For many, the 1980s was a golden age of entertainment, music, and most of all movies, with its cultural impacts reverberating to this day. In 1982, Conan the Barbarian hit the big screen and was destined to become a classic. It was one of those movies where the story, character, and choice of actor all complemented one another perfectly.The original story of Conan dates back decades prior to the film, and in many ways pioneered the fantasy genre and inspired countless future sword and sorcery heroes. Conan lived in a barbaric age where his village, including his mother and father, were massacred by a cult leader and his army of raiders. This led Conan on the path to become a powerful warrior, a barbarian set on a quest for adventure and vengeance.Developing guest fighters for Mortal Kombat 1 is an honor, and one of the more enjoyable aspects is the opportunity to revisit a characters lore and look for ways to weave in their most memorable moments into a gameplay experience. It should be no surprise that Conans fighting style was developed around his mastery with a sword, but also some of his more colorful barbaric behaviors.For instance, we designed a special move around a notable exchange the character had with a camel in the Conan the Destroyer (1984) film. In one scene, Conan is walking through town drunk when he punches a camel in the face for no real reason. As it turns out, this particular camel has a good memory, so when it sees Conan again riding through town, the camel takes revenge and spits all over him. This leads to the camel getting bopped on the head yet again and the moment itself finding a special place among other attacks in Conans arsenal in Mortal Kombat 1.Drawing references from the films was a general theme throughout the design and development process. Part of that equation was looking at the most compelling and memorable sequences for opportunities to incorporate those references in meaningful ways. Often certain actions stick in our heads and ultimately get translated into the gameplay experience. Notably, there is a scene with a massive cauldron of boiling body parts that we gravitated towards as we planned his Fatality.Conan the Barbarian in Mortal Kombat 1 is designed around an arsenal of heavy sword attacks, along with his physique being a focal point, so it was important for us to visually convey his strength and power in ways that set him apart from other characters. This meant we needed to account for the sheer size of his muscles, while adding complexity to the way his body moves and flexes as he attacks.In true barbarian fashion, Conan has rush down playstyle and excels at shutting down his opponents options. He has several special moves that allow him to rush in and utilize a range of sword strikes. Instead of a traditional projectile option like most characters, Conan being the barbarian that he is, hurls his Kameo teammate across the screen as a projectile, potentially also destroying an opponents incoming projectile. Additionally, I think one of the more exciting special moves he has in his arsenal is the ability to resurrect after being killed. Reminiscent from the film, Conan can come back to life in the final round and regain a small amount of health effectively acting as a second wind.We know Crom would be pleased with the addition of Conan the Barbarian to the Mortal Kombat 1 roster. The opportunity to crush your enemies and see them driven before you is at hand and we couldnt be happier. Conan the Barbarian is available now as part of the early access period for Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Expansion owners on Xbox Series X|S, followed by wide availability for purchase on January 28.Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns KollectionWarner Bros. Games411$89.99Get it nowNew to Mortal Kombat 1? Get started with the Kollection Edition! Mortal Kombat 1 ushers in a New Era of the iconic franchise with a New fighting system, game modes, and fatalities. Includes instant access to the Base Game, Kombat Pack, and Dragon Krystals. Gain access to the upcoming Story Expansion, Kombat Pack 2 and more!Khaos Reigns Story ExpansionKombat Pack 2*Khaos Reigns Fighters Available At Launch:Noob SaibotCyraxSektorGuest Fighters Available Post-Launch (includes 1 week early access)Ghostface (Scream Franchise)T-1000 (Terminator 2)Conan the BarbarianKombat Pack (Available Now):Omni-Man (Invincible)Quan ChiPeacemaker (DCs Peacemaker)ErmacHomelander (The Boys)Takeda TakahashiKameo Fighters (Available Now):TremorKhameleonJanet CageMavadoFerraJean-Claude Van Damme Skin for Johnny Cage (Available Now)1250 Dragon Krystals (Available Now)*Separate Kombat Pack 2 character bundle not available

