Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is coming this summer to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
The game touts the core classic beat ‘em up gameplay that has become iconized in the gaming community’s collective memory.
Featuring fresh roguelite aspects new to the Double Dragon franchise; check out the announcement trailer above.
The iconic Double Dragon brothers return for some tag team, beat ‘em up action with a roguelite spin! The year is 199x in an alternate New York City. The city has been ravaged by nuclear destruction, leaving chaos and crime to take hold of the city. Unable to sit still and allow this havoc to be wreaked further, Billy and Jimmy Lee (with the help of some new and familiar faces, and you – of course) take it upon themselves to free their city from its four major criminal gangs.
Dynamic Level Select
Once you’ve decided to take on the four major gangs, it’s up to you to decide in which order you’d like to take them on. Each gang takedown is a mission and the order itself in which you choose the missions will shape how you experience the levels. The first level will be the simplest in terms of the number of mission sectors, enemies, and overall difficulty. When a gang is defeated, all remaining gangs levels up, increasing the size of their hideout and recruiting stronger and tougher minions. This allows you to experience different sectors of the missions through multiple playthroughs.
Purchasable Upgrades
Throughout the course of the game, you will have the ability to earn in-game cash. There are a couple of different ways to earn cash, including performing special KOs, completing bonus objectives, maintaining combo and special KO chains, and more.
This cash can be spent on randomized purchasable upgrades for your individual tag team fighters. For example, you can strengthen your duo by upgrading to increase the damage of melee attacks for one fighter and then upgrade the speed in which SP is auto regenerated for the other. Conversely, you can save up your cash to purchase revives or convert your remaining cash into tokens at the end of a playthrough.
Token Shop
Tokens are in-game currency that allows you to buy additional unlockable items. They’re earned through exchanging your remaining cash at the end of a playthrough. Once you’ve raked in enough tokens to spend, head on over to the Token Shop where you can spend your hard-earned chips.
Purchase items such as unlockable playable characters (keep an eye out for some familiar faces), tips to help improve your gameplay from the developer themselves, art from the game (including the city map and character concept sketches), and music.
Game Modifier
Having trouble building up your token stash? It might be time to modify your gameplay experience then. When you start a new game, you’ll be given the option to tweak the game’s difficulty (including the ability to play in permadeath for an extra challenge or infinite continue). The harder you make a playthrough’s difficulty, the lower your cash to token exchange rate is, allowing you the possibility to earn more tokens at the end.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is coming this summer to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. For more information on Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, visit DoubleDragonGaiden.com or follow @modusgames on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Discord.
Greetings, Guardians. Today we welcome back Guardian Games! From May 2 to May 23, the annual celebration of our favorite classes and a time for friendly competition between our fellow Guardians will be available for all players. We’ve got new rewards, a returning game mode, class-based matchmaking, and another shot at getting the statue in the Tower. There’s no sleeping on the dream, so let’s get into it!
Heavy Medal
As always, medals are the name of the game. Complete your favorite activities to earn medallions that can be banked in the Tower. The class with the most medallions at the end of the day wins that day, but it all comes down to who had the most winning days.
Want to put in extra work for your class? We got you. Head on over to the OG of GGs, Eva Levante, to pick up a Contender Card and earn some shiny gold and platinum medals for the squad. The winning class will have bragging rights, as well as a commemorative statue on display in the Tower for the entire year. Go for the gusto. Go for the win.
Bullseye
It’s time now for precision, Guardian. Guardian Games 2023 marks the return of the Supremacy Crucible mode. Steady your sights and strike your target to collect their crest in this high paced returning Crucible mode.
What Are Ya Playin’?
In addition to all your favorite activities rewarding medallions, we’ve got some more ways to band together and earn medallions with your fellow Guardians.
First up, we’ve got the classic Guardian Games playlist featuring Battlegrounds and strikes that should be familiar to veteran players and a new way to play for newer Guardians. The playlist has three different ways to play: Recreational, Training, and Competitive.
