Immersive epic odyssey as legendary hero Achilles.
A meticulously crafted world inspired by Greek mythology, complete with mythical creatures and legendary characters.
Engage in masterful combat combining Action RPG with souls-like combat.
Picture this: you’re about to embark on an extraordinary odyssey, stepping into the sandals of a legendary hero in Achilles: Legends Untold. This game is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, inspired by the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, where you’ll encounter mythical creatures and legendary characters around every corner.
But here’s the real kicker – the combat in this game is a true work of art. It’s not just your typical button-mashing; it’s a fusion of action RPG and the visceral thrill of souls-like games. Every move you make, whether it’s a dodge, roll, block, or sprint, depletes your stamina. Managing your stamina wisely is crucial to surviving the challenges that await. And when the heat of battle engulfs you, unleashing your fury to wield epic weapon skills becomes the key to success.
Tailor a Warrior Most Suited for You!
Speaking of weapon skills, there’s a mind-boggling array of them, each with unique effects. These skills set your hero apart and give you a whole arsenal of combat strategies. Plus, there’s a skill tree that lets you customize your hero’s combat style even further.
But it doesn’t stop there. During battles, you’ll encounter status effects that can turn the tide of the fight. Using these strategically can give you the upper hand in the most intense combat situations.
And the weapons! Achilles: Legends Untold offers a plethora of choices, from swords and spears to axes and shields. The magic here lies in your ability to mix and match these weapons in almost any way you like. Different combinations result in unique animations and movesets, creating a gameplay experience tailored to your style.
But remember, your weapon choice directly influences your combat experience. The animations and attack patterns are intricately tied to the weapons you equip. So, choose wisely, my friend.
Who Will Try to Stop you in a Quest for Glory?
Now, let’s talk about your adversaries. In Achilles, you’ll face a diverse array of enemies, each with unique behaviors and tactics. From cunning archers to armored cyclops and swarms of skeletons, every encounter presents a fresh challenge, urging you to adapt and learn to secure victory.
Did you Die? It’s Okay Because:
Here’s the kicker: death is not the end in Achilles: Legends Untold. It’s an opportunity to learn and improve. Every defeat carries knowledge that can be wielded to become a better warrior, making your journey through Ancient Greece all the more rewarding.
As you dive deeper into this odyssey, you’ll discover the joy of customization. Different weapons and their combinations open a world of possibilities. Whether you choose brute force, agile souls-like combat, or become an unyielding defender, your choices will define your hero’s path.
Should you Play the Game?
Achilles: Legends Untoldis available on Xbox so whether you’re a fan of Greek mythology, games with souls-like combat, or simply love a good story-driven experience, this is a title you won’t want to miss.
So, join the ranks of gamers ready to embark on an epic journey. In this game, your combat finesse, strategic thinking, and your hero’s skills will determine the fate of Ancient Greece. Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime?
Discover an extraordinary adventure in a dynamic Action RPG with souls-like combat. Explore the mythical world of ancient Greece, where you’ll assume the role of the fearless warrior, Achilles.
Dive into a world where mastering combat is key to survival. Block and evade attacks, then sever limbs and heads of your foes. Develop your own tactics and achieve success over your enemies. If you fall in battle, rise again, enhance your hero’s skills, try a different tactic, and venture forth once more.
Revel in the spectacular sights. Explore open worlds and take on countless challenges. Become an unbeatable hero!
Explore the Fearless Art of the Le Sserafim x Overwatch 2 Collaboration
Overwatch 2 is teaming up with K-pop phenomenon Le Sserafim for the game’s first-ever musical artist event, hot on the release of their hit new single, “Perfect Night.”
The collaboration with Le Sserafim, whose name is an anagram for the phrase “I’m Fearless,” will feature new animations from the world of Overwatch. This all kicks off now, with a new in-game event, Concert Clash, that you can play on Xbox.
This unique partnership will also introduce all-new Legendary skins and amazing art crafted by the team at the Blizzard Korea Studio. To learn more about the work involved in bringing Le Sserafim to the world of Overwatch 2, we asked concept artists Shu Lee, Bobby Kim, and Dospi Jin about what it was like to bring these two worlds together.
How excited were you to create new skins based on Le Sserafim?
