Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2402.240108-2200)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3402.240108-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – January 10, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 11, 2024

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Alpha users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Thumbstick Calibration

For users in the US who have independently replaced the circuit board on their Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or users in all regions experiencing minor thumbstick issues, we now offer a user-guided self-calibration tool for thumbsticks through the Xbox Accessories App.

Note: The support article linked at the end of the experience is currently unavailable. This will be available in the future.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

System

Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
- Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2402.240108-2200) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

CES 2024: The New Windows PC Gaming Devices Coming from Our Top Partners

CES always gives us an exciting look at what’s next for hardware, and with gaming at the forefront of technological innovation, it’s no surprise that CES 2024 has revealed some truly next-generation Windows 11 gaming PCs. Microsoft and our partners are leading the way in combining traditional power with advancements in AI, and this selection of new announcements are a perfect way to future-proof your gaming experience on PC.

Every PC on this list is designed to run the latest games – including those on PC Game Pass, which will help you to jump into some of the greatest games on the platform the moment you switch on your new machine. Even better, every single computer listed below comes with at least one free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving players access to hundreds of high-quality PC, console and cloud games.

Acer

Acer announced the new Predator Helios 18 gaming laptop, outfitted with Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs with DLSS 3.5 technology and Nvidia Advanced Optimus, delivering a massive boost in performance features and AI-powered graphic capabilities. It also comes with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Gamers seeking a competitive edge will appreciate the MagKey 3.0 swappable mechanical switch for shorter key travel and response time and lightning-fast network speeds with Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.

Video game realms appear as realistic as ever, powered by up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU(MGP up to 175 W) designed with the ultra-efficient Nvidia ADA Lovelace architecture to deliver breakthrough performance and AI-enhanced graphics thanks to DLSS 3.5 technology’s full ray tracing capabilities. Acer’s advanced thermal solutions keep the devices and internals running cool but at full steam, driven by dual 5th Gen AeroBlade fans combined with liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU and vector heat pipes. 

Asus ROG

Asus ROG introduced the new ROG Zephyrus G16 as one of the first Republic of Gaming laptops to feature a Nebula Display with an OLED panel. ROG collaborated with Nvidia and Samsung Display to refine the refresh rate and sync the processes of this panel. This is the first OLED panel supporting G-sync, which means it meets the ROG Nebula standard.

Thinner and lighter than ever thanks to a complete redesign, it gives players customizable lighting patterns. It also comes with an Aura Sync keyboard, an extra-large touchpad and 90Wh long-lasting battery life. It’s also bundled with three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Find out more about these and other Asus products announced at CES 2024. 

Dell

Dell’s gaming brand, Alienware, redesigned its popular m16 R2 laptop to prioritize performance, flexibility and portability. Its goal was to create a powerful notebook that could run the most demanding games yet be portable and discreet enough to take from place to place with ease. Now the 16-inch gaming notebook sports a new thermal solution that allows it to be 43% more efficient in its airflow in a footprint that is 15% smaller. Notwithstanding its smaller size, it comes with a larger palm rest and touchpad.

Another change with this newer model is Stealth Mode, a hotkey that cloaks the m16 R2, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. This handy feature was inspired by people who found RGB lighting effects to be distracting in public spaces – such as libraries, classrooms and coffee shops. Now a quick tap of the F2 shortcut key turns the keyboard backlighting white, switches off all other AlienFX lighting zones, and shifts performance mode to Quiet to reduce fan noise.

The m16 R2 also comes with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving players access to hundreds of high-quality games on PC, console and cloud.

When it’s time to game, the laptop’s Intel Core Ultra H Series processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series mobile graphics (up to an RTX 4070) pack enough power to run the latest titles at high frame rates. Competitive gamers can also utilize Nvidia’s DLSS 3.5 AI upscaling technology and Nvidia Reflex latency reduction, which deliver faster frame rates, better image quality and the lowest latency – without demanding more power.