The post Lore of Eora Species | A Pillars of Eternity and Avowed Visual Guide appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Introducing the newest iteration of the Cipher series, Xbox Wireless Controller Pulse Cipher Special Edition! Like its predecessors, Sky Cipher and Ghost Cipher, Pulse Cipher provides players with a nostalgic transparent look infused with a futuristic twist. Despite being third in the series, this controller is special in its own right.Players can catch a glimpse of the silver midframe through the red transparent top case to reveal the mysteries found within. This vibrant design and colorway make a bold statement where modern gaming meets enduring nostalgia.Energize your play with the Pulse Cipher controller and all its features, including red, diamond-shaped rubberized grips, dark red accents across the bumpers, buttons, and two-toned thumbsticks, a metallic hybrid D-pad, and matching metallic triggers. You can easily swap button input profiles through the Xbox Accessory Hub, where you can also preview any of the screenshots or videos you take using the dedicated Share button found in the middle of the controller.For an enhanced gaming experience, wirelessly connect this new special edition controller to your favorite gaming devices, whether it be Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PC, iOS, or Android devices (seexbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details; use with controller compatible games). Pulse Cipher also features a 3.5mm audio jack and a battery life of up to 40 hours (varies with usage and other factors). The Xbox Wireless Controller Special Edition Pulse Cipher is available today for pre-order in select Xbox markets worldwide for $74.99 USD ERP. Visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including Microsoft Store, for more information.

Developer_Direct returns this Thursday, January 23 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK, and will bring you a deep-dive into some of the incredible games on the way for Xbox players this year. The show will include new, extended gameplay and developer insights for DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and a mystery fourth game, from inside the studios working on them.Were sure you want to know more, so here are all the details on how to tune in and what to expect.When is Developer_Direct? Thursday, January 23 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK.How do I watch Developer_Direct? Developer_Direct will be streamed live on the official channels below:The show will also be streamed simultaneously on regional Xbox and Bethesda channels around the globe, as well as on Steam. It will also air on Chinas Bilibili platform.The YouTube stream will be broadcast in 4K/60, and as with any live broadcast, there may be dips in streaming quality based on your bandwidth.Is the event available in languages other than English? Developer_Direct will be streamed live on YouTube.com/Xbox with English captions, and our other live languages will be available via regional Xbox channels.The languages we will support live on our Xbox channels are: Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Czech, French, Canadian French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Persian (Farsi), Polish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Castilian Spanish, Mexican Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. There is a possibility that select languages will not be available for the live broadcast, but if this happens we will add them to the show at YouTube.com/Xbox at the earliest opportunity.The easiest way to find your preferred language is to go to your regions Xbox page, or by viewing on the official Xbox YouTube channel at YouTube.com/Xbox and clicking the gear icon in the lower right corner.Is Developer_Direct going to be Accessible to those with low/no hearing or low/no vision? There will be a version of the show with Audio Descriptions (AD) in English on the Xbox YouTube channel, American Sign Language (ASL) on Xboxs YouTube channel and the /XboxASL Twitch channel, and British Sign Language (BSL) on Xbox Ons YouTube channel at YouTube.com/XboxOn.Im not going to be able to watch, where can I find out what was announced? A full recap will go live immediately following the show (including localized versions in Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, LATAM Spanish, and Japanese following later). Xbox Wire will also publish detailed articles about every game from the show with extra information.Notes for co-streamers and creators: We at Xbox greatly appreciate any co-stream efforts and aim to ensure you have a smooth experience if you choose to do so. However, due to forces beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that glitches or disruptions by bots and other automated software wont interfere with your co-stream.For those planning to create full post-show breakdowns of Developer_Direct in the form of video-on-demand coverage, we recommend you do not use any audio containing copyrighted music to avoid any action by automated bots, and to also consult the terms of service for your service provider.Well see you for Developer_Direct on Thursday, January 23!

