The Days of Play celebration comes to PlayStation Store, featuring numerous games all available at discount for a limited time*, starting May 28! You can get a preview of just some of the titles** that’ll be included ahead of the promotion’s go-live time right here. The full list will include the likes of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle (45% off), WWE 2K25 Standard Edition (30% off), Astro Bot (15% off), The Last of Us Part II Remastered (20% off) and Red Dead Redemption 2 (75% off).  The full list will include the likes of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle (45% off), WWE 2K25 Standard Edition (30% off), Astro Bot (17% off) and The Last of Us Part II Remastered (20% off).  The full list will include the likes of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle (45% off), WWE 2K25 Standard Edition (30% off), Astro Bot (17% off) and The Last of Us Part II Remastered (20% off).  And there are many more games beyond the titles listed below. When the dedicated promotion page goes live on PlayStation Store on May 28, head there to see the full list and find out your regional discount pricing.  And there’s plenty more Days of Play related-celebrations to enjoy! Check out the full range of activities, offers and more in the Days of Play announcement post.  A Plague Tale: Innocence A Plague Tale: Requiem After the Fall® – Complete Edition Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express Age of Mythology: Retold Standard Edition Age of Wonders 4 AI LIMIT AI LIMIT Deluxe Edition AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative Airport Police Contraband Simulator – Border Patrol Akimbot Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition Alan Wake Remastered Alien: Isolation – THE COLLECTION Alien: Rogue Incursion VR Deluxe Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy ANIMAL WELL Another Crab’s Treasure Arcade Paradise Arizona Sunshine® 2 Deluxe Edition Arizona Sunshine® Remake Arma Reforger Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Deluxe Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Ragnarök Edition Assassin’s Creed® IV Black Flag™ Assassin’s Creed® Mirage Deluxe Edition Assassin’s Creed® Odyssey Deluxe Edition Assassin’s Creed® Odyssey Gold Edition Assetto Corsa ASTRO BOT ASTRO BOT Digital Deluxe Edition ASTRONEER: Glitchwalkers Edition Atomfall Atomic Heart Atomic Heart – Premium Edition Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Deluxe Edition Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora™ Gold Edition Back 4 Blood: Standard Edition Back 4 Blood: Ultimate Edition Balatro Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden Bassmaster® Fishing: 2022 Bassmaster Classic® Batman: Arkham Collection Battlefield™ 2042 Ben 10: Power Trip Bendy and the Dark Revival Bendy and the Ink Machine Bendy: Studio Collection Beyond Galaxyland Bionic Bay BioShock: The Collection Blasphemous Blasphemous + Blasphemous 2 Bundle Blood Omen 2: Legacy of Kain Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain Bluey: The Videogame Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Borderlands 3 Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition Bratz™: Flaunt Your Fashion Bugsnax Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition Bus Simulator Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop – Gold Edition Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle Call of the Wild: The Angler™ – Ultimate Fishing Bundle Capes CARRION Cat Quest III CATAN® – Console Edition Deluxe Chicory: A Colorful Tale Children of Morta: Complete Edition Cities: Skylines – Mayor’s Edition Cities: Skylines – Premium Edition 2 Citizen Sleeper CityDriver COCOON CONSCRIPT – Digital Deluxe Edition Construction Simulator Construction Simulator – Gold Edition Control: Ultimate Edition Coral Island Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition™ CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION Croc Legend of the Gobbos Crow Country Crusader Kings III: Royal Edition Cult of the Lamb Cyberpunk 2077 Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Dakar Desert Rally Dakar Desert Rally – Deluxe Edition Danganronpa 1•2 Reload Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Darkest Dungeon II Darkest Dungeon II: Oblivion Edition Darkest Dungeon® DayZ DayZ Cool Edition DayZ Frostline Dead Cells Dead Island 2 Dead Island Definitive Edition Dead Space DEATH NOTE Killer Within DEATHLOOP Deep Rock Galactic Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Digital Deluxe Edition Devil May Cry 5 Deluxe + Vergil Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition Devil May Cry HD Collection & 4SE Bundle Dishonored 2 Dishonored® Definitive Edition Dishonored®: Death of the Outsider™ – Deluxe Bundle Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed DISSIDIA® FINAL FANTASY® NT DOOM DOOM Eternal Standard Edition Dragon Age™: The Veilguard DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS 2 DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition DREDGE DREDGE: Expansion Bundle Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour Dungeons 4 Dying Light Dying Light 2 Stay Human EA SPORTS FC™ 25 Standard Edition EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 25 EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6 EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS 2 Deluxe Edition Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Empire of the Ants ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist Endling – Extinction is Forever Eternights Expeditions: A MudRunner Game Expeditions: A MudRunner Game – Supreme Edition Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition Fallout 76 Far Cry Primal Far Cry New Dawn Deluxe Edition FF7R EPISODE INTERmission (New Story Content Featuring Yuffie) FINAL FANTASY I-VI Bundle FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Digital Deluxe Edition FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE & REBIRTH Twin Pack FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Fire Pro Wrestling World Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 Forever Skies Forklift Simulator Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition Funko Fusion Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Ecto Edition Ghostrunner Ghostrunner 2 Ghostrunner 2 Brutal Edition Ghostwire: Tokyo Goat Simulator 3 Goat Simulator: Remastered Goat Simulator: The GOATY Golf With Your Friends – Ultimate Edition Goodbye Volcano High Gotham Knights Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Standard Edition Grand Theft Auto V Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition GRIS GTA Online: Megalodon Shark Cash Card Guilty Gear -Strive- Hades Harold Halibut Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Have a Nice Death Heavenly Bodies Heavy Cargo – The Truck Simulator Hell Let Loose High On Life High On Life + DLC Bundle Highway Police Simulator HITMAN 3 – Trinity Pack HITMAN World of Assassination – Deluxe Edition Horizon Chase 2 Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 – Turbocharged HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 – Turbocharged – Deluxe Edition HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 – Turbocharged – Legendary Edition HUMANITY Immortals of Aveum™ Deluxe Edition Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Premium Edition INDIKA Infernax Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai Insurgency: Sandstorm Insurgency: Sandstorm – Gold Edition It Takes Two Jak and Daxter Bundle Jurassic World Evolution: Return to Jurassic Park Kena: Bridge of Spirits Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition Killer Klowns From Outer Space: Digital Deluxe Edition Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Kingdom Come: Deliverance Royal Edition L.A. Noire LEGO® Harry Potter™ Collection LEGO® 2K Drive LEGO® 2K Drive Awesome Rivals Edition LEGO® Batman™ 3: Beyond Gotham LEGO® Harry Potter™ Collection LEGO® Horizon Adventures™ LEGO® Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga LEGO® Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga Galactic Edition Life is Strange: Double Exposure Deluxe Edition Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Ultimate Edition LIVE A LIVE Lords of the Fallen Lorelei and the Laser Eyes Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness Mafia: Definitive Edition Mafia: Trilogy Maneater Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel’s Midnight Suns Enhanced Edition Marvel’s Midnight Suns Legendary Edition Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Digital Deluxe Edition Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus – Digital Deluxe Edition Matchbox™ Driving Adventures Metaphor: ReFantazio Metro Awakening Metro Awakening + Arizona Sunshine® 2 Metro Exodus: Gold Edition Metro Saga Bundle Minecraft Dungeons: Ultimate Edition Minecraft Legends Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition MLB® The Show™ 25 Monster Energy Supercross 25 – Special Edition Monster Energy Supercross 25 – The Official Video Game Monster Energy Supercross 25 X Monster Jam™ Showdown – Dirt Master Edition Monster High™ Skulltimate Secrets™ Monster Jam™ Showdown Monster Jam™ Showdown – Big Air Edition Moonlighter Moonscars Mortal Kombat™ 1 Mortal Shell Mortal Shell: The Virtuous Cycle MotoGP™25 Moving Out MudRunner – American Wilds Edition MX vs ATV Legends MX vs ATV Legends – 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship My Friend Peppa Pig My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS Ultimate Edition NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition NBA 2K25 Tournament Edition Need for Speed™ Unbound Need for Speed™ Unbound Ultimate Collection NEO: The World Ends with You Neon White Neva New Tales from the Borderlands Nick Jr. Party Adventure Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… NieR: Automata™ Game of the YoRHa Edition Nine Sols No Man’s Sky Nobody Wants to Die OCTOPATH TRAVELER II Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition ON THE ROAD – The Truck Simulator Onee Chanbara Origin Outer Wilds Overcooked! All You Can Eat Pacific Drive PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay PAW Patrol: Grand Prix PAYDAY 3 PGA TOUR 2K25 PGA TOUR 2K25 Legend Edition Phasmophobia Planet Coaster 2: Deluxe Edition Police Simulator: Patrol Officers: Gold Edition Quake 1 & 2 Bundle Railway Empire 2 Ravenswatch Red Dead Online Red Dead Redemption Remnant II® – Standard Edition Remnant II® – Ultimate Edition Remnant: From the Ashes REVEIL REVEIL – Funhouse Edition Rez Infinite RIDE 5 RIDE 5 – Special Edition Riders Republic™ 360 Edition Riders Republic™ Skate Edition Risk of Rain Risk of Rain 2 Road Maintenance Simulator 2 + Winter Services Road Redemption Robin Hood – Sherwood Builders Rogue Waters Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered Rugby 25 Saints Row Saints Row Gold Edition SAMURAI MAIDEN SAND LAND Deluxe Edition Sayonara Wild Hearts Sea of Thieves Sea of Thieves: 2025 Premium Edition SEASON: A letter to the future SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice – Deluxe Edition Shredders Shredders – 540INDY Edition Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII Deluxe Edition Sifu Skull and Bones Premium Edition SKULL AND BONES™ Skyrim Anniversary Edition + Fallout 4 G.O.T.Y Bundle Sledders