Bobby Kim: We had fun discussions about character modeling, rigging, and illustrations almost daily throughout the project. As the lead concept artist in Korea, I had many questions about how we could bring our incredibly unique heroes and members of Le Sserafim together and what they would look like in the world of Overwatch. Everyone worked hard to ensure that both Overwatch players and Le Sserafim fans were happy. With help from the rest of the Overwatch 2 development team, we did our best to make sure this collaboration was a success.
Shu Lee: As a concept artist for Overwatch and a fan of K-pop, I have always hoped that Overwatch would do a K-pop collaboration someday. When I first heard there would be a collaboration with Le Sserafim and that our team would work on it along with the rest of Team 4, I was over the moon! I couldn’t wait to start sketching and designing the skins right away.
Dospi Jin: I have played thousands of hours of Overwatch 2, and I am also a huge fan of K-pop, keeping track of every new song and artist. Being able to take part in the collaboration between Le Sserafim and Overwatch is one of the happiest moments of my life.
Was there any inspiration from their music and identity that helped with concepts?
Bobby Kim: While Le Sserafim’s songs were already battling for the number one spot on my playlist, capturing the potential of these amazing K-pop artists in a singular form felt like a challenge. When I was producing the initial ideations, Le Sserafim was singing about being ‘fearless’ and strong through their song, “AntiFragile,” and I was inspired by how they were showing their colors primarily through the use of denim in their outfits. Then I started to imagine Kiriko being a fan of Le Sserafim in the world of Overwatch and how she would present herself in that same style.
Shu Lee: I was heavily inspired by the word ‘Fearless’ itself, which was the origin of the group’s name, Le Sserafim. I also wanted to capture the dynamic and bright image of Le Sserafim and the “fearless” energy of the members in the design, as there hasn’t been a lot of streetwear or everyday outfits for Overwatch’s heroes until now.
Dospi Jin: I created the two key art illustrations for the collab — Le Sserafim featuring the group and the Le Sserafim Fans Illustration of D.Va, Kiriko, Tracer, Brigitte, and Sombra. It took a long time to complete them. I use three monitors when working on images, and during that time, one of them was constantly playing Le Sserafim’s music videos and vlogs. I memorized every gesture, expression, and intonation of the members to project them into my illustrations. All of those were my sources of inspiration.
Are there any fun details or facts about the skins players should look out for?
Bobby Kim: Overwatch’s heroes usually wear outfits that reveal more of their personalities and other characteristics. However, in the world where Le Sserafim and Overwatch coexist, we wanted to showcase our heroes’ everyday lives, cheering on Le Sserafim through stylish streetwear. By using the same materials but contrasting the placements — such as D.va wearing a denim top and pants to show her daily life outside of her duties and Kiriko wearing a denim jacket around her waist — we tried to highlight different charms and personalities of each hero. The image of Kiriko enjoying the concert, using tickets instead of her Ofudas, and protecting her allies with Mirrorball Suzu was the brainchild of our concept artists.
Using Le Sserafim’s logo for “Perfect Night” as part of the decorations on the outfit, with a similar iridescent element, was another effort to bring Le Sserafim into the world of Overwatch.
Shu Lee: I got to work on Brigitte’s Rocket Flail weapon. When I first thought about the design for her flail, the official Le Sserafim lightstick had just been released, so I tried to combine the lightstick with it to create Brigitte’s own version. However, there were some concerns, mainly because the original flail had four blades, and the idea of using only two was new to all of us. Still, we finally made it possible thanks to the help from the Character Modeling, Tech Art, and animation teams.
Other details that everyone from the Concept Art team paid attention to for this perfect K-pop fangirl looks are the banner tied to the Mech’s ‘bunny ears’ and the concert wristband for D.Va, the lightsticks attached to Tracer’s Chronal Accelerator, and the backpack to carry all the merch. There are a lot more cute elements you will love! Lastly, check out the victory pose and emotes using Le Sserafim’s dance moves. Those are just too adorable!
Dospi Jin: I have created Overwatch illustrations before, and it has been almost two years since my last one. In the meantime, I have been working on the art production of Overwatch 2 as a part of the Blizzard Korea Studio team. I am delighted to present new Overwatch 2 illustrations to everyone after such a long time.
When working on the Le Sserafim illustration, I had a lot of challenges. I wanted everyone to recognize the members at a glance while stylizing their faces. I worked on implementing the unique facial features and personalities of each member, changing the angles and lengths of noses, eyes, and mouths down to the pixel level for a whole month, all while aiming to portray the members as beautifully as possible.