Were back with the next wave of Game Pass reveals for January and I hope youve cleared your schedule! If youre looking for day one releases, some fan favorites, or ready to discover your next favorite game, I come prepared. And while were making room on schedules, I hope to see you all on January 23 for our Developer Direct for an inside look at a few upcoming games (not to mention those coming day one with Game Pass!). Now lets get to the news!Available TodayLonely Mountain: Snow Riders (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassAvailable on day one! Crash over and over until you master the mountain in the snowy follow up to Lonely Mountains: Downhill. Now supporting up to 8 players via cross platform multiplayer work your way down the slopes as a group sharing a small number of checkpoints, or risk it all in a breakneck race to the base!Coming SoonFlock (Console) January 22Now with Game Pass StandardFlock is a multiplayer co-op game about the joy of flight and collecting adorable flying creatures with your friends. Soar through beautiful landscapes, seeking out rare and elusive creatures to add to your flock.Gigantic: Rampage Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) January 22Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass StandardGigantic: Rampage Edition is a premium and definitive release of the original 5v5 MOBA hero shooter that provides a dynamic and exciting team-based multiplayer experience for fans of both genres. Choose from a diverse roster of unique heroes, each with a set of upgradeable abilities, and team up with four other players to control objectives and take down the opposing teams mighty Guardian, all while protecting your own.Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Console) January 22Now with Game Pass StandardA unique Japanese-inspired, single player Kagura action strategy game. It takes place on a mountain covered by defilement. During the day, purify the villages and prepare yourself for sundown. During the night, protect the Maiden against the hordes of the Seethe. Repeat the day and night cycle until you cleanse the mountain of defilement and return peace to the land.Magical Delicacy (Console) January 22Now with Game Pass StandardA wholesome pixel art platformer. Cook magical delicacies from a vast collection of ingredients in your own shop. Explore an unfamiliar town and deliver tasty treats to the townsfolk. Learn new ways to traverse, discover secrets, and experience a unique witchy world.Tchia (Xbox Series X|S) January 22Now with Game Pass StandardJoin Tchia on her tropical open-world adventure as she sets off to rescue her father from the cruel tyrant, Meavora, ruler of the archipelago. Climb, glide, swim, and sail your boat around beautiful islands as you explore a physics-driven sandbox.The Case of the Golden Idol (Console) January 22Now with Game Pass StandardMayhem, magic, and murder most foul! Examine clues and use your powers of deduction to solve the twisted mystery of a familys cursed inheritance and a series of grisly deaths in this point-and-click detective adventure gameStarbound (Cloud and Console) January 22Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass StandardCurrently available with PC Game Pass and now coming to Xbox consoles and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)! In Starbound, you create your own story theres no wrong way to play! You may choose to save the universe from the forces that destroyed your home, uncovering greater galactic mysteries in the process, or you may wish to forego a heroic journey entirely in favor of colonizing uncharted planets.Eternal Strands (Cloud, Console, and PC) January 28Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassAvailable on day one! Eternal Strands is the debut fantasy title from Yellow Brick Games, a new independent studio founded by industry veterans from franchises including Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Watch Dogs, and Assassins Creed. Fight epic, towering creatures while blending magical abilities with an arsenal of powerful weapons to keep the world from crumbling in this third-person, action-adventure game.Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) January 28Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassAvailable on day one! Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is an action-packed, third-person shooter and trap defense game. Evolve as an orc-slaying War Mage through rogue-lite choices and obliterate, eviscerate, and incinerate massive hordes with up to four players.Shady Part of Me (Cloud, Console, and PC) January 29Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass StandardShady Part of Me sends you on an emotional and dream-like journey, with breathtaking artistic direction and the enthralling voice of Hannah Murray from Game of Thrones and Skins. As a little girl and her shadow, overcome emotional struggles through surreal dreamscapes across a touching narrative filled with twists and surprises. Both must learn, cooperate, and evolve to progress in a poetic journey.Sniper Elite: Resistance (Cloud, Console, and PC) January 30Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassAvailable on day one! Offering unparalleled sniping mechanics, stealth and tactical third-person combat, Sniper Elite: Resistance turns the attention of the award-winning series towards a hidden war, far from the front lines, deep within the heart of occupied France. Bring a friend the full campaign can be experienced in co-op.Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) January 31Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassAvailable on day one! The highly anticipated sequel to one of 2022s most acclaimed RPGs, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a dice-driven RPG in a human and heartfelt sci-fi world. You are an escaped android, with a malfunctioning body, a price on your head and no memory of your past. Get a ship, find a crew, and take on contracts while you navigate across the Starward Belt.Far Cry New Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC) February 4Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass StandardDive into a transformed, vibrant, post-apocalyptic Hope County, Montana, 17 years after a global nuclear catastrophe. Lead the fight against the Highwaymen as they seek to take over the last remaining resources.DLC / Game UpdatesDiablo IV: Season of Witchcraft Available nowDiablo IV: Season of Witchcraft has begun! Unravel the mystery of the Tree of Whispers stolen Heads by harnessing Witchcraft Powers to hunt the rogue Heads as they spread madness across Sanctuary. Complete the Season Journey to earn a new Raven Pet. Learn more on Xbox Wire.Valorant: New Agent Tejo Available nowGame Pass members now have access to Valorants newest Agent, Tejo, whos joining the roster from Colombia. As part of the Initiator class, Tejo specializes in flushing out enemies with a unique kit consisting of information gathering, explosions, and a concuss. Learn more about Tejos abilities on Xbox Wire.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate PerksCheck the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on PC to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership. Number and content of Perks vary by region, platform, and over time. Perks must be redeemed by stated timeframe.Throne and Liberty: Lottie and Percy Bundle Available nowJoin the Resistance in this Xbox exclusive colored Lottie Outfit and get a Fuzzy Percy Amitoi to tag along on your adventures in this free-to-play, guild-focused combat experience.EA Sports UFC 5: Bruce Lee Bundle Available nowUnlock new alter egos for the father of mixed martial arts, available with your EA Play membership. EA Play membership is included with Game Pass Ultimate.War Thunder: Year of the Snake Bundle Available nowCelebrate the Lunar New Year of the Snake with a mighty tank Sherman Jumbo Cobra King and versatile fighter plane P-63C-5 King Cobra.Enlisted: Ultimate US Starter Pack Available nowGet a great start in Enlisted with the premium US Assaulters squad armed with M3A1 Grease Guns!Leaving January 31The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, but theres still time to jump back in to wrap up where you left off or even jump in fresh. You can also use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.Anuchard (Cloud, Console, and PC)Broforce Forever (Cloud, Console, and PC)Darkest Dungeon (Cloud, Console, and PC)Deaths Door (Cloud, Console, and PC)Maquette (Cloud, Console, and PC)Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem (Cloud, Console, and PC)Were adding more games over time to the Stream your own game collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Go here to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them.Thats a big list of games, and well be back before too long with even more of them. Stay tuned to Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox on social for reminders of when this list of Coming Soon magically turns into Available Today! Cheers!