Recreational is where you’ll get your bearings and get ready for the trials and tribulations of the other playlists. TheGuardian Games: Recreational playlist will be available all week and scoring will be enabled. Once you’ve had enough time to stretch in the Recreational playlist, you’ll want to head over to the Training playlist.
In the Training playlist, you’ll find one strike available each week. Scoring will be enabled, so throw on that build that makes everything explode—looking at you Void Titans—and pump those numbers up.
Not to be outdone, we have the Guardian Games: Competitive playlist. Now this isn’t a playlist to mess around with – this is for those that want a challenge and some extra gear. This playlist is only up during the weekend, scoring is available and here’s the kicker: certain scores mean more rewards. Make your mark in this playlist and take home the hardware back to the Tower to show other classes what they’re missing.
Party Favors
It wouldn’t be a party without gifts, right? We’ve got you covered with new rewards up for grabs:
Taraxippos – Can you be-weave it? A Strand Scout Rifle locked and loaded just for Guardian Games!
The Title – You know it, you love it, you might even have one, but if you don’t, you’ll want to pick up this exclusive Guardian Games Legendary Submachine Gun before the event ends.
New Cosmetics – Show up to the party in new cosmetics and ensure your fireteam will never ask, “Is that what you’re wearing?” again.
New Armor Ornaments – If you’re going to win, you have to win in style. We’ve got some new threads in the Eververse ready for your perusal.
And more!
High Role-r, Keep Going
You know your role and play it well. To turn up the heat on the competition a little bit, we’re introducing class-based matchmaking for the event. Whether you’re dicing deep into the Guardian Games playlist or want or showing rival classes how you roll in Supremacy, you can match up with other Guardians in your class.
You Stay Classy, Guardian
Guardian Games is a global celebration of what it means to be a Guardian. From Paris to Texas, Guardians from around the world are going to compete against one another for the ultimate prize: that beautiful statue in the Tower. Oh, and year-long bragging rights, of course.
While banking medallions and grabbing crests will be at the top of mind, remember to have fun. I’ll be out there trying to make my fellow Titans proud. I hope to see you there doing the same for your favorite class.
Season of Defiance
Fight through the Ascendant Plane and rise as one against the Shadow Legion in a new matchmade activity. Discover new rewards include new Exotic weapons and gear.
Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian’s look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.
AN IMMERSIVE STORY
You are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.
GUARDIAN CLASSES
Choose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
• Disciplined and proud, Titans are capable of both aggressive assaults and stalwart defenses. Set your hammer ablaze, crack the sky with lightning, and go toe-to-toe with any opponent. Your team will stand tall behind the strength of your shield.
• Warlocks weaponize the mysteries of the universe to sustain themselves and destroy their foes. Rain devastation on the battlefield and clear hordes of enemies in the blink of an eye. Those who stand with you will know the true power of the Light.
• Agile and daring, Hunters are quick on their feet and quicker on the draw. Fan the hammer of your golden gun, flow through enemies like the wind, or strike from the darkness. Find the enemy, take aim, and end the fight before it starts.
COOPERATIVE AND COMPETITIVE MULTIPLAYER
Play with or against your friends and other Guardians in various PvE and PvP game modes.
• Exciting co-op adventures teeming await with rare and powerful rewards. Dive into the story with missions, quests, and patrols. Put together a small fireteam and secure the chest at the end of a quick Strike. Or test your team’s skill with countless hours of raid progression – the ultimate challenge for any fireteam. You decide where your legend begins.
• Face off against other players in fast-paced free-for-all skirmishes, team arenas, and PvE/PvP hybrid competitions. Mark special competitions like Iron Banner on your calendar and collect limited-time rewards before they’re gone.
EXOTIC WEAPONS AND ARMOR
Thousands of weapons, millions of options. Discover new gear combinations and define your own personal style. The hunt for the perfect arsenal begins.
105 GB hard drive storage space required as of November 10, 2020. Subject to change. Requires broadband internet. After November 10, 2020 see www.destinythegame.com/size-requirements for current requirements prior to purchase.
Destiny 2 may contain flashing patterns and images that may produce adverse effects for a small percentage of people sensitive to them.