Slime Rancher Slime Rancher 2 Slitterhead Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 Complete Edition Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts Full Arsenal Edition SnowRunner – 2-Year Anniversary Edition SnowRunner – 4-Year Anniversary Edition Solar Ash Songs of Conquest SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! Digital Deluxe SpellForce III Reforced SpellForce III Reforced: Complete Edition SpongeBob SquarePants™: The Patrick Star Game STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™ Star Wars Outlaws Star Wars Outlaws Ultimate Edition STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Ultimate Edition STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ II STAR WARS™ Jedi Cross-Gen Bundle Edition STAR WARS™: Dark Forces Remaster STAR WARS™: Squadrons Starship Troopers: Extermination Stellaris: Console Edition Still Wakes the Deep Stranded Deep Stray Subnautica Subnautica: Below Zero Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Surviving Mars Survivor – Castaway Island SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream Premium Edition SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Ultimate Edition Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival The Setlist Edition Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter Tales of Graces f Remastered Deluxe Edition Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU Taxi Life – Supporter Edition Tchia Teardown Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge TEKKEN 8 TEKKEN 8 Season 2 Ultimate Edition Temtem Terminator: Resistance Terminator: Resistance Enhanced Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown – Gold Edition Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown – Silver Streets Edition Tetris® Effect: Connected Thank Goodness You’re Here! The 7th Guest VR The Arkane Collection The Case of the Golden Idol The Crew Motorfest Deluxe Edition The Crew Motorfest Gold Edition The Elder Scrolls Online The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition The Escapists 2 – Game of the Year Edition The Evil Within 2 THE FOREST THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV Standard Edition THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV Ultimate Edition The Last of Us Part II The Last of Us Part II Digital Deluxe Edition The Last of Us™ Part I The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered The Quarry The Sims™ 4 Cats and Dogs Plus My First Pet Stuff Bundle The Sims™ 4 Get Famous The Sims™ 4 High School Years Expansion Pack The Sims™ 4 Horse Ranch Expansion Pack The Sims™ 4 Lovestruck Expansion Pack The Smurfs – Mission Vileaf The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe The Stone of Madness The Stone of Madness Special Edition The Texas Chain Saw Massacre The Thing: Remastered The Walking Dead: A New Frontier The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt The Wizards: Dark Times – Brotherhood theHunter: Call of the Wild™ Thief: Master Thief Edition Thumper TIEBREAK+: Official Game of the ATP and WTA Tintin Reporter – Cigars of the Pharaoh Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: Chaotic Great Edition Titan Quest Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 – Ultimate Edition Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy Tomb Raider: Legend TopSpin 2K25 Cross-Gen Digital Edition TopSpin 2K25 Grand Slam® Edition Torchlight II Torchlight III Towers of Aghasba Townsmen VR Train Sim World® 5: Special Edition TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition Trepang2 Tropico 6 – Next Gen Edition Trover Saves the Universe Truck and Logistics Simulator Truck Simulator Cargo Driver 2024 – EURO TUNIC Turok Trilogy Bundle UFO ROBOT GRENDIZER – The Feast of the Wolves UFO ROBOT GRENDIZER – The Feast of the Wolves – Deluxe Edition UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Deluxe Edition Undisputed Unknown 9: Awakening Unpacking UNRAILED! Untitled Goose Game V Rising Legacy of Castlevania Edition Viewfinder Visions of Mana Way of the Hunter Welcome to ParadiZe – Zombot Edition What Remains of Edith Finch Wolfenstein: The Two-Pack Wolfenstein® II: The New Colossus™ World War Z World War Z: Aftermath Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition Worms W.M.D Wreckfest – Complete Edition WrestleQuest WWE 2K25 Standard Edition WWE 2K25 The Bloodline Edition Ys Origin Zero Escape: The Nonary Games *The Days of Play 2025 promotion on PlayStation Store starts May 28 at 00.00AM PDT/BST/JST and ends June 11 at 23:59 PDT/BST/JST.**Games and discounts may differ by region. Please check your local PlayStation Store page at go-live. 

Last week, we asked you to share pictures that represented the afterlife using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: secondcapture shares Wander overlooking his lost love from Shadow of the Colossus RhodWulfLeon shares Atreus standing in Helheim in God of War Ragnarök gra_o_pada shares V standing in front of the Afterlife in Cyberpunk 2077 BBSnakeCorn shares Snake facing off with The End in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater JarrinWasHere shares a paranormal photo from Ghostwire: Tokyo deogovakin shares a soldier saluting the fallen in Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image THEME: ExpressiveSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 28, 2025 Next week, we’re exploring Expressive photos. Share expressive portraits where emotions are all over a character’s face using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey, everybody! Sid, Brett, and I are back this week to discuss the latest news and what games currently have us locked in. This episode also includes interviews with Arrowhead Game Studios Production Director Alex Bolle and Design Director Niklas Malmborg. Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: To a T | PS5 F1 25 | PS5, PS4 Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends | PS5, PS4 Elden Ring Nightreign | PS5, PS4 Hypercharge: Unboxed | PS5, PS4 Helldivers 2 —  Super Earth is under attack and learn how you can defend it Mukti — Gameplay reveal of the upcoming narrative title from Sony India Hero project  Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 — See the new maps and modes coming to season 4 May 29 Zenless Zone Zero — Season 2 launches June 6 with new features and anniversary rewards The Cast View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. [Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Hello, Proxies! Greetings from the Zenless Zone Zero dev team. I’m Zhenyu Li, the producer of Zenless Zone Zero. As we approach the game’s first anniversary, I’m thrilled to share with you that Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.0 “Where Clouds Embrace The Dawn” will launch on June 6 — a significant update and a milestone moment marking the beginning of Season 2 for Zenless Zone Zero. Hereby, I’d love to take the opportunity to share a glimpse into the exciting new content and optimizations coming soon to New Eridu. An exhilarating new adventure awaits in Waifei Peninsula After joining forces with the Mockingbird to quell the Sacrifice crisis, Proxies will head to Waifei Peninsula — a remote but charming district far from the urban heart of New Eridu — and embark on an exciting new chapter at the request of New Eridu’s Mayor. Guided by Yixuan, the High Preceptor of Yunkui Summit, Proxies will gradually uncover the enigmatic power hidden within the protagonists to harness the force of Ether and unlock new gameplay elements to explore the Hollows. As a major city in Waifei Peninsula, Failume Heights nestles next to the Lemnian Hollow and has flourished with its thriving market for the rare resource Porcelume. The city also features unique local teahouses, pawnshops, and dessert stalls — perfect spots for Proxies to unwind during their downtime. In addition to continuing the management of Random Play, Proxies will also get to simulate the management of Suibian Temple here. By dispatching Bangboo, completing commissions from NPCs, and gathering resources from the Hollows, players can gradually level up the temple to unlock new interior designs and earn a wealth of in-game rewards. Team up With the Grandmaster to face greater foes Despite being a key source of Porcelume，the Lemnian Hollow is shrouded in perilous Miasma. In Version 2.0, fearsome enemies will enter a Miasmic Field state under certain conditions, gaining shields and enhanced abilities. But fear not — powerful and trustworthy allies are on the way. The Grandmaster Yixuan will join the combat as an S-Rank Agent. Her unique Attribute Auric Ink and Specialty Rupture will bring Void Hunter-tier prowess to your squad. Joining Yixuan is Ju Fufu, the senior disciple of Yunkui Summit, who will debut as an S-Rank Fire Stun Agent. Wielding her mighty weapon Hu Wei, she will fight alongside Proxies in Version 2.0, bringing ferocity and flair to the battlefield. A panda who can’t fight is no good in the kitchen — and Yunkui Summit’s A-Rank Physical Defense Agent, Pan Yinhu, is here to prove just that with his formidable strength in combat. Meanwhile, Yunkui Summit’s exclusive S-Rank Bangboo Belion is also ready to join the fray. Proxies’ old friends Astra Yao and Caesar will also be making their return in the Version 2.0 banners. Optimized game experience with enhanced convenience With the expansion of New Eridu and the introduction of larger, more open Hollows in Version 2.0, Zenless Zone Zero will introduce a brand-new 3D map and enhanced navigation features. Proxies will be able to explore with greater freedom and efficiency, using Fissure Beacons within the Hollows to restore HP, revive downed Agents, and quickly teleport to key locations, streamlining combat and traversal like never before. To help new Proxies quickly dive into the story of Season 2, players will be able to unlock and switch to Version 2.0’s main storyline as soon as they complete Chapter 2 Interlude. Additionally, Hollow Zero: Lost Void will be updated with new commissions and the option to equip multiple Gears to different Agents, adding more strategic options to battles. ​​ Irresistible anniversary celebration rewards In addition to the thrilling game content updates, we’ve also prepared a generous selection of anniversary rewards for all Proxies as a token of our gratitude for your continued support. After the Version 2.0 update, Proxies can select one S-Rank Agent and one S-Rank W-Engine for free from the Stable Channel, receive 1,600 Polychromes, and claim an anniversary-exclusive title and avatar simply by logging into the game. On top of that, players will be able to receive a variety of in-game rewards, including 20 Encrypted Master Tapes, 10 Boopons, an A-Rank W-Engine, and protagonists’ new Outfits after completing specific commissions or event challenges. Thank you for an incredible year Before we wrap up, I’d like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our players. It’s been an incredible year, and we’re excited to continue exploring the world of New Eridu together with you. With the upcoming Version 2.0 and everything we have planned for the future, we promise to keep delivering experiences and content that will surprise and entertain you. Thank you all once again for being part of this remarkable adventure. We’ll see you in Waifei Peninsula on June 6!