The Le Sserafim Fans illustration can be thought of as an illustrated version of the last scene from the “Perfect Night” music video. I wanted to express the passion of the space, the happiness, and the joy of heroes like D.Va, Kiriko, Sombra, Tracer, and Brigitte going to a Le Sserafim concert in their collaborative skins. If you look closely, you’ll find Junkrat making a cameo as a big fan of Le Sserafim!
Play and Collect New Le Sserafim Skins Now in Overwatch 2!
Play Concert Clash, a new 3v3 capture-the-flag mode set in a K-pop themed Busan. Play as Dazzle D.Va, Kira-Kira Kiriko, Traysi Tracer, BB Brigitte, and Slay Star Sombra as you compete for tickets and capture points while stopping Le Sserafim’s (self-proclaimed) biggest fan, Fawksy James (a.k.a. Junkrat), from hoarding all of the tickets. Complete challenges throughout the event to earn up to 35,000 Battle Pass XP and the Fawksy James Legendary skin for Junkrat.
Also, make sure you head for the in-game shop, where you can add each of the new Legendary skins for D.Va, Kiriko, Tracer, Brigitte, and Sombra and other Le Sserafim themed cosmetics with the Mega LE Le Sserafim Bundle available throughout the event.
The Overwatch 2 x Le Sserafim event is now live on Xbox! Hurry, though, because the show ends on November 20, 2023!
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatch’s 35+ distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes.
Overwatch 2 – Season 7: Rise of Darkness
Team up with friends and play through Trials of Sanctuary, a limited-time co-op game mode where heroes power up their abilities and defeat powerful bosses – Butcher Roadhog, Azmodan Wrecking Ball and Lilith Moira.
But that’s not all – check out the other season features:
Introducing Samoa! Our newest tropical battleground is a breathtaking 3 Control Point map featuring exceptional verticality and a host of tactical routes.
Rediscover Sombra, with her reworked ability kit featuring an all-new Virus ability plus other balance changes.
Finally, Overwatch 2’s spookiest event of the year is back with your fan-favorite game modes: Junkenstein’s Revenge and Wrath of the Bride.
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Alpha Skip-Ahead 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 released: RS_XBOX_DEV_FLIGHT25985.1005.231029-2000
Available: 2 p.m. PT – November 1, 2023
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – November 2, 2023
Fixes Implemented
Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for 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, for more information go here.
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!
Players everywhere can now build the car of their dreams in Codemasters’s biggest rally game ever – EA Sports WRC. EA Play Members can get behind the wheel now with a 5-hour early access trial and score five unlockable cosmetics and an exclusive Moment each season, and get 10% off on Rally Passes, DLC, and other EA digital purchases.
EA Sports WRC is the all-new official video game of the FIA World Rally Championship and the first developed by the award-winning team behind the DiRT Rally series. Players can design and drive their dream rally car with the debut of Builder mode, overcome recent events alongside real-world highlights and nostalgic throwbacks in Moments mode, or battle the elements across dirt, snow, and asphalt in the pursuit of the perfect run.
Mass Effect and Dragon Age Fan Celebration Events
As is customary this time of year, the passionate Mass Effect and Dragon Age communities are gearing up to celebrate N7 Day (November 7) and Dragon Age Day (December 4). As part of the festivities, Game Pass Ultimate members will find collections featuring a variety of Mass Effect and Dragon Age titles that they can jump into at no additional cost.
November 7 is N7 Day, a celebration of all things Mass Effect. Members have unlimited access to games in the franchise collection, including Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, Mass Effect Andromeda and Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs – all remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD.
Similarly, December 4 will kick-off the annual community event celebrating the Dragon Age franchise, Dragon Age Day. Members will have complete access to classic titles within the Dragon Age collection, including Dragon Age Origins, Dragon Age II, and Dragon Age Inquisition.