Bungie, Inc. makes no guarantee regarding the availability of online play or features and may modify or discontinue online services with reasonable notice at any time. Using the software constitutes acceptance of the Destiny Software License Agreement available at www.bungie.net/sla.
We know that gaming is best with friends, so today, we’re introducing the Xbox Game Pass Friend Referral offer, which lets Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members give up to five friends a free 14-day PC Game Pass trial. Invited friends must be new to Game Pass to redeem the free trial.
You can find Friend Referral invitations on the Game Pass Home screen, just click the “Give PC Game Pass” button to share.
The free trial comes with all the benefits of PC Game Pass, including new titles from Xbox Game Studios on day one, an EA Play membership, and you can check out the biggest PC and mobile games on PC from Riot Games. Link your Riot Games account and Xbox profile to unlock the greatest Agents, champions, little legends, XP boosts, and more in Valorant, League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and Legends of Runeterra.
This also means that starting today, you can share PC Game Pass with more friends and jump right into Redfall on day one.
For new members checking out the service, the best place to get started is with the Xbox app on PC. With the Xbox app you can browse games, play PC titles, and connect and chat with friends on devices.
I grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, a bustling, metropolis dotted with Buddhist temples, street food stalls, and corporate skyscrapers; a city where diverse views are appreciated. Growing up, I had the privilege of attending the International School Bangkok, so speaking English was natural for me. I love to play video games with many of my Thai friends, although I remember the disappointment of many who were unable to play the same games with me because of a language barrier. I’ve lived in Pakistan, Japan, Australia, Thailand and currently in Seattle, where Xbox is headquartered. I’m grateful to have had exposure to various cultures, beliefs, and stories. My goal is to take what I’ve learned from each of these experiences to expand gaming and develop local talent with Xbox in Southeast Asia.
I am a Senior Xbox Product Marketing Manager. This career path is my ikigai, a Japanese concept of aligning your lifestyle with what you are good at, what the world needs, what you love to do, and what you can be paid to do. There are days where my work just doesn’t feel like work. My role involves reading gaming news as part of marketing research and understanding trends in the gaming industry, but I’m already listening to podcasts and engaging with news on those topics in my free time because it brings me joy.
I dream of expanding representation in gaming. Stories told from Western perspectives often involve the protagonist leaving home as part of the hero’s journey. Sometimes, it can be discouraged or considered negative if the protagonist, as a young adult, still lives at home. But imagine expanding stories from an Asian perspective: stories where the protagonist can develop as a fully actualized human being while remaining connected with their families, where the home is the save point and after each adventure the hero returns to their family. One such story is Children of Morta, an action co-op rogue-lite RPG where you play as various members of a family who are protecting Mount Morta and defending it from corruption. You venture forth as one family member, return home to save, and then play as another family member. Victory hinges upon the entire family unit.
I’m grateful things are starting to change. Titles like Sea of Thieves have added Thai as a language option and Minecraft Legends is launching with full audio support for 16 languages including Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. I’m also grateful that character creation options have expanded in recent years. As a child, I had my real self — a person of Thai and Indian descent — and then I had my “video game” self, always modeled after the prevalent white action heroes at the time. Now, I’m able to choose characters whose facial features and skin tones are closer to my own.
As I continue my journey here at Xbox, I hope to have more opportunities to provide greater representation for the culture, media, music, and gaming of Southeast Asia.
Here are a few ways that Team Xbox will be supporting and celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander communities this year:
Give
Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Asian and Pacific Islander communities with Xbox. The organizations below will be featured on console throughout May:
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC– Advancing Justice – AAJC works through policy advocacy, community education, and litigation to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.
AAPI Equity Alliance – AAPI Equity Alliance (AAPI Equity) is dedicated to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through civic engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
Stop AAPI Hate – Stop AAPI Hate advances equity, justice, and power by dismantling systemic racism and building a multiracial movement to end anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander hate.
Xbox gamers can earn Microsoft Rewards points in various ways, such as playing or purchasing games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Join us today and donate through Xbox.