HP

Gamers who are looking for versatile machines that can handle the rigor of top-tier AAA games, as well as visually demanding creative endeavors, can turn to the Windows 11-powered Omen Transcend 14  and Omen Transcend 16 Gaming Laptop. The 14-inch version comes with up to an IMAX Enhanced Certified 2.8K 120Hz VRR OLED display, up to 11.5 hours of battery life and up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processorand up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPUs. HP has updated the 16-inch version with up to 4K 240Hz OLED display option as well as up to the latest Intel CPUs.

The Omen Transcend 14 is available for pre-order at HP.com for a starting price of $1,599.99. The Omen Transcend 16, which can be purchased with the latest Intel processors and an OLED display, is available for pre-order on HP.com for a starting price of $1,899.99. Both include one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Lenovo

Lenovo’s Legion series of laptops are made for gaming. Players will find the latest Intel Core 14^th Gen i9 14900HX processors on the Lenovo Legion 7i. All Lenovo Legion Series laptops are available with up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics that feature Nvidia’s RTX AI upscaling for faster framerates, AI-powered Max-Q technology to optimize performance and efficiency, supercharging gaming as well as creative and productivity tasks.

New for this year is the Lenovo Legion Coldfront: Hyper thermal solution. The fans in the thermal solution spin in opposite directions, pushing hot air out of the rear of the chassis while pulling cold air in from the back middle. The Hyperchamber in the middle, which is hermetically sealed from open air, keeps cold and hot air separate, increasing heat exchange and keeping the laptops’ hardware cooler and the framerates higher. This results in a net increase of up to 25W TDP in Extreme Mode for a max output of 175W TDP on the Lenovo Legion 7i, while keeping the keyboard cooler and more comfortable even under heavy processor loads.  All Lenovo gaming PCs come with three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.  

MSI

MSI introduced its Windows 11 handheld device, Claw. The Intel Core Ultra processors power this portable gaming powerhouse, which also features Intel XeSS technology that significantly enhances FPS, ensuring a smooth and immersive gameplay experience on AAA titles, while providing exceptional battery life. MSI Cooler Boost HyperFlow thermal technology redirects the airflow to cool the internal components, ensuring optimal performance even in the palm of your hand.

MSI also debuted an 18-inch gaming laptop family, led by the Titan 18 HX, equipped with Intel 14^th Gen Core i9 processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics that are capable of running at total 270W simultaneous combined load. With four sets of expansion memory slots, it can be extended to 128 GB. If that isn’t enough, it includes three M.2 SSD slots, providing a storage capacity of up to 12TB. The 18-inch family also includes the latest gaming flagship Raider 18 HX and portable Stealth 18 AI Studio. Find out more about these and other devices MSI rolled out at CES 2024. MSI’s gaming devices come with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Razer

The latest line-up of Razer Blade gaming laptops powered by Microsoft Windows 11 leads off with the new Razer Blade 16, equipped with an Intel Core i9 processor. Tackle the most demanding gaming and creative tasks with 24 Cores and the ability to unlock overclocking through Razer Synapse. Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics and AI-powered DLSS 3 deliver faster framerates and real-time ray tracing.

The next generation of Blade 14 is the most portable chassis in the Razer Blade line. Updated with the new AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, this four-pound and .71-inches thin laptop features enhanced Ryzen AI performance to boost AI workloads such as Microsoft Windows Studio effects and Microsoft Copilot in Windows 11. These laptops also come with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Find out more about these and other Razer announcements at CES.

Find out more about these and other new gaming PCs from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo that were highlighted this week on the Microsoft CES microsite.

The post CES 2024: The New Windows PC Gaming Devices Coming from Our Top Partners appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Community Update January 2024 – First Month Accounts

Hi there, Xbox Insiders!

Passages

I hope this Community Update finds you as well as all those emails, meeting invites, and “let’s start the year strong” messages you ~~marked all as read~~ have in your Inbox. We’re only a week into 2024 and so much has happened already. We saw a real-life “Getting Over It” cosplay at a New Year’s party, the Internet collectively decided that Leon Kennedy would absolutely smoke Joel, and these are the streets I grew up in.