November Member Rewards & Perks
Battlefield 2042 Closed Circuit Rare Weapon Skin for Super Shorty – Now to December 5
Need for Speed Unbound Mercury Cougar (1967) EA Play Reward – Available now
EA Sports FC 24 Clubs Snowglobe Right Leg Tattoo – November 10 to December 21
EA Sports FC 24 VOLTA Tis the Season Red Santa Hat & COINS – November 10 to December 21
EA Sports FC 24November Ultimate Team Draft Token – November 15 to December 14
F1 235000 XP Boost – Now to November 30
Madden NFL 24 MUT November Pack – Now to November 30
NHL 24 Deadly Attackers Shark Set – Now to December 6
NHL 24 WOC Coins – Now to December 6
NHL 24 WOC Battle Pass XP Modifier – Now to December 6
WRCSeason 1 Rewards – Now to December 18
In addition to the above, Game Pass Ultimate members can claim more member benefits in the Xbox Perks section in the Game Pass App or on console. This month’s perks include:
Apex Legends Ignite Supercharge Pack – Now to December 7
Battlefield 2042 Dark Creations Field Kit – Now to December 7
F1 23 11,000 PitCoins – November 16 to November 30
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass PC members receive EA Play at no additional cost with their Game Pass subscription. Members enjoy great player benefits, including in-game challenges and rewards, special member-only content, trials of select brand-new titles like EA Sports FC 24, Madden NFL 24, F1 23, and Super Mega Baseball 4, access to a collection of EA’s best-loved series and top titles, and 10% off purchases of Electronic Arts digital content.
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Alpha 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 released: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2866.231030-2200
Available: 4 p.m. PT – October 31, 2023
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – November 1, 2023
Fixes Implemented
Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:
Games
Fixes to address some titles not launching as expected.
System
Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console, for more information go here.
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!
Jusant: Get a Grip on Its Fantastic Climbing Mechanic
Jusant arrives on Xbox Series X|S and PC (with Game Pass) today – a gorgeous, meditative climbing experience that sees you making your way, handhold-by-handhold, up a gigantic tower in search of answers as to what happened to this fantastical world. It’s part-Ico, part-Free Solo, but truly unique in its execution.
As you’d expect, with climbing at the centre of all this, the developers at Don’t Nod have put a lot of thought into the act of getting up the tower – this doesn’t feel quite like any other game in the way you make your way through the world. With that in mind, here are some spoiler-free tips for how to climb with confidence as you discover Jusant’s secrets.
Grasp the Basics
In most games, climbing is as simple as holding down a button and pushing your left stick in the right direction. Jusant is different. Here, you have individual control of each of your hands, which can be directed with the left stick, and can individually grab parts of the environment with a push of the left or right trigger.
Climbing, then, is a case of keeping a grip on wherever you currently are, pushing the other hand to the next grip, grabbing that, and letting go of the first. For bigger gaps, you can jump, and even double jump (effectively bouncing you off the wall in a risky manoeuvre). Once you have the rhythm, it feels amazing to scramble up near-sheer cliff faces.
Piton a Show
You begin the game with your trusty rope and carabiner – which will auto-attach to the wall each time you start a story-path climb. This means that, wherever you are, you have a tether point that should stop you from falling too far. However, you also begin with three pitons, which can be attached to the wall almost anywhere, and offer you a new tether point.
Think of these like manual checkpoints – about to make a risky jump? Attach a piton so that if you miscalculate, you aren’t sent all the way back to the start of your climb. Luckily, pitons are only consumable during a climb – when you reach the next stable piece of ground, they’ll regenerate – so don’t be shy to use them. You can even use a piton to create a tether you can purposely drop from, and use your rope to wallrun to a new position – it looks and feels spectacular.
Rest Easy
How far you can climb is governed by a stamina bar, which drains while you’re moving. Your maximum stamina also drops each time you jump – meaning the more you use your most powerful moves, the less stamina you have to work with for the rest of the climb.
To balance that, stopping at any part of a climb and clicking in the left stick will let you rest, sending your stamina bar back up to its current maximum level – if you’re struggling to reach your next goal, make sure to rest and carry on in confidence.
Take the Path Less Travelled
Jusant makes it clear where you should go by placing clear points for your carabiner to attach to. But this doesn’t mean those are your only paths. The carabiner can be attached to most walls by holding X, which opens up more paths than you’d expect – and it pays to look around.
Thankfully, you’ll have some help in that regard – you’re not alone on this journey. Accompanying you is the Ballast, a mysterious (and devastatingly cute) companion who has a connection to the tower you’re climbing. After a certain point, Ballast can use an Echo ability, showing the approximate locations of not just your next objective, but also hidden items and points of interest – using Echo can be a key way of showing you where to head off the beaten path.
As a voice-less game, the way to learn about Jusant’s strange and fascinating story is to find some of these hidden elements, and these can be found in some pretty out-of-the way locations, often providing puzzles in and of themselves. If you see a ledge that leads to a room you haven’t seen before, or a suspicious path that leads to a sheer drop, make sure to attach your carabiner and drop down for a look – you never know what you’ll find. Even if you don’t find something tangible, the views are always spectacular.