Discover
Artist Isip Xin Shares Her Xbox Logo Redesign Inspiration
In celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Month, Xbox commissioned artist Isip Xin to design the artwork for this year’s campaign. Below, Isip shares the inspiration behind the design:
“The Asian and Pacific Islander experience is one full of mutual inspiration. Together, we create spaces that show just how massive, diverse, and deeply interconnected our community is. For this moment, I used water forms to show the flow of inspiration between us. Organic nerve and root-like imagery give the image a unified, but not statically structured body. The piece’s balanced energy is full of motion. Varied experiences weave, burst, and bloom together. As an artist and a gamer, I am centered around creating, cultivating, and existing in spaces (virtually, physically, and mentally) that make us feel like we belong. Games are an amazing way to discover narratives you relate to. You can find the environment to thrive, and you can be whatever you want. Living in these places and connecting to who lives there with you makes our shared identity unique, and beautiful. It was fun to explore the coexistence and self-discovery that comes with being an API gamer and share it in this piece.” – Isip Xin, Artist
Microsoft Flight Simulator is thrilled to add to the beauty of the simulator with fascinating new landscapes. Known as both a continent and a geographic region, and straddling the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Hemispheres, Oceania is comprised of remote coral islands, long stretches of white sand beaches, towering volcanoes, vast interior sweeps of uninhabited rainforest, and populated cities boasting modern architectural wonders. Antarctica is a dream destination for aviators with adventure, intrigue, and boundless vistas of pristine coastal and inland glaciated terrain.
Microsoft Flight Simulator’s World Update XIII includes 13 countries (Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, The Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu) plus Antarctica and Hawai’i. There are 2 smaller states (The Cook Islands and Niue) and 28 non-sovereign territories (including Guam, Easter Island, The Galápagos Islands) also covered in this update, many with improved resolution that will allow pilots to experience stunning new vistas throughout these regions. The release is based on the latest aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and digital elevation modelling data.
Discover Games Curated by Asian and Pacific Islander Communities at Microsoft
Gaming would not be what it is today without the contributions, perspectives, and influence from Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Here at Xbox, we want to honor this richly diverse set of communities by providing engaging gaming experiences that represent a myriad of histories and heritage.
During May and beyond, we are highlighting a variety of game collections that reflect people with a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences from East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander cultures. These collections showcase Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander creators, lead characters, and games inspired by Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. Available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows, check out the collections of East, South, and Southeast Asian Community Gamesand Pacific Islander and Indigenous Community Games. These collections will exist year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities.
Featured titles within the collections available with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and on the Game Pass mobile app include:
Ghostwire: Tokyo (Available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass) – From Japanese developer Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo shows players a unique vision of Tokyo inspired by the duality of the real-life city, contrasting deep-rooted historical sites and traditional architecture with modernized buildings and residential areas. Legends come to life as the protagonist, Akito, takes on vengeful spirits and deadly supernatural forces from Japanese mythology and lore in a quest to save his sister and his city. Not only is this game heavily influenced by Japanese society and beliefs, but Japanese audio is the default setting for an immersive experience.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (Available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, Rated M) – Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a dark fantasy version of the Later Han Dynasty where demons plague China’s Three Kingdoms. In this action RPG from Team Ninja, players fight off deadly mythical creatures using a combat system based on Chinese martial arts swordplay and battle styles inspired by the five elements of Chinese Medicine. Aesthetically the game is heavily influenced by Chinese history and legends as well, and the music is made with traditional Chinese instruments.
Coral Island (Game Preview) (Available with PC Game Pass) – Coral Island (Game Preview) is a family-friendly farming simulator inspired by Southeast Asia, including native flora and fauna as well as cultural elements such as ruins and Balinese Hindu temples. The Indonesian development team at Stairway Games wanted to include topics of importance to them, so there are themes of conservation in the way players must maintain the island’s ecosystem, adding a unique take on the genre. Players also have the chance to interact with over 50 characters from all walks of life and a variety of inclusive romance options.