PlayStation®5 exclusive “DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH” is set to launch on 26 June and we are excited to announce that DEATH STRANDING fans in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines will have the special opportunity to meet Hideo Kojima (GAME CREATOR) and Yoji Shinkawa (ART DIRECTOR) at DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI on 6 July 2025. Meet the legends behind the new DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH in Taipei as they share their passion and thoughts on their latest PS5 blockbuster. How to Join: 1.        Pre-order physical version of DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH (Standard Edition or Collector’s Edition) 2.        Click the registration link here (in English/in Thai) and upload your proof of purchase. 3.        In the same form, answer a couple of questions and submit your contact details. Registration period begins on May 22, 2025 at 00:00:00 (Singapore time) and ends on June 20, 2025, 21:59:59 (Singapore time)  Prize:  A round-trip flight ticket to Taipei, 2-nights hotel stay, and entry to the DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI * * DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI event will be conducted in Mandarin. Please see more details of DEATH STRANDING WORLD STRAND TOUR 2 TAIPEI’s Terms and Conditions here: English/Thai.

Russell Adler didn’t eliminate Vikhor “Stitch” Kuzmin after all, instead confining the villain to an Icelandic black site prison as insurance for a rainy day. That day has come as Adler and crew free their former foe, their only chance to finally crack the Pantheon codenames. Witness the return of Stitch in the massive Season 04 update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone, bringing new maps, modes, weapons, and more. Season 04 launches May 29 on PS5 and PS4. Play Video Multiplayer overview New Core 6v6 Maps Shutdown (Launch): Shut off the power to the prison with an attack on a hydroelectric dam in Iceland. Fight over the rugged terrain, dive into the lake, and battle around the damaged turbine. Fugitive (Launch): With the power cut, it’s time to break Stitch out of the black site prison. Infiltrate the frozen compound, climbing, ziplining, and battling over the grounds and in the cell block where alarms warn of the jailbreak. New 2v2/6v6 Strike Maps Blitz (Launch): Traffic comes to a halt as Pantheon agents race towards the prison but get ambushed by the Rogue team. Duck under the bridge for quick cover or trek the cliffside seeking enemy targets. Eclipse (Mid-Season): Stitch arrives in Avalon, slipping into an underground nightclub to discuss business. Battle in the neon lights down the halls and over the dance stage. Remaster, Core 6v6 Map Fringe (Mid-Season): Revisit Fringe, originally featured in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and coming to Black Ops 6 reimagined as the grand opening of the Rolling Hills distillery. New Multiplayer Modes Team Elimination (Launch): This twist on Kill Confirmed gives both teams a limited number of lives each round. Eliminated players drop a dog tag on death that can be picked up by the enemy to confirm the kill and drain the opposing team’s remaining lives, or by a teammate to prevent the action. One in the Chamber (Launch Window): One pistol, one bullet, a knife, and three lives. Eliminate enemies to earn more bullets in this Black Ops classic. Party Ops (In-Season): Get the party started in a new Limited-Time Mode arriving later in the season dropping players into a randomized set of themed minigames. Now launching: The Grim Reaper Scorestreak: Grim Reaper (Event Reward): The quad-tube loaded Launcher returns from the original Black Ops, inflicting heavy explosive damage on enemy Operators and Scorestreaks alike.   Zombies overview Returning Mode: Grief (Launch) The fan-favorite competitive Zombies mode returns! This 4v4 indirect PvP mode pits S.A.M. against Director Richtofen as teams pledge their support for one or the other, receiving handler comms guiding them throughout the match. Secure Capture Zones to thwart the enemy with modifiers including reduced damage, drained ammo, slowed movements, and more.  Put your Zombies talents to the test in this mode while competing against real players attempting to survive longer than you and your squad.  New Ammo Mod, GobbleGums, Grim Reaper  Ammo Mod: Shatter Blast: Modify your ammo to explode on contact, dealing armor-piercing damage in a blast radius. Research Major and Minor Augments to specialize Shatter Blast’s abilities in all-new ways. Three New GobbleGums: Chew on Explosive Flourish to trigger an area-of-effect explosion around your Operator when reloading. Pop Flavor Hex to activate a random Ultra GobbleGum, and force eliminated zombies to belch sparkly rainbow bubbles via Rainburps. Grim Reaper: Build the new Support weapon at the Crafting Table and blast those zombies to bits! New Challenges and LTMs Expect an influx of Dark Ops Challenges awarding Calling Cards and bounteous amounts of XP for those able to complete the secret challenges. Play new Limited-Time Modes, including the Starting Room LTM and Abomination Challenge LTM later in the season. Call of Duty: Warzone Overview New Point of Interest: The Overlook Battle up and down The Overlook, a new skyscraper under construction in Downtown. Burger Town and the SKN Comm tower have been demolished to make way for the building. Two cranes flank the dominant POI and checkpoints line the entrances. Work your way from ground level including the relocated Burger Town up to the Penthouse and Roof, or latch onto an ascender and get some serious height. New Limited-Time Modes Clash (Launch): Two teams of 52 drop into a specific POI within Verdansk. With no Circle Collapse and instant access to your Loadouts, be the first team to earn 500 points by eliminating enemies, completing contracts, and participating in Public Events. Earn upgrades like the new Door Barricade Field Upgrade and the Hand Cannon, spend cash to activate SAM Turrets, and earn powerups that alter the course of the match. Havoc Royale (Mid-Season): Compete in a Resurgence mode where modifiers bend the rules in game-changing ways. Survive the havoc, be the last team standing, and claim victory! Resurgence Casual (Mid-Season): Drop into a Resurgence match mixing human players and bots. A great mode for warming up, teaching new players about the game, or just chilling out. Mid-Season Loadout Items  Care Package: Deploy this rare throwable to summon an aerial drop with the chance to obtain rare equipment, the Specialist Perk, and more. Perk: Loot Master: Available only in Resurgence and Plunder, gear up faster by increasing the amount of loot you find while opening caches, including an increased drop rate for equipped weapon ammo, Tacticals and Lethals, cash, Field Upgrades, Killstreaks, and other high-tier gear. General Overview New Weapons: In the Battle Pass, unlock two rapid fire weapons in the LC10 SMG and the FFAR 1 Assault Rifle. Earn more across multiple seasonal events including the lever-action Essex Model 07 Marksman Rifle, Olympia Special weapon, and the Pickaxe Melee weapon. New Attachments: Lock in with the G-Grip Tactical Foregrip available on most SMGs and Assault Rifles. Get three weapon conversions, including a burst conversion for the Stryder. 22 Pistol and full-auto conversions for the SVD Sniper Rifle and TR2 Marksman Rifle. Events & Ranked Play Earn additional rewards across several in-season events, including coveted items like the Essex Model 07 Marksman Rifle, Stryder .22 3-Round Burst Mod, and the Grim Reaper Scorestreak. Plus, compete in a new season of Ranked Play for Multiplayer and Call of Duty: Warzone, including Ranked Play: Battle Royale and, in Mid-Season, Ranked Play: Resurgence. Play using a competitive ruleset and earn new seasonal rewards based on the highest Rank obtained in the season. Season 04 Battle Pass & Store Content Purchase the Battle Pass to immediately unlock rewards including a seasonal 10% Battle Pass XP Boost, the new “Supermax” Stitch Operator Skin, and more, providing access to over 110 pieces of unlockable content. Plus, earn up to 1,100 COD Points as you progress through the Battle Pass Pages. Get even more with BlackCell. Look for exciting new Store Bundles including the cel-shaded Tracer Pack: Ink and Smoke plus the Tracer Pack: System Breach, Tracer Pack: Olympus Bolt, and much more. Season 04 launches May 29 Black Ops 6 is available now on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Experience the spy action thriller Campaign, the in-depth tactical chaos of Multiplayer, and soak in the gory glory of round-based Zombies.