SummaryLil Gator is getting an all-new game sized DLC.New characters, location and weapons.Huge thanks to our community check out Lil Gator Game with Game Pass Today.About Lil Gator GameLil Gator Game is a charming, open-world adventure where you play as a young gator exploring a whimsical island filled with quirky characters and fun quests. Inspired by classic action-adventure games, the story revolves around Gators quest to convince his big sister, to relive their childhood adventures. With no combat pressure or health bars, its a relaxing experience that encourages playfulness and discovery in a world full of surprises and playful interactions.Lil Gators All New DLCThe team are beyond excited to give a sneak peek at something special in the works! A brand-new game sized expansion is coming to Lil Gator Game,. The In the Dark DLC is packed with everything you loveplus a whole lot more. This upcoming game sized expansion will offer an exciting new chapter in Gators journey, with a new underground location thats brimming with charm, quirky characters, and new items to discover.This DLC will bring all the joy and charm youve come to love from Lil Gator Gamewith even more surprises waiting around every corner!What Can you Expect?Heres a little of what you can expect in this new chapter of Lil Gator! Wander a beautiful cave network where glowsticks light your path and cozy tunnels host hidden nooks and crannies filled with cute critters, secret treasures, and places to relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere.On your travels youll meet a bunch of new pals! But remember making new friends isnt always easy, you just might need to complete a quest or two!New to the DLC in a narrative twist, Lil Gator will take on some teenage troublemakers looking to disrupt the wholesome fun. Can Gators relentless optimism bring these angsty adolescents onside, and just who is their leader?Thank you, So Much for your Support!We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. It is due to all the wonderful players that we are able to tell more of Gators Story!2024 was an incredible year for Lil Gator Game! We were absolutely thrilled to join Game Pass back in April, and since then, so many of you have explored our whimsical world with Gator and friends, and for that, were truly grateful. Whether youre a new player or youve been following the journey since day one, the support weve received has been nothing short of amazing.If you havent had the chance to check out Gator yet, dont worry! Lil Gator Game is still available with Game Pass we cant wait to hear what you think!Stay tuned for more exciting updates!Megawobble and the Playtonic Friends Team! <3Lil Gator GamePlaytonic Friends247$19.99$15.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassThe island is your playgroundTheres a buddy atop every hill in this open-world, movement-focused adventure and they all seem to need help! Bop cardboard baddies, brave serene hills and forests, and scale sheer rocks that only a kid would dare! Joyful ExplorationExplore a lovingly crafted island full to the brim with areas to discover, friends to make and joy to be had. Each area of the island brings unique quests and characters to meet. Glide through the mountain tops and drop in on the Theatre Troupe kids, swing your stick sword through the forest with the Prep schoolers or find the Cool Kids down in the Creaklands. With plenty more areas to discover, there's no knowing who you might run into!Make FriendsThe world is big when youre a lil gator Good thing its also full of friends! Make new friends and invite them to play in the islands playground. Each new friend you make will add to your adventure, but making new friends isnt always easy, You might have to complete a quest or two!Crafty CustomizationCollect arts & crafts supplies all over the island! Use them to make yourself all kinds of goodies and bring the playground to life! Craft new abilities use your ragdoll teddy to ragdoll lil Gator from mountain top to the valleys below! Skim pebbles into hard-to-reach cardboard baddies!Bop BaddiesA no-pressure adventure game! Lil Gator game focuses on adventure and play, don't let a health bar hold you back from reaching your goal!

SummaryCapture monsters and level them up.Use their abilities to find secrets.Explore the open ocean and take down bosses.In Synth Beasts, you take on the role of a failed experiment a Synth who escapes from its creators lab on a mysterious island. While exploring the surrounding archipelago, you encounter other Synths. However, these are far from friendly, and you are forced to defeat them in battle. Upon victory, you unlock them as playable characters, gaining access to their unique abilities for both combat and world exploration.Using your Synths in combat earns them experience points, allowing them to level up. Each Synth has five levels of progression, with unique bonuses that set them apart. As your Synths level increases, it becomes more challenging to earn additional experience, so make sure to frequently swap between them to maximize your teams potential and unlock more abilities!For example, the Psitek Synth can light torches right from the start. Then, once it reaches level three, it gains the ability to destroy projectiles with its fire slash an invaluable skill for certain dungeons. However, beyond that, most of its level-up bonuses focus on enhancing combat. Because of this, it might be better to switch to another Synth in order to unlock new abilities without needing as many experience points!Early in the game, youll gain access to a boat once used by the scientists and its yours for the taking! The Genesis Archipelago is teeming with small islands to explore hiding bonuses like extra hearts, stat-boosting items, and currency to spend in shops. If youre not the type to comb through every corner of the map, you can skip ahead to the main islands and confront the scientists directly to take down their sketchy operations.While the main islands feature boss Synths, many optional islands also be their home. Capturing all 40-plus Synths will be no small feat, but each and every corner of the Genesis Archipelago holds valuable rewards for those who seek them!Explore the Genesis Archipelago, liberate the Synth Beasts, and put an end to the scientists sinister experiments! Synth Beasts launches in 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the Microsoft Store.