The Legend of Tianding (Available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass) – Based on the legendary Taiwanese folk hero, Liāu Thiam-Ting, play as the vigilante Liao Tianding in this narrative adventure set in real-life historical events. Rob the rich, feed the poor, and fight for justice in the streets of early 20th century Taipei. All done in the style of Traditional Chinese Manga and voiced in Taiwanese Hokkien, this game captures the cultural look and feel of the time in a beautiful way.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly (Available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass) – This charming sequel to Coffee Talk is developed by the independent game studio, Toge Productions, in Indonesia. Players enter a calming atmosphere of a coffee shop, becoming a barista who helps a variety of patrons with their problems while delivering customized beverages that will warm their hearts. Pushing even more boundaries of conversation, this game applies a fantasy spin to modern day life while reflecting on topics of diversity and how things like discrimination and stereotypes impact relationships.
New Asian and Pacific Islander Gamerpics, Profile Theme, Wallpaper, and Avatar Items
In partnership with Asian and Pacific Islander communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile theme, and avatar items! The gamerpic and profile theme will be available on console, the Xbox PC app, and the Xbox mobile app. Get your avatar items here.Content is subject to availability by country.
Tune In
Xbox Plays Celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander Communities
The Xbox Plays team will once again be spotlighting creators from the AAPI community, inviting streamers to take over the channel at Twitch.tv/Xbox – Tune in every Monday to support your favorite streamers or make some new friends as they play!
May 1
SnaxBreak playing Disney Dreamlight Valley (11am PT)
juwia playing Valorant (3pm PT)
May 8
ichibadass playing Redfall (11am PT)
Davion505 playing Smite (3pm PT)
May 15
Meeeowstv playing Dead by Daylight (11am PT)
ParallaxStella playing Redfall (3pm PT)
May 22
StarGirl Racing playing Forza Horizon 5 (11am PT)
DarkEyebrows playing Minecraft (3pm PT)
Microsoft Inclusion is Innovation
Only when we commit to expanding our awareness, understanding, and recognition of each other, can we build a brighter future together. Hear stories from Microsoft employees on how #InclusionIsInnovation by visiting Inclusion is Innovation.
Summer is just around the corner, and Xbox is turning up the heat by teaming up with one of the most iconic nail brands, OPI, to bring a fresh polish to the Xbox controller.
Turn up the heat with the Sunkissed Vibes Special Edition controller and make every day a beach day. Get things started by painting your thumbnails with OPI’s Sanding in Stilettos as a picture-perfect complement to the shimmery, pearlescent melon top case. Or level up your look and match the bold, glossy D-pad with a splash of OPI’s Flex on the Beach. More daring gamers can drop all inhibitions and embrace the controller’s pastel back case, bumpers, and thumbsticks by channeling OPI’s Surf Naked blue. And as a finishing touch, revel in the summertime brightness of the Xbox button and triggers inspired by the all work, all play attitude of OPI’s Summer Monday-Fridays.
This Special Edition controller seamlessly integrates with your current Xbox setup and supports play on console, PC, iOS, and Android. It’s a stylish companion for wherever your summer vibes take you, boasting up to 40 hours of battery life and a 3.5mm stereo headset jack. And once you’ve perfectly coordinated your color palette, you can further personalize the controller through customized button mapping with the Xbox Accessories app.
As the #1 nail salon brand worldwide, OPI (a division of WELLA Company) offers unlimited shades and the highest quality products, artistry, and techniques. From the award-winning colors to innovative effects, treatments, and devices, OPI gives you the inspiration so you can put the “I” in OPI. For more information, visit opi.com and follow OPI on Instagram and TikTok @opi.
Strayed Lights is an atmospheric action-adventure game that boasts an innovative combat system, crafted to let the most players experience those moments of bliss, and the satisfying flow that comes from challenge. The game features an intricate world and storyline based on emotions that enables players to relate and connect to the game on a deeper level, creating a truly unique experience.