This Is Just the Start
As you continue your climb, you’ll learn new ways to make your way up the tower – I won’t spoil those here, as the game really is all about discovery, but suffice it to say that what I’ve talked about above is only the beginning of your ascent…
Jusant is a brand-new action-puzzle climbing game and a meditative journey to the top of a tall tower. Challenge yourself at your own pace, explore different paths, and unravel the secrets from a bygone civilization.
Experience climbing like never before
Master your climbing tools and watch your stamina meter to successfully navigate this mysterious and changing tower. As you go higher and hone your skills, you’ll have to figure out how best to use the tools at your disposal to get to where you want to go. Explore alternative paths to find clues about what happened here.
Relax and bask in nature
Play at your own pace. As you climb, you’ll come across breathtaking biomes full of flora and fauna, accompanied by a peaceful and atmospheric soundtrack. Brace yourself on arid, windy slopes, seek refuge in tunnels lit only by bioluminescence, and more.
Journey with a companion made of water
Meet the mysterious Ballast. This creature will help guide you throughout your journey by waking nature along your path and helping to reveal clues that will help you piece together the tower’s past and reach the top.
Apparently if you say ‘day one with Game Pass’ three times in front of your mirror nothing actually happens, and you did that for nothing. But we do happen to have a bunch of day one games coming soon (and available today), so let’s dive in!
Available Today
Headbangers: Rhythm Royale (Cloud, Console, and PC) Available on day one with Game Pass: Headbangers puts you and 29 others into the eye of the Pigeon while you battle it out in rhythmic challenges to find out who is the ultimate Master Headbanger. Compete against each other in mind-bending musical minigames, screw over your competitors with powerups, and collect Crumbs to customize your very own Pigeon!
Jusant (Cloud, Console, and PC) Available on day one with Game Pass: Embark on a climbing adventure in Jusant! Master your climbing tools as you ascend a mysterious, ever-changing tower. Enjoy an atmospheric soundtrack and breathtaking biomes, accompanied by the enigmatic Ballast. Your watery companion will guide you while awakening nature along your path to reveal the tower’s mysteries and reach the top.
Wartales (Cloud, Console, and PC) Wartales is an open world RPG in which you lead a group of mercenaries in their search for wealth across a massive medieval universe. Explore the world, recruit companions, collect bounties, and unravel the secrets of the tombs of the ancients.
Coming Soon
Thirsty Suitors (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 2 Available on day one with Game Pass: Thirsty Suitors is a stylish RPG that follows the story of Jala who’s back to her town of Timber Hills to confront her mistakes, make up with her exes, reconcile cultural differences, and become the person she was meant to be with active turn-based combat, skating, and cooking.
Football Manager 2024 (PC) – November 6 Available on day one with PC Game Pass: Write your own football story. Manage the world’s best teams, craft a world-class team, and dominate your rivals in football’s most prestigious competitions. Progress never stops in the pursuit of footballing greatness.
Football Manager 2024 Console (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 6 Available on day one with Game Pass: Step into the shoes of a real football manager this season. Pick the perfect club for you from a choice of more than 55 nations before shaping a world-class squad that can deliver you glory against your rivals in football’s most prestigious competitions.
Dungeons 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 9 Available on day one with Game Pass: Build a cozy and comfortable Dungeon to suit your creatures’ needs and rule over them, then send them out into the Overworld to kindly remind the good people living there that the Absolute Evil rules over their lands.
Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 9 Available on day one with Game Pass: Erase your past to protect your future. Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding.
Wild Hearts (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – November 9 Are you ready to tame a world gone wild? PC Game Pass and Ultimate members can master ancient tech to hunt down giant beasts on November 9 in Wild Hearts via EA Play. Take on these creatures alone or hunt with friends in seamless co-op.
Spirittea (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 13 Available on day one with Game Pass: Spirittea is a cute, cozy life sim inspired by Stardew Valley and Spirited Away! Humans have stopped worshipping spirits, and now they’re in danger of becoming lost. Run a bathhouse, make friends with people in town, take part in hobbies like bug catching and karaoke, and find all the spirits!
Coral Island (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) – November 14 Available now on PC and coming soon to Xbox Series X|S! Coral Island invites players to be who they want and experience enchanting island living at their own pace – living off the land, nurturing animals, building relationships with a diverse cast of townsfolk, and making the world around them a more vital and harmonious place.
