns RPG Combat Into a Unique Gaming Delicacy appeared first on Xbox Wire.

This is Simon Dasan, Creative Director on Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, here to talk to you a bit more about our upcoming Action-RPG, now set for release in Summer 2024!

We’re excited to bring you the latest look at Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, and we’ve been hard at work to bring you the best possible experience since you last saw it. We’re doubling down on amazing visual fidelity to bring the world of Flintlock to life, and ensuring a satisfying, visceral combat experience.

Take the role of Nor Vanek, alongside Enki, the mysterious Godlike creature as they venture on a quest for redemption in the world of Kian. Their journey will take them across treacherous mountainous terrain, through deadly deserts, and of course, to the front lines of the battle to reclaim the city of Dawn.

With combat being at the core of Flintlock, we have been hard at work refining the feel, skills, and various builds that will be at your disposal. Nor is a versatile and deadly Sapper, equally as adept with an axe as she is with flintlock weapons. Seamlessly weave axe and pistol shots as you go up against hordes of undead coming from the Great Below. 

Tap into the magic of the Gods with Enki and become the ultimate God Killer. Utilise Enki Curses to amplify your damage and unleash satisfyingly brutal glory kills. You’ll also gain access to Witherings, powerful ultimate attacks that can change the tide of combat. Deal massive damage, heal yourself from the brink of death, and even gain access to other Gods attacks, Witherings can be found throughout the land and will allow you to customise your playstyle even further.

Speaking of playstyles, Flintlock has plenty to offer for all. Use the skill tree to master the way of Powder, Magic, or Steel. Powder increases proficiency in flintlock weapons, allowing you to become a ranged arsenal. Restrain enemies and gain access to new Enki abilities through the Magic tree. Become a master of close quarters combat through the Steel tree, where you can use momentum to attack faster and faster.

All of this comes together with Flintlock’s mobility. Powder Mobility gives an unparalleled level of freedom throughout the world, whether it be finding long lost secrets, or gaining the advantage against your foes. Open rifts throughout the world and combine with Enki to take flight, jump ever higher, or throw yourself forwards to reach previously unavailable ledges.

We’re excited to show you more of Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, coming in Summer of 2024. Keep an eye out, there’ll be a lot more to show in the coming months.

The post Explore The Gritty Combat of Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn In New Gameplay Trailer appeared first on Xbox Wire.