The combat in Strayed Lights is refreshing thanks to a mix of two core mechanics that create a sense of engagement and excitement. First is a parry-focused approach, inspired by Sekiro, but more forgiving. The mechanic encourages players to experiment without punishment while rewarding players for being precise and mixing parries with attacks, key abilities, and dodges. The second mechanic is a color-matching system: you can switch between blue and orange and so can your enemies; to parry you must match their color. This creates a heightened sense of engagement and immersion through observation.
To create this unique combat system, we prioritized player feedback by inviting players to test the game from its rough prototype stage. Through iterations and discussions with players throughout the game’s production, we were able to evolve the combat system to its full potential, resulting in a challenging and immersive experience that players enjoyed.
Developing Strayed Lights was a dream come true for our small team. We developed unique processes and techniques that allowed us to create high-quality content in a short amount of time, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. We are proud of the result and are excited to share this experience with players worldwide. Strayed Lightsis available today on Xbox.
Strayed Lights is an atmospheric action-adventure with fluid combat and an intricate world imbued with mystery. You are a tiny, growing light seeking transcendence. Explore a land of otherworldly ruins and glowing trees, where entities of flickering lights and luminescent shadows reside.
HARNESS ENERGY IN COMBAT
Challenge rogue shadow creatures in fast-paced, rewarding combat. Use a fluid mix of parries and dodges to absorb their energy levels until you can unleash an ultra energy attack. Shift your light from blue to orange in sync with enemies using timed parries, then push energy back at them in vivid finishers.
CONFRONT CREATURES WITHIN AND WITHOUT
Monsters pursue you across otherworldly regions of mists, tall trees and luminescent ruins. Enjoy evocative boss fights with colossal shadow creatures gone rogue, as well as rhythmic duels with a variety of eerie creatures.
GROW AND ASCEND
Build up a unique character that can harness energy to let loose bold attacks. Unlock new abilities and grow from a tiny light to a pseudo-mystical entity imbued with vivid powers.
EXPLORE A MYSTERIOUS LAND
Strayed Lights is set in a dark and oneiric world that is as vivid as it is mysterious.Journey alongside a haunting soundtrack that reflects states of feeling in creatures you encounter created by Austin Wintory, composer behind Journey ®, ABZÛ, and The Banner Saga series.
Available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows.
Journey to a distant land with varied locales, meet a colorful cast of characters, and leverage new hunting abilities as you battle challenging new monsters.
A huge suite of content including three previously released Free Title Updates available on day one, with more being added in late summer.
A new threat is on the horizon and the Kingdom calls for aid. The massive expansion, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows!
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak takes the gameplay of the base game to the next level with new hunting actions, locales, challenges, and fearsome monsters. If you haven’t yet joined the hunt, give the base game a try with Monster Hunter Rise on Game Pass today! If you’re ready to step up to Master Rank in the massive expansion, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is available at a discounted price for Game Pass subscribers.
But what exactly do you get with this expansion? The answer: hours upon hours of additional content to the already huge base game. Let’s break down what you’re getting.
A New Story in a Far-off Land
After saving Kamura village from the Calamity in Monster Hunter Rise, you cross paths with Fiorayne, a knight of the royal Kingdom (as well as Rondine’s sister). Together, you’ll sail to her homeland of the Kingdom – a land threatened by the emergence of monsters that have become unusually violent.
Set foot in your new base of operations in Elgado Outpost and meet a colorful cast of characters that will help you on your quest. Together you will face down against powerful monsters and unravel the mystery threatening the Kingdom.
A Kingdom Full of Monsters
At the forefront of Sunbreak’s new monsters are the dangerous Three Lords: the hulking Garangolm, the chilling wolf-like Lunagaron, and the game’s flagship monster, Malzeno. The sinister Elder Dragon Malzeno is at the heart of the monsters’ mysterious behavior in Sunbreak. You’ll come face-to-face with this regal and bloodthirsty threat as you hunt your way through the dangers that await.
Sunbreak also adds several returning monsters from past titles in the series, including the spikey thorned flying wyvern Espinas, the electrically charged Astalos, and the aggressive and frenzied fan favorite, Gore Magala.