Over here at Xbox Insider HQ, we’ve also been busy chasing the hamsters back on their wheels (read: we are the hamsters) and getting back into the swing of things. It’s going to be a bit of a lighter January before we really kick it into high gear for the 10th Anniversary in February. So, let’s take a look at some of what we’ve been working on:

Connections

You might have noticed some changes to the layout, design, and overall look/feel of our lovely Xbox Wire pages over the last few months. As part of our strategy shift, we’ve been looking at different ways we can utilize the space we have here on the Xbox Wire and we think this redesign (as well as more interesting changes coming soon!) is a great way to kick things off.

We’ve also been working to make our current content even better. It turns out, our resident Release Notes Virtuoso, Joshua, never got off his wheel. In fact, he’s been secretly whipping up some improvements and updates to Release Notes across all categories. We think you’ll agree these changes will make getting details on new builds easier and faster than ever!

Why Becomes How

I know, I know. Another one for the collage. I had hoped I wouldn’t have to use this joke for a while, but it’s taking longer than we initially thought for this process to happen. Apologies for this continued delay. I’ll take this one firmly on the chin though. I didn’t foresee the additional investments we’re now making, but I’m glad we’re making them nonetheless!

Full Tilt

That being said, we’re actually sprinting ahead with some of our other initiatives, specifically those tied to the 10th Anniversary. One thing I’m excited to share is that we’ll be publishing an absolute glut of content in February to the Xbox Wire. Interviews from past, present, (and future?!) Xbox Insider team members, an oral history of the program, and more will all be coming out to celebrate ten years of wonderful Xbox Insider Program accomplishments and highlights. This is something we’re super stoked about and we can’t wait for everyone to learn more.

Bright Future

We’ve also been working under the proverbial hood on a few items that aren’t quite ready to be fully revealed yet. These items are being worked on “in-house” within XIP, and I think it’s some of the coolest stuff we have cooking. We’ll be talking more about this in February, so stay tuned! In the meantime, please enjoy an updated/modified content roadmap.

As always, I hope everyone enjoyed this installment of the Xbox Insider Program Community Update. If you want to chat about this—and everything else XIP—hop on over to the r/XboxInsiders subreddit or throw us a follow @xboxinsider.

Wynn/

The post Community Update January 2024 – First Month Accounts appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.240104-1615)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Omega ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles.

We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2922.240104-1615
Available: 4 p.m. PT – January 9, 2024
Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – January 10, 2024

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

Fixes Implemented

Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:

Capture & Share

Fixed an issue where capturing screenshots or game clips immediately after launching a title could prevent subsequent captures from completing as expected until the console was restarted.

Games

Additional fixes to address unexpected loss of saved game progress in various titles.

System

Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Don’t forget to use “Report a problem” before posting—the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.240104-1615) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox to Present Developer_Direct, Returning on January 18

You’re about to get an exciting look at some of the incredible games ahead with Xbox, as we present a new edition of Developer_Direct. On Thursday, January 18 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK, fans will get an inside look at a selection of highly anticipated games coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass. Shortly after, ZeniMax Online Studios will host The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1pm PT / 4pm ET / 9pm UK to preview 2024’s biggest update.

Presented by the game creators themselves, Developer_Direct offers an in-depth look at upcoming titles, how they’re being created, and who’s creating them. We’ll visit MachineGames in Sweden to check in on their Indiana Jones game, swing by Obsidian’s Irvine offices to see more from Avowed, head to Oxide Games’ Maryland home to learn about Ara: History Untold, and take a trip to Cambridge, England to see Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II from Ninja Theory. Please note that while this show won’t have updates on games from Activision Blizzard, you can look forward to news from those teams later this year.

The show will be a celebration of just a selection of our slate of upcoming games from Xbox. It’s also another part of our commitment to consistently bringing Xbox players can’t-miss experiences. 2024 kicked off with a bang for Game Pass members, and you can expect that line-up to include more incredible games from Xbox and our partners as the year goes on.