DLC / Game Updates
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Mountain Royals – Available today Game Pass members save up to 10%! Prepare to embark on a legendary journey as we introduce the “The Mountain Royals” DLC for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Unlock the rich history and untold stories of the Armenians and Georgians, part of three new campaigns!
EA Sports WRC: EA Play Early Access Trial – Available today PC Game Pass & Ultimate members can get behind the wheel for 5 hours starting today courtesy of EA Play. Build the car of your dreams, unlock up to 5 cosmetics in EA Sports WRC each season, and save 10% on purchases of EA digital content!
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Fallout 76: 5th Birthday Bundle – Available now Light some fireworks and celebrate 5 years of Fallout 76 with Vault Boy! The 5th Birthday Bundle includes: C.A.M.P. items, a new Photomode frame, and craftable armor.
Leaving Soon
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, so be sure to jump back in and wrap up from where you left off. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% on games before they go!
Coffee Talk (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Exapunks (PC)
Ghost Song (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Gungrave G.O.R.E (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Football Manager 2023 (PC)
Football Manager 2023 Console (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Lapin (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Townscaper (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Happy Halloween for those who celebrate, and happy almost November for everyone. We’ll be back before long with more games “coming soon” to look forward to! As always, keep an eye on Xbox Game Pass for the latest or here on Xbox Wire. Cheers!
Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Alpha 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 released: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2851.231026-2200
Available: 2 p.m. PT – October 30, 2023
Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – October 31, 2023
Fixes Implemented
Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for 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, for more information go here.
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!
Of course, Halloween is the perfect time to pick up a horror game – but horror comes in so many forms. One person may be in the mood for the sultry, sickening delights of a vampire tale, while others might be looking for the pulse-quickening terror and gore of a slasher story.
Thankfully, Xbox Game Pass doesn’t just have a plethora of interactive horror stories to get you in the mood for Spooky Season – it has horror games of all kinds, and even games that might not feel like horror to play, but draw on some classic tropes. No matter how you want to celebrate the darkest day of the year, we’ve got something for you.
In this list, you’ll find games spread across 10 different genres of horror, all available with a Game Pass membership – we’re sure you’ll find something to chill you or thrill you.
Slasher
When you think of horror movies, you probably think of the slasher genre first. Recreating the panic and adrenaline of the kill is what drives the likes of Halloween, Friday the 13th, and more. In recent years, developers have realized that letting players play on both sides of the slasher and victim coin is a very fun way to recreate that thrill in a game.
Dead By Daylight (available with Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) began as Behavior Interactive’s original take on the slasher genre, pitting teams of human Survivors against a range of Killers. As it grew in popularity, the game began bringing in beloved characters from your favorite horror films and video games. Play as the Xenomorph, Ghostface, the Demogorgon and many more classic on-screen Killers, helping you create the slasher line-up of your nightmares.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre(available with Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) offers a similar set-up, but expands the line-up – this co-op/competitive frightfest has three members of Leatherface’s family chasing down teams of victims. It shouldn’t be fun to be this evil… but it really, really is. – Joe Skrebels
Zombies
Over the years, the term “zombie” has evolved, and often encompasses other disturbing human-like mutated monsters – but typically speaking, zombies are reanimated corpses that have been turned into mindless creatures that feed on human flesh or brains. They are a popular foe in horror video games, and Game Pass has some great zombie games for you to play!
If you ever wondered what it would take to survive the zombie apocalypse, look no further than State of Decay 2(available with Xbox Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate). Battle through hordes of zombies and guide a community to scavenge precious resources and fortify your home base from attacks. For those players who want the thrill without the existential dread, check out Green Zone (a friendlier apocalypse!) or play co-op with up to three friends and fight to survive together. With frequent new updates (including one earlier this month), you’ll regularly find new challenges and ways to play.
The Walking Deadseries of video games (available with Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), based on the iconic comic books by Robert Kirkman, are essentially choose-your-own-adventure stories with some quick time events sprinkled in. They are gritty and bleak, and require you to make extremely difficult decisions with life and death consequences. Grab a tissue or two, you may need it.