At Sony Interactive, we’re always experimenting with new and exciting ways to bring our community of players together to share the joys of gaming and create lasting memories. That’s why three years ago, we created PlayStation Stars, a loyalty program to celebrate our players. The unique program includes playing games to earn rewards – including our unique Digital Collectibles that pay homage to incredible games and our PlayStation legacy. The program has helped foster a deeper connection with fans around the world. Since launching the program, we’ve learned a lot from evaluating the types of activities our players respond best to, and as a company, we are always evolving with player and industry trends. Through this evaluation, we have decided to refocus our efforts and will be winding down the current version of PlayStation Stars. We will continue to evaluate our key findings from this program, and are looking into ways to build upon these learnings. Here are some key things to know as these changes take place: Starting today, PlayStation Stars will no longer accept new members for this version of the program.  If members choose to cancel their PlayStation Stars membership starting today, it will not be possible to rejoin this version of the program, and members will lose all earned Points. Current PlayStation Stars members can still earn Digital Collectibles, Points and level up their status until July 23, 2025 at 7:59AM PDT | 3:59PM BST | 11:59PM JST. After this date, there will be no new PlayStation Stars Campaigns available, or any additional rewards or status benefits to earn. This version of the PlayStation Stars program will fully end on November 2, 2026 and current PlayStation Stars members can continue to redeem Points as long as their Points don’t expire before then.  We also wanted to let you know that PlayStation Stars members can still access their Digital Collectibles, even after these changes take place.  We want to thank all of our players for supporting PlayStation Stars since the launch in 2022. As we explore new ways to evolve our loyalty program efforts for the future, we’ll continue to celebrate all of our players through the various community activities we have planned.  The programs we create are all inspired by you, and we look forward to bringing you compelling new experiences for many generations to come.

Today marks a special milestone for us at underDOGS. After years of sweat, love, and relentless passion, we’re proud to reveal the first official gameplay teaser of our upcoming narrative adventure game, Mukti.  And yes, you can wishlist it today on PlayStation Store.  Play Video A glimpse into Mukti Mukti isn’t just a game. It’s a journey of discovery, redemption, and the impact of hidden narratives in a first-person exploration set within the authentic backdrop of an Indian museum.   Following her grandfather’s mysterious disappearance amid accusations of heinous crimes, Arya returns to find the museum he owned vandalized and abandoned. Through the silent echoes of the past, she pieces together a narrative of heritage, compassion and obscured truths, questioning everything she knew about his existence. What truths lie in her grandfather’s museum?  As the story unfolds, you’ll uncover layers of mystery, ancient secrets and a world that blurs the line between myth and reality. ​​ From India, for the world – backed by Sony Mukti is proud to be part of the prestigious Sony India Hero Project, being selected for this program not only gave us the fuel to bring our vision to life, but also reaffirmed our belief that Indian stories belong on the world stage. After over a year of working closely with the fantastic folks at Sony, the journey has been nothing short of insightful and full of learning. Now, we’re thrilled to finally give you a glimpse of what we’ve been crafting behind the scenes. Built for the big screen On PlayStation 5, Mukti is designed to fully harness the power of Sony’s hardware. Our immersive environments, intense sequences, and emotionally-driven scenes are meant to be experienced in 4K, with responsive controls that pull you right into the heart of the story. We’re also working closely with the PlayStation team to ensure features like DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers elevate the experience, from feeling the impact of every hit in combat to the subtle tension of solving puzzles and uncovering truths. Why wishlist matters As an indie studio from India, every wishlist counts. It tells the world, especially platforms and publishers, that there’s a growing hunger for Indian stories told through high-quality, console-level games. It pushes boundaries and opens doors, not just for Mukti, but for a whole generation of Indian developers. So if the teaser stirs something in you… if you believe in bold stories, fresh voices and unforgettable adventures – hit that wishlist button today. We’re only just getting started.

The worst nightmare of all those who fight for Managed Democracy has been made a grim reality. Play Video Despite the valiant efforts of our Helldivers to push back the fleet, the Illuminate have reached Super Earth. Now they are swarming our cities, terrorizing citizens, and destroying our infrastructure. It’s time to rise up and take arms and fight for the precious foundations and soil of Democracy manifest. Helldivers, return to our planet and defend what is rightfully ours. Super Earth… our home The urban sprawl of Super Earth is the site of the conflict. Fight among the towering skyscrapers and crowded streets of our home turf as the Illuminate rain down destruction all around you. Inside the city biomes, you will tackle operations and work to liberate cities together, having a significant impact on planetary campaigns. Repel the invasion The Helldivers are tasked with a new objective: to repel the Illuminate invasion by gaining ground over the squids as they fight to control areas where the fleet is landing. It won’t be a walk in the park, divers. Like a game of intergalactic tug-of-war, you will struggle against the incoming forces, gaining and losing control quickly. Arm the cannons Even in the face of such danger, we are not helpless, and all is not lost. The might of Super Earth’s arsenal lies hidden beneath our peaceful, democratic streets. With your help, we must activate our Planetary Defense Cannons and take down the Illuminate fleet in a grand show of power. Call for backup It’s all hands on deck as you encounter SEAF troops who will help join the fight to defend our Freedom. These small squads will fight enemies on their own, or they can be ordered to follow Helldivers and provide temporary backup as you navigate toward objectives. Salute and lead them on the path to victory, divers! Protect citizens However, you must also be aware of the many civilians still roaming the streets, fearing for their lives. They may be panicked, Helldivers, but it is your sworn duty to keep them safe and they look to you as the ultimate protectors of liberty. Remember: any civilian lives lost from friendly fire will be punished. Prepare for the fight Last week, we released a powerful primary weapon customization system and expanded surplus options to fight against the Illuminate as they emerged from the singularity. Now that you have learned the tactics of these new squid troops–like the Crescent Overseer and the hulking Fleshmob–you must master these tools to continue the fight on Super Earth. Use every available resource, divers, and decimate their forces! Our major update, Heart of Democracy, is now live. Helldivers, to your hellpods immediately! Citizens, enlistment centers will remain open for recruitment. The battle for Super Earth has begun. Internet Connection and Helldivers 2 game required for update.

Last week, we asked you to share portraits of broken down and nature-filled landscapes from Days Gone Remastered using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: dfgmendes shares a snowy mountain top  ​​ MrioMoreno5 shares waterfalls along the canyon AdamWilson82 shares a winding wooden path into the abyss  tulippooh3 shares a hazy forest morning  meza6_9 shares a beautiful starry night  EZ_takayoshi shares an island in the center of a lake  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter/X or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Afterlife SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 21, 2025  Next week, we’re exploring photos that represent or capture the afterlife. Share your creative photos representing the other side using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

The best part of working on Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yōtei has been getting the opportunity to go on reference gathering trips to Japan. As an American, I had primarily seen the country through the lens of beloved classic samurai movies. But actually going there, feeling the wind on your face, smelling pine forests, and meeting locals is deeply inspiring. Everyone from Sucker Punch that went on those reference gathering trips came back to the studio with a driving passion to bring a sense of authenticity to our fictional depiction of these real life places. We strive to create an original landscape which captures the feeling of the real location, then to set players free inside it, allowing them to explore as they will, following their curiosity.   But most of all, the trips are humbling. I vividly remember standing on a beach in Tsushima, the same beach where 80 samurai died attempting to defend their home from a Mongol invasion.  The people on both sides of that conflict were real. All of us at Sucker Punch wanted to do right by the reality of Tsushima’s history, even though we were going to tell a fictional story in a digital version of Tsushima that was not a stone for stone recreation of the island. We felt that by listening to our cultural advisors and by doing research we could deliver a respectful representation of what made Tsushima so special. To deliver a feeling of authenticity and believability to our fictional story.  For Ghost of Yōtei, we’re doing the same thing.   So, how did we pick the setting for our new game? That’s easy, Hokkaido is unbelievably beautiful and in 1603 it was the edge of the Japanese empire. Back then it was called Ezo, a mysterious island to the north, sparsely populated by Wajin (Japanese) people bold enough to build a life for themselves in the cold wilderness. This combination of beauty and danger spoke to us. It was the perfect place to tell Atsu’s tale; a warrior so driven by revenge that locals start to believe she’s an onryō walking the land. If you’re going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location.  The Sucker Punch reference gathering team from left to right: Ian Ryan, Jason Connell, Nate Fox, JoAnna Wang, Rob Davis, Ryuhei Katami. Sucker Punch sent out two reference gathering trips, both exploring different areas of Hokkaido.  Thankfully, our group visited Shiretoko National Park. A place that effortlessly combines natural beauty and a sense of danger.  While hiking through the park, taking in majestic views of ocean waves crashing on towering cliffs we spotted a number of trees scarred by bears sharpening their claws. This forest was their home, we were the outsiders. Suddenly we had to split our attention between gazing up at the beautiful snowcapped mountains and looking down at the nearby bushes in case there was a predator nearby. That experience was magic! A perfect marriage of beauty and danger, that was the exact feeling we wanted for our game. For me, that was the moment I knew Hokkaido was the right choice.  See the claw marks on that tree? Would you want to camp in that forest? While traveling in another part of Hokkaido we were introduced to a mountain so tall it seemed to be watching over everyone on the island. You guessed it, it was Mt. Yōtei, which the Ainu call ‘the Female Mountain’. Of course, on the trip we’d been thinking a lot about our hero. Hearing the Ainu name for the mountain really bonded it to Atsu. For us, Yotei became a symbol of Hokkaido. While for Atsu, it’s a symbol of home and of the family she lost. This process of being there, talking about the game with locales, then synthesizing new ideas is what made the trip so fulfilling.   Mount Yōtei, so tall it pierces the clouds.  Here are some photos we took during this research trip:  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image As you can see, we were all very inspired by the natural beauty of Hokkaido. The landscape spoke to us and we’ve done our best to capture the spirit of it in our fictional version of the island. But that wasn’t all we learned while on this trip. As a bunch of Americans we knew how ignorant we were about Japanese culture. To help start to solve that problem we met with a wealth of knowledgeable individuals and visited important cultural sites… but more on that at a later date.