Fans should tune in on Xbox channels at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK, January 18 to see all the latest on:

Indiana Jones game: MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, will reveal their upcoming Indiana Jones game, an action-adventure that puts players in the leather jacket of the legendary archaeologist. Developer_Direct will showcase more than 10 minutes of game and developer insights, including details about the game’s setting and story, how fans will actually play as Indy, additional details from his next globe-trotting adventure, and the premiere of the first gameplay trailer.

Avowed: The team at Obsidian will share the first deep dive into the gameplay experience fans can expect in Avowed, their upcoming fantasy action RPG, set in the fantastical, vibrant Living Lands. Learn more about how Obsidian’s expertise in building worlds with deep themes, dynamic gameplay, and thoughtful reactivity come to life in Avowed where players will have agency to make choices to shape every step of their adventure.

Ara: History Untold: Hear from the leads at Oxide Games – a studio founded by veterans of the strategy genre and the creators behind classic strategy titles including Civilization V – as they unveil exclusive new gameplay and share more details about the inspiration, key features, and road ahead for their upcoming historical grand strategy game.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II: Ninja Theory take us behind the scenes at their studio in Cambridge to give us some insight on how they are crafting Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. The team will speak to the ambition and meticulous care involved in creating Senua’s journey of survival.

Shortly after Developer_Direct has concluded, ZeniMax Online Studios will host The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1pm PT / 4pm ET / 9pm UK, a standalone presentation where the development team will unveil the game’s next major Chapter, including the new zone, storyline, and other major features coming in the game’s biggest update this year.

Stay tuned to Xbox and Bethesda’s official social channels for more on Developer_Direct, coming on Thursday, January 18 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK.

The post Xbox to Present Developer_Direct, Returning on January 18 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2311.240104-1615)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Beta ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles.

We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

System Update Details:

OS Version: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2922.240104-1615
Available: 2 p.m. PT – January 8, 2024
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 9, 2024

Fixes Implemented

Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:

Capture & Share

Fixed an issue where capturing screenshots or game clips immediately after launching a title could prevent subsequent captures from completing as expected until the console was restarted.

Games

Additional fixes to address unexpected loss of saved game progress in various titles.

System

Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.

Audio

We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
  - When did the issue start?
  - Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
  - Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
  - Does rebooting resolve the issue?
  - What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
  - And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
- Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2311.240104-1615) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Take Cult Customization to the Next Level in Cult of the Lamb’s Free Sins of the Flesh Update

Cult of the Lamb’s next free update is preparing to slither into our dimension on January 16. Sins of the Flesh is our biggest expansion yet, adding a bounty of wicked new content—including a new Sin resource that lets you perform the darkest Rituals yet. Whether you’re knocking back a cool glass of Poop Juice or sneaking into the Mating Tent, there are lots more ways to be bad in this unholy update.

There’s a cult-load of fresh, awesome stuff in Sins of the Flesh, but there’s one new feature in particular that leaders who love customizing their flock will get an extra kick out of. Joining Cult of the Lamb’s cast of eccentric characters is Berith, a silkworm clothes maker. After meeting them, a new upgrade in the Divine Inspiration tree will be revealed and will allow you to build a Tailor in your cult’s base.

You can then use gathered materials to craft new outfits for your followers, decking them out in the hottest occult fashion. Some outfits can be customized too, letting you switch between different colors and variants. Unlock new threads by embarking on Crusades or performing certain actions—such as sinking a heroic number of drinks at the Drinkhouse, a brand new base structure. Here a follower can become a bartender, mixing up drinks and serving them to the cult to generate Sin.

The Drinkhouse and other sinful new structures will earn you Sin, which can then be used to unlock Doctrines and perform some of the gnarliest Rituals Cult of the Lamb has ever seen. You can also make the most of love connections between followers and birth new ones in the Mating Tent—or just crack the egg and harvest the yolks, you monster. But wait, that’s not all Sins of the Flesh has to offer.