With the addition of new subspecies and variant monsters, the overall roster of monsters in Master Rank is vast and varied. Oh, and monsters that are already in the base game will return in Master Rank with new moves as well, so even if you’ve got some fights down already, you’ll have to contend with plenty of surprises.
New Locations For Battle
You’ll hunt these monsters across two new locales. The Citadel is a large new locale centered around a majestic old castle. It’s a varied environment, ranging from forest-covered areas, icy mountains, and old ruins lit by pink and purple moonlight. The Jungle is a returning locale from previous Monster Hunter games that should be familiar to series veterans. It’s rich with relaxing waterside areas and scenic greenery, but don’t let its peaceful vibes fool you.
An Expanded Hunting Experience
If the monsters have more tricks up their sleeve in Master Rank, it only makes sense that you get some of your own as well! Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak builds on the abilities from the base game to add even more to your toolkit.
Each of the 14 weapon types all receive new Silkbind Moves, allowing you to further customize your playstyle. The Dual Blades for example, have a new Silkbind Move called Spiral Slash, which sends you flying forward into the monsters like a drill. Or how about the Switch Axe, which receives the Elemental Burst Counter Silkbind Move, letting you charge up and release a powerful burst counter if you release it right when a monster attacks.
With so many options for moves, you’ll now be able to change your Switch Skill sets on the fly, with the Switch Skill Swap. Carry both into a hunt and switch back and forth to suit the situation. When switching sets, you’ll do a swap evade in any direction, allowing you to maintain strong positioning against the monster.
There’s plenty more to discover in Sunbreak, including new types of endemic life that will come in handy in a tight spot. Give the Marionette Spider a try, which latches onto a monster and lets you pull them into a wall or into another monster! You’ll find them on both new and existing locales from the base game.
Hunt with your New Friends!
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak lets you head out into the field for a hunt with your friends from both Kamura and Elgado. In the single-player only Follower Collab Quests, you’ll be able to hunt with allies from Elgado like Fiorayne and Luchika, as well as friends from Kamura like Hinoa, Minoto, and more.
Each of the Followers have their own weapons and attacks that they’re most proficient at using, and you can help pick their loadouts to match your hunting style. Keep progressing through the Follower Quests to recruit each character for Support Surveys. Eventually, you’ll be able to take them on nearly every quest in the game.
Even More Hunting Goodness!
The massive expansion will launch with all content up to Free Title Update 3. This includes a wealth of new game mechanics, a new locale, several Event Quests, and additional monsters. Take on the elusive Lucent Nargacuga in the added Forlorn Arena locale, challenge the powerful and unpredictable Chaotic Gore Magala, or progress through the endgame Anomaly Investigations to further strengthen your gear.
Also included are some of the toughest challenges in the game: Risen Elder Dragons. Take on Risen Chameleos, Risen Kushala Daora, and Risen Teostra if you’re looking to test your hunting prowess. Good luck!
This doesn’t mark the end of updates, however. More updates to Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak will be added later this summer which feature even more challenging monsters and endgame additions.
If you’re looking to get into everything outlined above as soon as you can, we’ve added the free Black Belt S armor set and high rank Defender weapon tree via a free update. This support equipment will help you blaze through the story of Monster Hunter Rise and get to Master Rank even faster.
For everyone stepping up to Master Rank in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, welcome to the Kingdom and happy hunting!
For the latest information on Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, keep an eye on the official Monster HunterTwitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Early purchase bonuses
“Loyal Dog Costume” Palamute layered armor set
“Striped Cat Costume” Palico layered armor set
Note: Bonus content is available to customers who purchase by June 30, 2023. This content may be made available separately at a later date. Layered armor is a “skin” which changes the appearance of the character without affecting their stats and abilities.
Experience Monster Hunter Rise and its massive expansion Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak in one convenient set!
Experience the thrill of the hunt!
A new style of hunting, with dynamic three-dimensonal action. Explore new maps and take on fearsome new monsters using a new, dynamic style of hunting action where you can traverse more freely than ever before.
The ultimate hunting thrill awaits you in Monster Hunter Rise and its expansion, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.