On June 11, the PC version of Stellar Blade will be released*. The PC version of Stellar Blade will support several new features and introduce exciting additional content. This additional content will also be available on the PS5 console version, This additional content will also be available on the PS5® console version. PS5 users will receive the free update content through a patch download. It will deliver the best experience to everyone – both users who couldn’t join Eve’s mission due to platform limitations, and fans who have already witnessed the end of Eve’s protocol. Play Video With this in mind, we are pleased to share detailed information about the Stellar Blade PC version. NVIDIA DLSS 4 & AMD FSR 3 upscaling and unlocked frame rate* Blade, blood, and  beauty. Eve is a ruthless executioner and an elegant liberator. The PC version of Stellar Blade supports NVIDIA DLSS 4 resolution scaling and frame generation, NVIDIA DLAA image enhancement, and NVIDIA Reflex latency reduction features. AMD FSR 3 is also supported.* Additionally, it supports unlocking the frame rate, allowing you to maximize your PC’s potential. With these enhancements, Eve’s action will transcend its limits, becoming even more merciless and all the more mesmerizing. Wide Resolution and High-Resolution Texture Support** The desolate and lonely scenery of a fallen Earth, along with the majestic yet delicate artwork, are the pride of Stellar Blade. The PC version of Stellar Blade supports ultrawide 21:9 and super ultrawide 32:9 resolutions, allowing you to use a wide range of aspect ratios from 5:4 to 32:9.** High-resolution background textures are also supported. The beauty of the artwork will become even broader and more detailed on Eve’s journey toward her mission. (Please check the 4K texture option in the settings) DualSense Controller and user key customization support A desperate escape in the labyrinthine darkness of the sewers, a fierce brawl across the magnetic levitation tracks of the Hyper Tube. In the PC version of Stellar Blade, you can experience all of these moments vividly with the DualSense controller, which fully supports haptic feedback and adaptive trigger features.*** Additionally, the game now supports full user key customization for gamepads, keyboards, and mice. Complete the Eve Protocol in your own play style. Mann’s test and additional Nano Suit Mann, the leader of the Sentinels, comes to test Eve. He is a seasoned warrior, a master of weapons, the bodyguard of Orcal, and the guardian of Xion. Face his might in the Boss Challenge and prove why Eve is truly ‘worthy.’ As a reward for overcoming the trial you can obtain the ‘Royal Guard Suit.’ That’s not all. After the update, you can collect a total of 25 new Nano Suits as additional rewards. This will provide even more options to highlight Eve’s beauty.  And to celebrate the release of the PC version, we will be giving all users the new outfit Crimson Wing as a token of our gratitude. Support for Simplified Chinese and Japanese facial animation Stellar Blade  now supports Simplified Chinese voiceovers, and Japanese voiceovers can now be selected in all regions. Of course, facial animations matching both languages will also be applied. We hope that even more players can immerse themselves in Eve’s mission and her fateful choices, with familiar languages and natural performances. Minimum and recommended specifications To enjoy the PC version of Stellar Blade smoothly, we recommend the following PC specifications. MINIMUMRECOMMENDEDHIGHVERY HIGHAVERAGE PERFORMANCE1080P @ 60FPS1440P @ 60FPS1440P @ 60FPS4K @ 60FPSGRAPHIC PRESETSLowMediumHighVery HighCPUIntel Core i5-7600KAMD Ryzen 5 1600XIntel Core i5-8400AMD Ryzen 5 3600XIntel Core i5-8400AMD Ryzen 5 3600XIntel Core i5-8400AMD Ryzen 5 3600XGPUNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GBAMD Radeon RX 580 8GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPERAMD Radeon RX 5700 XTNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPERAMD Radeon RX 6700 XTNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTRAM16GB16GB16GB16GBSTORAGE75GB HDD(SSD Recommended)75GB SSD75GB SSD75GB SSDOSWindows 10 64-bitWindows 10 64-bitWindows 10 64-bitWindows 10 64-bit Thank you once again to all Stellar Blade fans for your unwavering support and love over the past year. We also extend our gratitude to everyone waiting for the release of the PC version. Stellar Blade has come this far thanks to your passion as its driving force. We look forward to even more players joining Eve’s journey starting June 11. *Launch timing may be June 12, depending on your region. Please refer to the above global release timing image to confirm.**A compatible graphics card is required.*** A compatible display device is required.**** A wired connection is required to use all features of the DualSense controller.

“What. Is. THAT?” At Remedy HQ, me and two other writers getting a first hands-on with the forthcoming FBC: Firebreak have hit a problem. Namely, a strange, ever-changing black-grey mass, aimlessly and unnervingly stuttering around the Quarry we’re currently exploring. We have no idea what it is until we get close enough to recognize it—an Astral Spike from Firebreak’s ‘prequel,’ Control. But by then, it’s too late. Our screams that soon follow confirm it’s still just as deadly as ever. It’s not the only surprise I encountered in my extensive playthrough of the already slick and utterly engaging first-person squad-based shooter, launching June 17 on PlayStation 5. Here’s what I discovered from a fair few rounds of firefighting a paranatural invasion in the Oldest House. Live as a team or die alone repeatedly The focus on creating a team of three for the game’s player vs. environment (PvE) set-up is to hone in on the three classes of the game, known as Crisis Kits. I plumped for the Jump Kit, which specializes in crowd control and power management, while my two teammates went for the Fix Kit (a repair and tech expert) and Splash Kit (a water dealer and status support for other players). These Kits are designed to complement and collaborate in tasks and attacks, so trying to be a maverick only leads to death, likely yours. Communication is absolutely essential – especially as it’s easy to get caught in friendly fire – and taking full advantage of the Kits’ tools is the only way to survive the endless supply of rampaging hordes. And given that you possess a limited number of respawns between your team, reviving each other on the field is the best way to stay in the game, not always easy when dozens of Hiss beasties surround you. Crafting the perfect loadout In addition to the expected rifles, shotguns, and pistols, each Kit consists of three types of equipment: a tool, augment, and item. My Jump Kit’s initial loadout features an Electro-Kinetic Charge Impactor tool for shocking enemies, powering up generators, and even jumping long distances, and a BOOMbox item that distracts enemies once it’s charged. The systemic subtleties of each Kit’s equipment is where the teamwork comes into play. My Splash Kit comrade-in-arms uses his Crank-Operated Fluidic Ejector tool to wet the beasts, which maximizes my electrocution attack on them. At the same time, our Fix Kit buddy utilizes his Swivel Turret item that automatically tracks and unleashes a volley of rounds at any stragglers. Like the best co-op shooters, FBC: Firebreak encourages you to improvise under increasingly difficult odds, while not being afraid of the hilarity that comes with the chaos. There’s a mischievous glee from the Remedy staff when they unlock our Kits’ augments, and I soon see why. Once charged, my augment – named the AI19 Garden Gnome – fired out an unassuming gnome that unleashed a massive electrical storm that was far too close to my entire team and got us all electrocuted. My bad. Playing with piggy banks and paper Of course, it’s not all just fighting (or accidentally maiming your teammates) with things like the enemy igniting AI44 Teapot or the incredibly significant damage of the ‘break on contact but reforming’ AI16 Piggy Bank. FBC’s director and Control’s protagonist, Jesse Faden, has given you specific tasks to ensure the invasion of Hiss is contained. In this build of the game, I have access to three of the five Jobs that will be present at launch. Hot Fix challenges you to repair a number of heat fans and ultimately reseal the Maintenance Sector’s paranatural Furnace. Paper Chase requires the destruction of a set number of sticky notes, as well as surviving the shuffling sticky note monsters. Ground Control drops you into Black Rock Quarry to kill Astral Leeches in order to uncover irradiated pearls that need to be collected into a shuttle and launched into orbit. Each well-designed level offers opportunities to use the Kits’ different abilities, such as the Fix Kit’s wrench providing quick repairs to broken fans that lets you sidestep the button matching sub-game other Kits might need to perform, or the Splash Kit’s Humidifier spraying healing water to wash off radiation. But the Jobs also bring their fair share of downright terrifying moments, such as the confrontation with the literally giant sticky note boss monster, Sticky