Thanks to a selection of savvy quality of life improvements, Sins of the Flesh also makes the day-to-day business of running your cult less of a chore. Now, as you clean up after your messy followers by sweeping up poop, vomit, and burnt food, your mop will gradually level up and become more powerful. The stronger it gets, the faster it sweeps. That’s right, baby: unlockable mops! Ten of ’em!

We’ll also accept thanks in advance for the new follower auto-level feature. When you declare a Doctrine or perform a Sermon or Ritual that upgrades your followers’ level of loyalty, anyone with a full loyalty bar will automatically upgrade to the next level. We’ve also sped up Sermons, added huge new high-level storage structures, and a heap of other new improvements designed to streamline your experience.

You can indulge in the Sins of the Flesh yourself when Cult of the Lamb’s newest, darkest update releases on January 16. Cult of the Lamb is available now for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

Cult of the Lamb

Devolver Digital

☆☆☆☆☆
303

★★★★★

$24.99

Get it now

Free Trial

*** Don’t Starve Together Crossover Update ***

Don’t let the Lamb starve in this crossover update with Don’t Starve Together! We’ve cooked up a whole new game mode, new themed decorations, and a new follower form, to satisfy your hunger.

Survival Mode
The ails of mortality plague the Lamb in Penitence mode. Eating. Sleeping. You will learn how your followers struggle to survive. But a simple bed isn’t enough for a great leader. The Leader Tent is the perfect place to get your beauty sleep.

An Arachnid’s Allegiance
Webber arrives from the world of Don’t Starve Together. Can you unwrap the quest to convert them to your cult? They just don’t starve!

New Crossover Decorations
From homages to the Deerclops and Pig society, to base necessities like the science machine and alchemy engine, you can customize your cult with a whole set of decorations from Don’t Starve Together.

***

Cult of the Lamb casts players in the role of a possessed lamb saved from annihilation by an ominous stranger and must repay their debt by building a loyal following in his name. Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland worshippers and spread your Word to become the one true cult.

BUILD YOUR FLOCK
Collect and use resources to build new structures, perform dark rituals to appease the gods, and give sermons to reinforce the faith of your flock.

DESTROY THE NON-BELIEVERS
Explore a sprawling, randomly generated world, fight off hordes of enemies and defeat rival cult leaders in order to absorb their power and assert your cult’s dominance.

SPREAD YOUR WORD
Train your flock and embark on a quest to explore and discover the secrets of four mysterious regions. Cleanse the non-believers, spread enlightenment, and perform mystical rituals on the journey to become the mighty lamb god.

The post Take Cult Customization to the Next Level in Cult of the Lamb’s Free Sins of the Flesh Update appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 8 – 12

Next Week on Xbox

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 8 – 12

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

Cynthia: Hidden in the Moonshadow

Catthia Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$13.99

$12.59

Pre-order

Cynthia: Hidden in the Moonshadow – January 10

A third-person stealth adventure game focused on the story of the Moonshadow Huntress: Cynthia Stranborg. Take control of the young adept and learn new stealth skills during your journey. Find out what happened in the home village and follow your desired path to rescue the ones you love the most.

Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin – January 10

Prove your worth as a village hero by rebuilding a tavern, taking on quests and discovering romance along the way! Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin is a Yaoi-themed fantasy adventure visual novel where you can manage your daily routine, travel the land, accept side quests, and more.

Popcorn Rocket

Battle Geek Plus, L.L.C.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Popcorn Rocket – January 10

Play it old school like being back in the arcade in a fluid top-down space shooter which feels as smooth as buttery popcorn! Have fun blasting away as you jam out to some rockin’ 8-bit, 16-bit, and orchestral tunes just like playing arcade games at the movie theater!

Electrician Simulator

Gaming Factory S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Electrician Simulator – January 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Learn the secrets of the electrician profession and become the best professional in town. Check your inbox regularly and accept a variety of jobs, from small tasks to complex electrical installations. Try to do your job with as much attention to detail as possible!

Top Racer Collection

QUByte Interactive & bleem.net

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Top Racer Collection – January 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S /

Top Racer Collection brings back three ‘90s classic arcade racers in one incredible package, featuring classic titles such as Top Racer, Top Racer 2, and Top Racer 3000. In addition, the collection will feature new and exclusive content. Get up to speed and experience the nostalgic mix of action and addictive gameplay today!