If you’re after something a little more action-packed, Zombie Army 4: Dead War(available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) takes place in a reimagined 1940s Europe during WWII, as you fight to save humanity from an army of undead soldiers hell-bent on unleashing Armageddon. Forget storyline, base building, and survival planning, mowing down hordes of zombies with awesome weaponry and enhanced melee combat is the only thing that matters in this first-person shooter! – Rich Dickinson
Aliens
We’ve come a long way from fearing little green men in their aluminium-clad flying saucers. The fear today isn’t so much worrying about visitors from another world, but that something wants to consume us in many possible (and incredibly grotesque) ways. Throw a little bit of humankind’s hubris into the mix to make these situations significantly more dire, and you have a recipe for some excellent extraterrestrial horror.
Few have captured this better than the now-classic Dead Space Trilogy, and again with the excellent Dead Space remake (available with EA Play as part of Game Pass Ultimate). In both instances, it’s a tale of mankind reaching too far into that alien darkness of space and then not being able to contend with what happens when it grabs back. The “planet cracker” USG Ishimura, a gigantic starship featured significantly in the first game, is a great metaphor of humankind’s constant interference in nature (with them being the alien invader this time around). All the games in the series are brilliant examples of the survival horror genre as well and are must-plays for fans of sci-fi, horror, and alien-born plagues.
Prey(available with Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) is also a great example of humankind’s unfortunate encounter with hostile aliens. In this instance, it’s the alien Typhon that hold a significant upper hand over the player from the onset. The game’s iconic Mimics will haunt your dreams and your days, as you repeatedly ask yourself “Is that a mug, or is an alien in disguise trying to kill me?” Again, hubris is at the core of what kickstarts this adventure as the Typhon break containment, but the aliens also serve to be key to your player’s survival – you can utilize their powers to fight back. The push and pull dynamic of relying on the power of your alien enemy, and in a way having to become an alien yourself (if you hope to survive), is an incredibly unique gaming experience you don’t want to miss from the master game designers at Arkane Austin. – Mike Nelson
Supernatural Thrillers
As expected, there’s no shortage of poltergeists in Ghostwire: Tokyo(available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate). Nearly everyone in bustling Shibuya has mysteriously vanished leaving a Tokyo overrun by Yokai, vengeful supernatural forces that prowl the streets. The game provides a whistlestop tour of Japanese folklore and urban legends; possessed salarymen, scissor-wielding femmes fatale, and so many murderous schoolgirls. While Ghostwire: Tokyo is more about atmospheric creeps and tense action/combat than outright scares, when an evil Yokai shows up, prepare to jump out of you chair. After particularly intense moments, I found myself heading to a nearby (in-game) konbini to visit the proprietors, most of whom have been turned into adorable merchant cats. – Jeff Rubenstein
Body Horror
Cronenberg movies, Akira, that scene in Alien – film creators have been imagining twisted ways to, well, twist the human body for decades, and it’s not a surprise that games would follow a similar path. On Game Pass, look no further than Scorn(available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), a queasy first-person puzzler in which everything looks as though it’s some horribly warped version of what was once recognizable flesh. Scorn draws its power in making its world as repellent as its puzzles are compulsive.
While we can’t say too much about Inside(available with Xbox Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) and its approach to the subgenre for fear of spoilers, just know that it contains one of gaming’s all-time best body horror reveals – a feat of grotesque imagination, incredible animation, and wondrous storytelling. You’ve never seen an ending quite like this, I assure you. – Joe Skrebels
Psychological
While there are many levels of horror that tap into the paranormal and make-believe, perhaps none can be as frightening as those that come from within your own mind.
Darkest Dungeon(available with Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) utilizes this idea brilliantly in the form of “Afflictions” that can impact your party members ability to function at their highest level. After all, wouldn’t you be impacted by watching your friends get torn to shreds, or feel some effects after venturing through damp, dark dungeons while battling hunger? If these stresses are not adequately treated in time, it may not only spell doom for your party member, but your entire adventure itself. – Mike Nelson
Cyberhorror
So much of horror draws on the supernatural, but Cyberhorror’s fear comes from reimagining the tools that help us everyday, usually in a sci-fi context. When technology becomes the villain, you can’t trust anything but your own eyes. Signalis (available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) is a perfect example – a retro-inspired survival horror that sets up an entire sci-fi universe, but uses it to tell a very human, very frightening tale. Entering an abandoned research facility, you’ll find that technology has horribly warped the androids that once filled it – but will it do the same to you?
SOMA (available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) comes with a similar set-up, but a very different execution. In this haunting tale of intertwining human and AI consciousnesses (and the blurry lines between the two), you’ll need to survive physical and mental horrors alike to discover the secrets of the mysterious PATHOS-II base. – Joe Skrebels
Vampires
If there’s one monster that stands the trials of time – both figuratively and literally – it’s the not-so-humble vampire. Often decadent, sometimes violent and never boring, these elegant creatures of the night have kept us endlessly enthralled, and boy do they make excellent video game additions. Here’s a couple of games to sate your thirst.