Ricky, which requires you to power up surrounding generators before you can hurt it. Or the aforementioned nightmare-inducing Astral Spikes that haunt the Quarry. ​​ Customization and corruption keep you guessing With its satisfying gunplay and smooth controls that feel at home on the DualSense wireless controller, there’s a lot to look forward to with FBC: Firebreak. Plenty of extra tantalizing elements will be expanded for launch, too, such as the many unlockable customizable gears and cosmetics for weapons, equipment, armor, or level unlock perks, such as the chance for electrified bullets or the ability to shake off radiation or fire by jumping up and down. There’s even a Corruption Level modifier that introduces Corrupted Items that cause additional hazards, such as low gravity or—the horrifying one I encountered, which led to many deaths—super fast enemies. It’s all designed to make the most of movement and character status-based systems, creating unpredictable results that set up FBC: Firebreak to be a compelling and ever-evolving experience. The doors to the Oldest House reopen when FBC: Firebreak shoots onto PS5 on June 17, with day one availability for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members as part of PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. And for anyone who still has any doubts, don’t worry – Remedy has this all under Control.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, mystery, or a good scare, May’s PlayStation Plus Catalog has got you covered. Explore a vast desert world filled with action in Sand Land, delve into the cyberpunk universe of Soul Hackers 2 or step into the eerie world of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted… There’s plenty to choose from in May’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup*. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus Premium welcomes PS2’s FPS simulation classic, Battle Engine Aquila. All titles will be available to play on May 20.  PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sand Land | PS4, PS5  From the creator of Dragon Ball comes a new action RPG, Sand Land! Create incredible vehicles to explore a desert world & beyond. Meet the Fiend Prince Beelzebub, his chaperone Thief, and the fearless Sheriff Rao, and follow the team on an extraordinary adventure in search of the Legendary Spring hidden in the desert. Learn how to control Beelzebub’s powers and lead your company of heroic misfits exploring the legendary world of Sand Land. Beware of the many dangers that populate it: between bandits, fierce wildlife, and the Royal Army, reaching the spring won’t be easy! Use your tact and imagination to develop tanks and other vehicles that will help you navigate this vast land, using a wide array of part combinations.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Soul Hackers 2 | PS5  Explore a dark, supernatural realm and investigate the world’s end in this sci-fi, neo-noir mystery. Amidst the glimmer of neon lights, technological advancement causes humans to be consumed by commercial convenience. In the shadows, a war between the Yatagarasu and the Phantom Society is brewing, Devil Summoners who harness the otherworldly powers of “Demons”. Existing in the secret sea of humanity’s data, a digital hivemind has evolved into sentience: Aion. Observing humankind from afar, Aion calculates that a world-ending disaster is imminent and creates two agents to combat against it: Ringo and Figue. Together, these agents of Aion must investigate and prevent a butterfly effect that will lead to the end of the world.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted – Full Time Edition | PS4, PS5  Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted is a collection of classic and original mini-games set in the Five Nights universe. Survive terrifying encounters with your favorite killer animatronics in a collection of new and classic Five Nights at Freddy’s experiences. Repair claustrophobic ventilation systems, troubleshoot broken animatronics that could activate at any moment, or spend your evenings cowering in the nighttime security guard office. Scenes from classic titles have been updated and remade for a fully immersive experience including Five Nights at Freddy’s, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s 3, Five Nights at Freddy’s 4, and Five Nights at Freddy’s: Sister Location.   Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted – Full Time Edition is a combined version of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted and its DLC, Curse of Dreadbear, for PS5 & PS VR2. The base version for PS4, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted, is also available as part of Game Catalog’s May lineup. Standard non-VR and VR modes included.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Battlefield V | PS4  Enter mankind’s greatest conflict with Battlefield V as the series goes back to its roots in a never-before-seen portrayal of World War II. Experience all-out multiplayer with your squad in the vast Grand Operations and the cooperative Combined Arms, or take on single player War Stories. Also includes Firestorm – Battle Royale, reimagined for Battlefield.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy | PS4, PS5  Delve into the renowned classics of open-world survival with the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy, now upscaled and enhanced for a new generation. Investigate the Zone’s origins, taking on the roles of legendary stalkers and forging paths that can lead to different outcomes based on your actions and decisions. Test your gumption while navigating through radioactive debris and anomalies, and put your reflexes to trial during intense gunfights. Search for the answers to the darkest mysteries that could cost you your sanity in sinister catacombs filled with starved mutants.   View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising | PS4, PS5  Rise to glory in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, a delightful fighting game experience for beginners and veterans alike. Newcomers can fully enjoy the intensity and thrills of one-on-one combat without needing to memorize complicated controls—simple inputs can be used to perform skills with the press of a single button! Embark on a journey through the vast skies of Granblue Fantasy and immerse yourself in an epic adventure while mastering the fundamentals of gameplay. As you take on more quests in this action RPG-inspired experience, you’ll continue to grow stronger.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Humankind | PS4, PS5  Humankind is a historical strategy game, where you’ll be re-writing the entire narrative of human history and combining cultures to create a civilization that’s as unique as you are. Combine up to 60 historical cultures as you lead your people from the Ancient to the Modern Age. Face historical events, take impactful moral decisions, and make scientific breakthroughs. Each battle in Humankind plays out like a mini turn-based board game on top of the actual world map. Unstack your armies and command each of your units, including the emblematic units of your culture and their special abilities. Construct siege weapons to besiege and occupy cities. Fight in large battles spanning multiple turns, and don’t hesitate to bring in reinforcements!  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life | PS5 This reimagined version of A Wonderful Life brings all of the heart and charm of the original to a new generation as the definitive experience of one of the most cherished entries in the long-running farming series. Put down roots on your new farm in the peaceful town of Forgotten Valley. Forge precious memories as you weave your own generation-spanning tale of friendship, family, and farming. Bring life to the land by cultivating crops and raising animals, find love among the town’s friendly folk, and make lasting memories with a family of your very own in this reimagining of a beloved farming classic.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Gloomhaven Mercenaries Edition | PS4, PS5 Experience a tough tactical RPG and lead your band of mercenaries through an unforgiving land where every choice is crucial. Carve your way through terrifying dungeons, dreadful forests and dark caves filled with horrific monsters to reap your rewards… or die trying. Sell your sword to anyone who can afford it, may they be city officials or corrupt cultists. You are paid to get results and not ask questions. Where will you draw the line?  PlayStation Plus Premium  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Battle Engine Aquila | PS4, PS5 The forces of the Forseti and the evil Muspell are in a fight to the death for a flooded world’s most limited resource: land. You are Hawk Winter, plucked from obscurity to pilot Battle Engine Aquila. Airborne or on land, you’ll harness Aquila’s versatile mobility and awesome fire power in guiding legions of allies to victory. By commanding a device so powerful and advanced, your battlefield decisions will shape the direction of each engagement and, ultimately, the entire war.  *PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. 