True Virus

Ultimate Games

☆☆☆☆☆
6

★★★★★

$8.99

Get it now

True Virus – January 11

A point-and-click adventure game that takes players to an abandoned psychiatric hospital. Set in a world ravaged by an enigmatic and dangerous pandemic, play the role of a mental hospital patient who has awoken to a devastated world — your job is to find out what really happened.

War Hospital

Nacon

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$39.99

$35.99

Pre-order

War Hospital – January 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The year is 1918. You are major Henry Wells, a retired British combat medic, drafted back to take charge of a field hospital in the nightmare of World War I. Understaffed and undersupplied, the hospital is the last bastion of hope for countless soldiers on the Western Front. Your main aims are to keep up your team’s morale and support the war effort with the soldiers you have treated.

Beyond Doors

Old School Vibes

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Beyond Doors – January 12

Immerse yourself in this mind-bending platformer as Caleb who has awakened in a mystical dimension after experiencing burnout in his job. Door-to-door, guided by enigmatic musical notes, he needs to be reminded of his true calling.

Creatura

FreeMind S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Creatura – January 12

In Creatura, design and take care of enclosed ecosystems full of animals and plants grown from scratch, using scientifically accurate natural/artificial selection and genetic engineering. Make an epic journey over epochs of evolution, from single cell organisms sharing water with algae, to complex animals living in lush gardens.

Grotto

Digerati

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Grotto – January 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Grotto is a mystical, narrative-focused experience. You are the Soothsayer. The one capable of talking with the stars and unveiling their messages. In a time of turmoil, the tribe of the valley turn to your powers of divination and come to you for guidance.

Kitten Hero

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kitten Hero – January 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A fast-paced action platformer were you play as an extremely cute little cat trying to save his human and other kittens trapped inside a spaceship controlled by a powerful supercomputer. To get there, you’ll jump, climb, and dash your way through 80 levels filled with deadly spikes, saws, missiles and more.

Shinorubi

Red Art Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Shinorubi – January 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A shoot ’em up rooted in the bullet hell, danmaku, and manic shooter genres. In the universe, there is a compound that can only be found on one singular planet, Shinorubi. Shinorubi packs a great arcade action punch with great replayability thanks to its numerous difficulty levels, arranged modes, and player ships.

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 8 – 12 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, Hell Let Loose, and More

Xbox Game Pass January 3, 2024

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, Hell Let Loose, and More

Megan Spurr, Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass

Happy 2024! We hope your new year’s celebration was full of fun and games and that you have even more in store in the days to come. To help with that, let’s add some more games to your “to be played” list!

Available Today

Close to the Sun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Deep in international waters, Tesla’s Helios stands still. An unbound utopia for scientific research, Rose Archer steps aboard in search of her sister, quickly to discover not all is as it seems. Use your wits to guide Rose on her journey to find her sister Ada, overcome dangers unknown to understand the fate of the Helios and its inhabitants in this narrative driven steampunk adventure.

Coming Soon

Hell Let Loose (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 4
Squad up and take to the battlefields of World War II in the ever-expanding, hardcore, first-person shooter experience that is Hell Let Loose. Join other players online in epic, 100 player battles, taking place across huge, to-scale maps, where working as a team is a matter of life and death, and the right – or wrong – decision can turn the tide of battle. We’ll see you on the front lines!

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 9
Become Eivor, a legendary Viking warrior. Explore England’s Dark Ages as you raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in the quest to earn a place among the gods in Valhalla in this critically acclaimed entry in the Assassin’s Creed series.

Figment (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 9
An action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique, surreal universe filled with music, humor and a multi-layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind, seeking to restore the courage that’s been lost.

Super Mega Baseball 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – January 11
Super Mega Baseball 4 is coming soon to PC Game Pass and Ultimate via EA Play, so grab your glove and your bat. It’s time to go yard with the best to ever play the game. Hit, pitch, throw, and slide into home plate with the series’ signature combination of arcade-inspired style and immersive gameplay depth.