In the titular setting of Redfall (available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), vampires do not do things by halves. A legion of the creatures have blocked out the sun, and it is up to you to take them down and reclaim the town, by any means necessary. With its blend of stylish settings, moreish combat and arsenal of cool weaponry, this first-person, co-op shooter will have you up all night brawling with the blood suckers. – Danielle Partis
Demons
There are a lot of spooky games that place you in the depths of a nightmare with no way out, but Doomasks, what if *you* were the nightmare to an unrelenting army of Demons? Armed to the teeth with big guns and bigger tunes, this seminal first-person shooter sets you off on a quest to blitz through as many abominations as you can, and it always feels incredible to return to. After all, the best way to deal with your demons is to take them down with unreasonable velocity.
With Game Pass, vengeance can be served in a number of ways – from the original 1993 Doom, to Doom II, Doom 64, and Doom 3(all available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate), all the way up to the devilishly excellent (and extremely gory) 2016 reboot of Doom (available with Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) and its incredible sequel,Doom Eternal (available with Xbox Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass for Console, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate). – Danielle Partis
Gothic
Gothic horror is often defined as much by what you can’t see, or comprehend. The Amnesia series has built itself on some of those principles, and earned a reputation as one of the most frightening gaming series of all time in the result. With Game Pass, you’re spoiled for choice on how to freak yourself out here – Amnesia: Collection(available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate),Amnesia: RebirthandAmnesia: The Bunker(both available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) are all available for a true marathon of scares – maybe just give yourself a break between games…
If you want something a little less intense, The Last Case of Benedict Fox (available with Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) bakes Lovecraftian vibes into its detective-infused Metroidvania set-up – investigate a murder and dive deep into the mystery (and other people’s nightmares) as you aim to crack the case. – Joe Skrebels
And if all of that wasn’t enough, make sure to check out our Shocktober sale, with deals on horror games across both console and PC. The sale ends on October 31, so make sure to check it out soon!
Hey Xbox Insiders! We are releasing a new Xbox App for Windows build to Xbox Insiders who are enrolled in the PC Gaming Insiders preview! This is the first 2311 build released! Continue read to learn about new features, fixes, and known issues. Make sure that you update both the Xbox app and Gaming Services!
New Versions of PC Gaming prerelease products:
Xbox App version: 2311.1000.41.0
Available: 5:00 p.m. PT – October 26th, 2023
Gaming Services version released: 15.91.24001.0
Available: 5:00 p.m. PT -October 26th, 2023
Current versions of Windows Gaming prerelease products:
Game Bar version: 6.123.10181.0
Released: 5:00 p.m. PT – October 19th, 2023
New Features:
Refreshed UI in the installation queue
Refreshed button, font, and game channel styling
Improved notifications UI, including an option to show unread only
Compact mode for the app that improves the experience on handhelds and small screens
Improved controller navigation across the app
Bug Fixes:
Fixed an issue where the app might not load based on some language settings
Fixed several issues related to the UI elements or text boxes displaying incorrectly
Fixed several issues with which fonts were being used in various parts of the app
Fixed issues where the UI might not scale properly as the window is resized
Fixed an issue where game add-ons might not reflect the current Game Pass discounts
Added a button to “Check connection” if the Xbox app cannot connect to the internet
Fixed a recent issue where the Xbox app might stay stuck on the launch screen
Fixed several various issues that might cause the Xbox app to crash
Fixed an issue where tooltips might not always disappear after actioning on them
Known Issues:
The team is aware of an issue where a user might not be able to navigate to certain areas in the Xbox app via controller
Users may receive a frowny face when hitting an installation error for certain apps
The team is aware of various UI issues, including UI scaling, font issues, and other UI issues. We continue to work on addressing those.
How to Get Xbox Insider Support
Don’t forget! If you encounter any issues, you can leave feedback by navigating to the feedback option on your profile menu.
You can also provide feedback, as well as interact with the community, on the Xbox Insiders Subreddit. Please be as specific as possible when providing feedback.
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!
For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information!
Thank you to everyone who participates in the Xbox Insider Program! Your feedback helps us continue to build a great gaming experience in the Xbox app on PC.