Ready for more racing? This month’s free update from the Polyphony team comes with four new cars to rip around on your favorite GT7 circuits: the ’17 Ferrari 812 Superfast, ’01 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, ’12 Suzuki Carry KC, and ’21 Honda CR-V e:HEV EX Black Edition. In addition, three new events are coming to World Circuits and Sophy, the AI racing agent, has been expanded to support the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix Layout. Update 1.59* for Gran Turismo 7 is available as of today Wednesday, May 14 at 11:00pm PDT / May 25 at 3:00pm JST / 8:00am CEST. Play Video New cars ’01 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C5) (Can be purchased from Brand Central / Used Cars) The peak of the 5th gen Corvette line-up revives the classic Z06 moniker. In 1999, a hardtop model was added to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 lineup. Though it removed the detachable roof and rear hatch from the coupé, this model utilises the increased rigidity from the new design to improve driving performance. Its dedication to performance is further evident from the fact that selecting the hardtop model included an automatic upgrade to the Z51 handling package and manual transmission. What’s more is that even with all these features, it was still cheaper than the standard coupé model. It’s no wonder that enthusiast drivers flocked to it despite its somewhat niche appeal. From 2001, the hardtop Corvette was equipped with a 384.6 BHP LS6 engine, an improved version of the LS1, and was renamed the Z06. The Z06 name was taken from a race package option code that had existed for the C2 Corvette. It featured a full titanium exhaust which is very unusual for a production car, along with reinforced suspension components with a specially tuned wheel alignment, and was only available with a manual transmission. However, in exchange for this wealth of equipment, there was a significant increase in the price. This made it the most expensive model yet, exceeding even the price of the convertible, which made it less obtainable to the users who had previously been attracted by its sturdy hardtop body and spartan equipment. Even so, further improvements were made to the Z06, with the maximum output increased to 405.3 BHP in 2002. Achieving over 394.5 BHP in a small block engine was an unprecedented feat, making it one of the fastest mass-production cars in the world. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image ’17 Ferrari 812 Superfast (Can be purchased from Brand Central) Adopting the classic V12 FR layout, this Ferrari achieves blinding speed while retaining usability. The 812 Superfast was released in 2017 as a successor to Ferrari’s historic tradition of front-engined 12-cylinder models. The 812 name itself refers to the engine’s power and layout, being ‘800 PS, 12 cylinders,’ while the Superfast moniker was carried over from the legendary ‘500 Superfast’ itself produced in 1964. The body styling was conceived by Ferrari’s own Styling Centre. With a long nose and short deck, the body proportions are typical of a 12-cylinder front-midship layout, however the refined aerodynamics and details give it the elegant aura of modern Ferrari design. The 788 BHP and 718 Nm (73.3 kgfm) produced by the naturally aspirated 6.5L V12 unit are routed to the rear tyres through a 7-speed DCT transaxle. The car is also notable for being the first Ferrari model to incorporate an electric power steering unit. Additionally, the running gear features an evolved version of the 4-wheel steering setup found on the previous F12berlinetta model, dubbed the ‘Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0’ system. The prime benefit of this system is it allows the nose to turn in sharply on even the tightest corners, despite the relatively long 2,720 mm wheelbase. With trunk space behind the seats and a spacious cargo area in the rear end, the 812 Superfast may be the perfect supercar for grand touring. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image ’21 Honda CR-V e:HEV EX・Black Edition  (Can be purchased from Brand Central) The 5th generation model of this popular SUV is the first to feature a hybrid system. In the 1990s, Honda set their sights on creating cars for leisure activities, dubbing the category ‘Creative Movers’. The first such model was Odyssey which released to widespread commercial success in 1994, and was followed in ’95 by a high ground clearance SUV model. This was the first generation CR-V. From then, the CR-V became a long-selling hit, especially in the North American market. Eventually reaching the model introduced here, the 2021 model which is based on the 5th generation CR-V originally introduced in 2016. The model notable feature of the 5th generation is the introduction of a hybrid powerplant, the first ever in the series. This system combines a 2L Atkinson cycle engine with 2 electric motors, able to operate in both series or parallel. This highly efficient system also allows the petrol engine to provide power when cruising at high speeds. The availability of a 4-wheel drive option with this hybrid system further contributed to the CR-V’s popularity. Aesthetically, many characteristics have been carried over from the previous generation model, but the body has been slightly enlarged to increase leg room for rear passengers, improving their comfort. Additionally, the car is also able to carry a large amount of luggage with over 1,100L of cargo space available just by folding down the back seats. The petrol model also featured a 3-row 7-seater layout. The fifth generation CR-V is not only a refined SUV, it also features numerous driver assist systems like collision avoidance braking and adaptive cruise control. This makes it a perfect choice not only for leisure but for everyday driving as well. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image ’12 Suzuki Carry KC  (Can be purchased from Brand Central) A quintessential example of the ‘micro-truck’ trend that’s sweeping the globe. Japan’s micro-car segment, known natively as ‘kei’ cars, has grown into an indispensable tool for everyday life. The kei segment of course features many passenger models, along with SUVs and sports cars too, but there are also a large number of commercial vans and trucks which support infrastructure. The Suzuki Carry is one such microtruck that reflects commercial kei cars as a whole. The Carry has a long history behind it, which stretches back to its birth in 1961. The 10th generation model was introduced as a full model change in 1999 in order to meet changes to the kei car certification standard introduced in 1998. The model introduced here is the 2012 model, the final model of the 10th generation following several other facelift models. The body has been enlarged over the previous generation, now measuring 3,395 mm long and 1,475 mm wide. The engine is located under the feet of the occupants in a semi-cabover configuration, and has a displacement of only 658 cc though the initial line-up did also feature turbocharged models. The Carry is available in a number of different model grades to fit purpose and price, but the KC is the most luxurious, featuring power steering and air conditioning as standard equipment. Along with a rear-wheel drive layout, it was also available with four-wheel drive allowing it to perform to its fullest even in the snow or on uneven mountain roads. The kei truck’s adorable aesthetics and excellent usability have also earned it attention from overseas. Preowned Carrys have found themselves to be popular for agriculture and farming in the U.S. where right-hand drive models are automatically qualified road-worthy 25 years after their initial release. A small body housing enormous potential, the Carry is yet another example of a uniquely Japanese car finding worldwide appeal. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image World Circuits (New Events) The following new events have been added to ‘World Circuits’: Lightweight K-Cup: Eiger Nordwand American Clubman Cup 700: Autódromo de Interlagos Ferrari Circuit Challenge: Deep Forest Raceway ​​ Gran Turismo Sophy The next-generation racing AI agent, ‘Gran Turismo Sophy’ is now available on the following courses. Look for the Sophy icon in ‘Quick Race’ and ‘Custom Race’ on each track to test your skills against Sophy Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix Layout. Scapes ‘Shooting the perfect square’ has been added as a featured Curation in Scapes, enabling square-photos with geometric backgrounds for social media. *Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.

Helldivers, get to your Super Destroyers! In a surprise turn of events that even our top researchers couldn’t predict, the Illuminate have finally revealed their intentions, emerging from the Meridian singularity, and setting a course for Super Earth. It’s now more important than ever that we band together and stop this salvo from destroying our liberty. Play Video New enemies The Illuminate threat has grown, unleashing new terrors on our citizens across the galaxy. Reports indicate the Illuminate have deployed larger, more powerful enemies within their fleet, among them are the Stingray: jetfighters that provide Illuminate support from the sky, targeting Helldivers and lining up devastating strafing runs. Another new foe is the Crescent Overseer, which has the ability to lay barrages on Helldivers in cover. But perhaps most terrifying are the reports of a failed Illuminate experiment called the Fleshmob: a Frankenstein’s monster of Voteless parts turned into a brute battlefield force that the Helldivers must work hard to destroy. There have been sightings of other, even larger ships, though details remain unclear on their abilities. But we can’t underestimate the squids, divers, and that’s why we’re assembling our best and brightest to push them back into oblivion where they belong. We have to gather all our resources to face this incursion and, fortunately, Super Earth’s R&D department has unlocked some powerful tools for our Helldivers, in the hopes that they will help crush the onslaught of Illuminate invaders. Customize your loadout Helldivers are being given access to a robust new weapon customization feature for the bulk of our primary weapon offerings. Most primary weapons now have levels that are achievable by completing missions, which then in turn unlock new attachments obtainable through Requisition. In addition to attachments, players can also unlock patterns for their weapons. Whether it’s tweaking sights for precision, changing color patterns, adjusting magazines for ammo capacity, muzzles to optimize weapon performance characteristics or adjusting under-barrel attachments for the handling you want, you’re in command of how your weaponry performs on the battlefield. This level of individual attunement is sure to make your favorite primary best in its class. Old Warbonds, new patterns We have unlocked and deployed a stash of patterns for the FRV themed on our Viper Commandos, Freedom’s Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds. These will help your squad stand out to aid in battlefield coordination and collaboration. This backlog of patterns will unlock for Helldivers on May 15, with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond! Expanded Surplus The Superstore is also getting an emergency expansion to boost your arsenals for the fight. No more waiting for items to come back into rotation–now the items you want are always available, ready to stock your ship and armor your Helldivers with items you might have missed the first time around. This is the moment of truth, Helldivers. Everyone to the front lines and fight for our right to spread Managed Democracy! *Requires base game, paid purchase of Super Credits, and game progression to unlock.