We Happy Few (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 11
Making a return to the Game Pass library! From Compulsion Games, set in a drug-fueled, retro futuristic city in an alternative 1960s England, We Happy Few is an action adventure game in which you hide, fight, and conform your way out of a delusional Joy-obsessed world.

Resident Evil 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 16
Revisit the critically acclaimed nightmare of Raccoon City in Resident Evil 2 with new visuals, modern gameplay mechanics, and an over-the-shoulder perspective. Join rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they fight to survive a mysterious viral outbreak in Raccoon City that has turned its citizens into terrifying, flesh-eating zombies.

Those Who Remain (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 16
As the lights go out, the embers of darkness are stoked in the sleepy town of Dormont. Confront uncomfortable horrors, keep your sanity in check, and survive the night in this story-driven first-person psychological-thriller.

DLC / Game Updates

Dead by Daylight: Chucky – Available now

Game Pass members save 10% on their purchase! Meet your new best friend ‘til the end. Dead by Daylight: Chucky brings an iconic horror legend into The Fog with a new Killer: The Good Guy – Chucky. Purchasing this add-on unlocks an exclusive Charm: Good Guys Box. Wanna play?

Hello Neighbor 2 Anniversary Update – Available now

To celebrate the recent anniversary of Hello Neighbor 2 there is a new free update to check out. Visit the whole new area – the forest located on the outskirts of Raven Brooks. Explore the church and adjoining graveyard, once a renowned landmark and popular destination for townsfolk, now abandoned and eerily weird. Recent reports of a strange, cloaked figure seen lurking throughout the woods are probably completely unfounded. Are you brave enough to find it out?

Sea of Thieves: Season Ten – Available now
Sea of Thieves: Season Ten continues with the arrival of a new way to sail! Enjoy playing Safer Seas mode at your own pace, alone or with a crew of friends, immersing yourself in your adventures without interruption. Other crews and greater rewards await in the existing High Seas mode. Learn more here.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Sea of Thieves: Nightshine Parrot Pack – Available Now
This pack contains the Nightshine Parrot Jacket, Nightshine Parrot Sails, Nightshine Parrot Figurehead, Nightshine Parrot Hat and Nightshine Parrot Cutlass, as well as 10,000 gold to spend in-game.

Leaving Soon

The following games are leaving soon, so make sure to tie up any loose ends before they go. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

January 5:

Grand Theft Auto V (Cloud and Console)

January 15:

Garden Story (Cloud, Console, and PC)
MotoGP 22 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Persona 4 Golden (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Persona 3 Portable (Cloud, Console, and PC)

That wraps us up! Be sure to toss us a follow on our socials at Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass PC and stay tuned for more updates. Catch you next time!

The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, Hell Let Loose, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Trinity Fusion – Bring Down the Multiverse

Hello, Hitchhiker.

I’m Craig Hauser, level and combat designer at Angry Mob Games. We just released Trinity Fusion, an all-new action roguelite where the only way to save the multiverse is to end it. We’ve been working on the game for four years now, and we’re happy to finally get the game out there in the wild, available now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S!

So, What’s the Story?

Trinity Fusion is a 2.5D action rogue-lite set in a doomed, man-made multiverse. In it, you’ll play as Maya, a woman psychically connected with her three parallel selves.

Their worlds are literally falling apart around them, and you and your counterselves are the key element in a plan to reconnect them, fusing each of their scattered worlds back together into one stable whole again.

The story is put together in collaboration with Ada Hoffmann, author of The Outside, The Fallen and The Infinite, which we are big fans of.

The Tricky Art of Hitting Things Good

Trinity Fusion, more than anything else, is all about great-feeling combat. Mechanics focus on slashes, dodges and satisfying special moves. We’re taking everything we learned from building our previous platform fighting game, Brawlout, and applying it to a purely PvE experience. Every strike and stagger is beautifully animated, every hit giving just the right amount of feedback. This is, and I’m not trying to brag too much, probably some of the best hit feedback you’re going to get in this niche.