– About Monster Hunter Rise
Hunt a variety of never-before-seen monsters and enjoy new gameplay features like the Wirebug and new Palamute buddy.
– About Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (expansion)
The world of Monster Hunter Rise gets bigger and deeper with this massive expansion where brand-new monsters and locales await.
Note: Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak are both available separately. Please take care to avoid duplicate purchases.
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!
Triumph Studios’ award-winning strategy series has emerged into a new age, evolving the game’s iconic empire building, role-playing, and warfare to the next level. Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn.
Put your detective skills to the test in this atmospheric exploration puzzle game about a boy who finds himself lost in a supernatural forest after losing both parents in a car crash. Armed with a clue-filled journal, a camera, and a lantern, he must unravel the mysteries of the forest and photograph the strange creatures that reside there.
Available on day one with Game Pass: The town of Redfall is under siege by a legion of vampires who have cut the island off from the outside world. Trapped with a handful of survivors, slay alone or squad up in open world FPS action.
A visual detective novel which takes place in the small medieval town of Weidendorf. After the mysterious disappearance of Baron Von Wolf, a young Baroness remains captive in her own home and begins to seriously fear for her life. This game describes itself as having a fascinating plot tied to intrigues, betrayals, and conspiracies.
Welcome to the cute and satisfying world of Color Pals, where brainteasing puzzles meet simple single-screen platforming fun. Enjoy 50 stages of hue-based trickery as you take the role of a colored cube and navigate 2D maze-like levels to reach a portal on the far side of the stage.
A puzzle game where epic adventures are just your 9 to 5. Part color-matching, part monster-slaying ridiculousness where you’re a stone grinder and it’s your job to mine grindstones from the creeps that lurk on the mountain. Complete over 250 levels of intricate puzzles and hazards, all in the hopes of saving up enough grindstones to take your family on a much-needed vacation.
Ravenlok – May 3 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere / Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass: Enter a world of wonder and danger in Ravenlok, an action-packed fairy tale adventure by Cococucumber. Follow your curiosity through a mystical mirror into a lost land of terrifying monsters and a malevolent queen. Wield your sword, unleash your spells, and fight your way through beastly bosses in lush, handcrafted environments.
You’ve been captured and sent to entertain aliens as a gladiator on a faraway planet called Tartarus. You will have to advance through randomly generated biomes with deadly traps and monsters blocking your path. Choose your opponents in the arenas, beat them for items and coins and you might be able to earn your freedom in this 2D hand-drawn roguelite platformer.
A live-action, interactive buddy-action movie following Mia, a plucky barmaid whose life is thrown into chaos when a mysterious woman turns up at her workplace, on the run from a group of violent thugs and unable to speak English. Throughout the game, your interactions could increase your knowledge around the identity of the mysterious woman, but the way Mia deals with the rest of the group will also have an impact, so each choice needs to be carefully considered.
An illustrated text quest in the Swordbreaker universe. Strange events are taking place in the kingdom of Dorgan. People talk about mysterious strangers in the northern marshes; someone saw mysterious objects falling from the sky; others heard a strange hum from underground. And one can only guess how many unknown creatures are hidden in forest thickets and dark caves… All this attracts the young Swordbreaker to throw himself into the abyss of incredible adventures.
Titans Pinball – May 4 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Get ready for a pinball machine where you must beat mythologic creatures like cyclops, Medusa, the minotaur, and many more who are waiting for you inside the temple. Discover their secrets, including the minotaur’s maze, a place where only the bravest warriors dare to enter.
An action RPG rogue-like where you and other heroes will embark into dark atmospheric dungeons and realms full of monsters and madness and try to find your way out!
Gruta – May 5 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Uncover the mysterious truth as told through original hand-drawn cutscenes, completely without text. Use a sword and shield to combat sinister enemies while exploring these levels. Will you be able to reach the goal of confronting the monster and saving your family?
An open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Embark on a journey through familiar and new locations as you explore and discover magical beasts, customize your character, craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents, and become the wizard you want to be.