Last week, we asked you to share portraits of Deacon St. John from Days Gone Remastered using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: Evo_Pixel shares Deacon standing holding a shotgun MdeavorVP shares a side profile of Deacon with a red light flare blackcatvp Deacon seated on his motorcycle robsbakk shares Deacon wielding a shotgun in the rain calisarah1998 shares a shadowy portrait of Deacon and a bear TheNotoriousGKE shares a hyper closeup of Deacon at the lookout with Boozer Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Days Gone Remastered – LandscapesSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on May 14, 2025  Next week, we’re taking in the sights of Days Gone Remastered. Share broken down and nature-filled landscapes using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey, everybody! Sid, Tim, and I are back this week to discuss the new Grand Theft Auto VI trailer, explore how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 innovates on the turn-based RPG formula, and the ways Doom: The Dark Ages goes medieval.  Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: Labyrinth of the Demon King | PS5, PS4 Palia | PS5 Smash Drums | PS VR2 Doom: The Dark Ages | PS5 Capcom Fighting Collection 2 | PS4 Destiny 2 — Two new expansions: The Edge of Fate (July 15) and Renegades (Dec 2) Elden Ring Nightreign — FromSoftware details the classes and deep dives into combat  Death Stranding 2: On The Beach — Hands-on report and Hideo Kojima interview Helldivers 2 — A fresh look at the regal Masters of Ceremony Premium Warbond  Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 — Scope out nine fresh skate parks  The Cast View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. [Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the highly anticipated sequel to the genre-defying open-world adventure, launches on June 26 on PlayStation 5, with 48-hour Early Access available for select editions. I recently had the chance to go hands-on with the first 30 hours of the game.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sam’s next journey takes him from Mexico to Australia Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is set 11 months after the previous game. Sam Bridges, now living a quiet life with his BB (bridge baby) Lou, finds himself in Mexico following a request from Fragile. In Mexico, Sam gets caught up in an incident that eventually brings him to Australia. There he must take on the herculean task of traversing across the continent to, once again, re-connect a fractured society.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Fast-paced story and gameplay One point that stood out to me during the game’s hands-on, was its fast-paced narrative and gameplay. The story in the first Death Stranding took things slowly in order to set the scene and carefully lay out the state of the world to the player. However, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s story unfolds at a faster pace, and you’ll get access to new equipment and structures much earlier in the game as well. New players can catch up on the story of the previous game via ‘Death Stranding Recap’ from the title menu and look up game terminology from the in-game ‘Corpus’ feature. Enhanced visuals coupled with a standout soundtrack Death Stranding 2: On the Beach takes full advantage of PS5’s capabilities to deliver stunning graphics. The depiction of nature is especially striking — right from the opening scene set in Mexico, where you walk along a rugged desert ridge, I was blown away by the realism. The rocky ground and billowing dust at Sam’s feet are rendered with such precision that the harshness of the terrain truly comes through. The game depicts the diverse Australian nature and wildlife in vivid detail, including an animal sanctuary with lush vegetation that is home to animals like kangaroos, koalas and wallabies. There’s also an option to switch to an ‘aerial camera’ that captures Sam from an elevated bird’s-eye view, which allows you to take in the vastness of the environment as you slowly make your way across the terrain. The game’s soundtrack is also outstanding, and I was moved every time the beautiful music played when I reached a new delivery point. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Increased freedom and strategic opportunities This game gives the player more choice and freedom in terms of strategy and decision-making.  One reason for this is the wide variety of equipment and structures that are available early on, a list that will continue to grow as the game progresses. This is the same for methods of transportation, as an array of infrastructure, motorcycles, and trucks will become available relatively early in the game. In terms of combat, there are many bola guns and firearms to choose from, but if combat is not your forte, you can assemble transportation devices to strategically avoid the danger zones. You can also use smoke grenades to avoid combat as much as possible while navigating through dangerous territories.  Players can also leverage the newly implemented day/night cycle to their advantage. During the day, the terrain and enemies are more visible, but it is also easier for threats to locate you. On the other hand, enemies are less likely to spot you at night and it is easier to sneak around, but you also must proceed with caution since there’s less visibility. Responding and adapting to spontaneous natural hazards Players must also be prepared for various natural hazards triggered by the environment. When an earthquake occurs, you may lose your balance due to strong tremors and falling rocks. If you are planning to trudge through rough terrain in the mountains, it would be a good idea to reduce your load in case of earthquakes. You’ll also need to steer clear of flooded rivers when there’s heavy rain. When I encountered a wildfire during my playthrough, I extinguished it by spraying tar with my ‘tar cannon,’ a new piece of equipment available in the game.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Individual playstyle impacts Sam’s stats In the previous game, Sam’s stats improved depending on his Porter Grade, but Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features 12 new ‘proficiency’ levels.  Similar to how you can upgrade your weapon proficiency by using them more often during combat, your playstyle will directly impact Sam’s stats and abilities. For example, if you spend more time travelling through rough terrain with unstable footholds, Sam’s ability to traverse rough terrain will improve faster. Every players’ stats will be different depending on the choices they make. My Sam was more proficient at fistfights since my combat was focused on melee.  Customize Sam’s traits with APAS Enhancement Another component that modifies Sam’s abilities is the new Automated Porter Assistant System Enhancement. By consuming ‘memories’ acquired during the game, you can enhance four different traits: porter, combat, stealth, and servicemanship. The number of memories you can pick up are limited, so it’s up to you to decide which traits you want to acquire and upgrade.   New enemies, new weapons, and even more compelling combat Death Stranding 2: On the Beach introduces a new type of BT called the ‘watcher,’ which detects and attacks Sam through sight. There are also several new human antagonists, including a group called ‘Armed Survivalists,’ who assault with lethal firearms. To take on these formidable threats, you can utilize a variety of new weapons that have been added to the game. Electrified poles that were the MULE’s weapon of choice in the previous game, can be used to strike or be thrown in this game to electrocute vehicles and enemies. In addition, various holographic grenades can be leveraged to avoid combat. A BT holographic grenade projects a hologram of a BT when activated, causing human enemies to flee. The robust selection of firearms allows for exhilarating combat, but many of these weapons are also ideal for stealth and ambush. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a clear evolution from its predecessor and offers players plenty of freedom and choice. Prepare to face otherworldly enemies and obstacles to save humanity from extinction on June 26 on PS5. Players who purchase the Collector’s Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition can start their journey early with 48-hour Early Access, and pre-order bonuses are available across all editions. More on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Revealing the DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition Death Stranding 2: An interview with Hideo Kojima Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 26, Collector’s Edition revealed

With the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach coming up on June 26, we recently sat down with Hideo Kojima to discuss how the theme of ‘connection’ played a part in the development of the sequel during COVID, and what challenges he faced when redesigning the gameplay. Familiarizing players with a new genre and offering more choice and freedom PlayStation Blog: What were your goals when creating the sequel to Death Stranding? Were there any major changes or enhancements you were looking to implement? Hideo Kojima: As we made the jump from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, most of the changes were focused on game design and story. As you may recall, Metal Gear Solid was one of the first stealth games, and you had to go completely undetected to survive. There were no weapons available on the elevator at the beginning of the game, because if there were, players would most likely fight the enemies instead of sneaking past them. That defeats the purpose of a stealth game, so we intentionally left them out. Some said it was too difficult to reach the elevator (laughs), but the game included various mechanics to teach players how the stealth mechanics work. Then in Metal Gear Solid 2, we made some enhancements, like making weapon handling easier, or being able to target parts of the body from a first-person perspective. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was designed with a similar philosophy. Players familiarized themselves with the ‘delivery game’ genre with the first game, and the sequel builds on that and provides players with more choice and freedom, particularly around combat; you can go in guns blazing, or you can choose not to use weapons at all. We also made cars and motorcycles more accessible. As for the story, the predecessor was centred around Sam and Cliff. This time, the story delves deeper into who Lou is, her relationship with Sam, as well as Sam’s backstory. Did the way players utilize the Social Strand System (SSS) surprise you in the first game? Did that have any impact on the development of Death Stranding 2? We weren’t initially sure if players would use the SSS, but we found that many players actually enjoyed the feature. Even now, five years after the game’s release, there are players that are still devoted to building highways, and that was a pleasant surprise. When developing the sequel, we came up with various ways to accommodate players who are passionate about building infrastructure like highways, and as part of that, we added the ability to build monorails. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image One system the team debated over was the ‘likes’ mechanic. Likes in the game don’t have a physical impact – they can’t be converted to currency, nor do they make you stronger. Yet it feels good when you receive a like from another player as a token of appreciation. We anticipated some backlash when we implemented the feature in Death Stranding, but instead, players seemed to like the mechanic. When working on Death Stranding Director’s Cut, we reviewed the likes data and heatmaps to rework the feature based on our findings. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach further builds on that, so we have a better understanding of player behavior. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Why did you choose Mexico and Australia as the primary location for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach? Mexico shares a border with the UCA (United Cities of America), so the neighboring cities had to be connected. As Sam mentions many times in the game, we were extremely mindful that building these ‘connections’ didn’t appear invasive. Sam’s journey of connecting the Americas from east to west was inspired by the American frontier. With the UCA established, we wanted the sequel to take place in a location that shared a similar geography with the Americas — stretches from east to west and borders the sea in the north and south. Eurasia is too large, and Africa didn’t really fit the bill either. Australia checked all the boxes, but the next issue we faced was how to connect the North American continent with Australia. After a lot of discussion, we decided to implement the ‘plate gate’ to connect the two continents. Revisiting what ‘connection’ means to humanity The core themes of the games shifted from ‘connecting people’ to ‘should we have connected?’ Was this due to your views on social media evolving over time? Death Stranding was in development before COVID hit, and I felt like there was a global divide happening around then, especially following talks of Brexit. The theme of the game reflected my notion at that point in time, that humanity needed to connect and unite to avoid disaster. COVID happened three months after the game’s launch, and the world ended up getting fractured, like the game. However, we survived thanks to the internet. At the same time, I saw more people starting to disregard in-person connections and interactions, and that went against my belief around human communication. Only by venturing out can you meet people by chance or stumble upon unexpected places. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was already in the works before COVID, but we revisited the overall concept of the game after COVID. The predecessor was inspired by the fear of social fragmentation and isolation, but after experiencing COVID, I started ruminating over the dangers of being ‘too connected.’ I left a lot of clues in the game, like the stick and rope theory, so I think players will connect the dots in the end. You’ll encounter characters that will speak my thoughts in the game too. One hint is that the previous logo had strands hanging downwards, which symbolized the game’s theme of establishing connections. Whereas the logo for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has strands running down towards the logo. What does it mean to be connected? Should we have connected? Play the game to find out. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches on PS5 on June 26. Players who purchase the Collector’s Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition can start their journey early with 48-hour Early Access, and pre-order bonuses are available across all editions. More on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Revealing the DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition Death Stranding 2: An interview with Hideo Kojima Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 26, Collector’s Edition revealed