Combine that combat feel with three characters that have their own unique weapons and abilities, the usual roguelike-ish interconnected systems of permanent and temporary upgrades and our new Character Fusions(!) and players will find that they have tons of flexibility to play the game the way they want to play it, and get rewarded for doing so.

Get Amped Up

The flexibility and power of our mid-run upgrades, called Amplifiers, is what we consider to be Trinity Fusion’s “special sauce”, the thing that takes our already great-feeling combat into an escalating endorphin rush as players get further and further into their runs.

For each Amplifier you equip, you’re not only getting an immediate upgrade, but you’re making progress toward what we call synergy powerups, massive upgrades like Critical Vampire that heals you for a percentage of the critical damage you deal. These synergies can quickly change how you might want to set up your build going forward.

By Your Powers Combined…

Finally, let’s talk about character fusions, where you combine two of your counterselves to get access to both of their toolsets at once. Fusing your characters isn’t just about giving yourself an extra ability or two, it can be essential to crafting a powerful build as you get to the later stages of your run. Keeping that “Critical Vampire” upgrade from earlier in mind, let’s talk about how fusions can play into buildcrafting.

As your run progresses, you’ll find more and more weapons that have bonuses like dealing guaranteed critical damage to enemies afflicted with specific status effects. Fusing your current character with Altara, whose Energy weapons can inflict Weak, Chill, Freeze, Electric or Fire effects, can make late-run, crit-focused builds significantly easier to plan for. Having a tool in your back pocket that automatically doubles the damage of your other weapons and feeds into any crit-powered Amplifiers can be devastating, and can keep individual weapons viable for much longer than they would have been otherwise.

But I Don’t Want to Make Builds, I Just Wanna Hit Things

Let’s say you don’t care about any of that build stuff and just want more combat options. You can do that too! The fusion of Kera and Naira is actually my personal favorite way to play, switching between Kera’s melee launchers that carry smaller enemies into the air for air combos and blasting the tankier units that I can’t launch by using Naira’s guns. Combining abilities like Kera’s Dash Uppercut and Naira’s Glitch Dash abilities lets me temporarily become a hypermobile, invulnerable human wrecking ball.

Whether you want to work towards a specific build from the start of your run, want to try and complete the game with a single character, or if you want unmatched versatility in combat, Trinity Fusion is designed to ensure that there’s no “wrong” way to go about saving/ending the multiverse.

We have a lot more planned for the near future, but for now, we hope that you check the game out, and that those of you that have already taken the plunge are enjoying the 1.0 release of Trinity F usion. Have fun, and we’ll see you out there in the multiverse!

Trinity Fusion

Angry Mob Games

☆☆☆☆☆
15

★★★★★

$19.99

Get it now

Take control of your parallel selves on a mission to save the dying multiverse. Explore dark, sci-fi worlds and engage in fast-paced, smooth and precise combat.

𝐀 𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞-𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞

The various branches of the multiverse are always changing. Fight through a combination of procedurally-generated levels as well as hand-crafted challenges and arenas that will put your skills to the test. Levels with 3D graphics are seamlessly constructed out of hundreds of hand-made rooms.

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭

With weapons and attack systems that leverage our previous experience working on fighting games. You’ll slide, dash and dodge between enemy attacks and strike back with an arsenal of satisfying special weapons and abilities.

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞

Each of your parallel selves has their own world with multiple biomes to explore, as well as their own sets of unique abilities and weapons. Travel through a universe of desolate wastes and caverns roamed by mutant creatures, escape the endless forges and labs of a world ruled by machines, and survive the dangerous sky cities of a post-human society.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Unlock permanent upgrades in the Hub and discover new starting points for your run as you reclaim major locations in each universe. Finding yourself getting stuck in one area? Start your next run in a different one! No matter where you die, or which starting point you pick, you’re making progress somewhere.

The post Trinity Fusion – Bring Down the Multiverse appeared first on Xbox Wire.