Darkness stirs in the swamps of Hawezar. Beginning January 21, the Tree of Whispersa macabre yet essential presence in Sanctuaryfinds itself under siege in Diablo IVs Season of Witchcraft. This seventh season takes you deep into the haunting lore of Hawezar, uncovering the mysteries of the witches who guard the Tree and the sinister events that threaten its ancient balance. When power is stolen, truths are revealed, and bargains are broken. Nothing is left unscathed.The Cries of the Tree of WhispersImmense and enigmatic, the Tree of Whispers has stood for ages as both a guide and a reckoner. Hanging from its massive branches are severed heads brimming with knowledgethe ultimate price paid by those who once sought the Trees wisdom. These heads are bound to the Tree, fulfilling deals struck in exchange for power and secrets of the highest order.But somethingor someonehas disrupted this unyielding cycle. Severed Fugitive Heads, desperate for autonomy, have been stolen and scattered across Sanctuary. From this desecration arise the dreaded Headrottentwisted monstrosities bursting with brambles, roots, and rot as they search for host bodies. These independent horrors take hold of the living, aiming to claw their way back to power. With the Trees influence waning, you must answer its call for vengeance. Vile forces are at play, and if balance is not restored, the repercussions for Sanctuary will be dire.Meet the Witches of HawezarTo aid your quest, youll join forces with the Witches of Hawezar, a guarded yet formidable trio bound to the Tree of Whispers. Each witch brings a distinct and potent expertise, reflecting their connection to the swamp and the Trees ancient powers.Gelena: A stern leader who relies on magic tied to the psyche, mastering illusions and divination. She sees the unseen, but her strict adherence to rules keeps her grounded in chaos. Caidin: A rogue hailing from Scosglen, balances dark humor with sinister powers. His swampborne skills create plagues and potions, but his chaotic nature is an unpredictable force of its own. Ouna: The enigmatic youngest witch, straddles the boundary of life and death. Her eldritch magic embodies the eerie cycle of growth and decay, making her abilities both otherworldly and horrifying. Together, Gelena, Caidin, and Ouna enlist your help to retrieve the Fugitive Heads. Yet their motives differ and their approaches clash, creating a tense alliance. Be cautious with your trust, for everything comes at a cost.Witchcraft Powers UnleashedSeason of Witchcraft introduces an exciting new mechanic: Witchcraft Powers. Harness supernatural energy and tailor a playstyle from three distinct schools of magic:Eldritch Magic (Fire & Shadow Damage) Psyche Magic (Mind & Soul Manipulation) Growth & Decay Magic (Damage Over Time & Healing) Plus, discover rare Lost powers of Witchcraft unknown to both the Coven and the Tree. Each school of Witchcraft gives you the chance to experiment between new styles of power. Occult Gems, new Seasonal Legendary Gems, further amplify these Witchcraft abilities. Customize your gear and combat style with these powerful tools to ensure every spell carries a unique impact.Headhunts and the Rise of the Headrotten BossesSeasonal gameplay ramps up with Headhunts, intense subzone events reminiscent of Helltide mechanics. The Tree of Whispers identifies areas teeming with Headrotten activity, calling players to purge Sanctuary of their rotting corruption.Headrotten bosses guard these areas, each tied to a Fugitive Head and their lingering memories. Some are merely parasites, while others are rare Headed Headrotten Bosses, fully merged with their stolen hosts. These grotesque enemies wield devastating abilities, forcing you to strategize in order to claim victory and reap legendary rewards. While completing Whisper bounties within Headhunts, keep a keen eye for any Rootholds. These seasonal dungeons have bonus challenges and rewards to aid your quest to support the Coven.Even More New FeaturesBeyond the Witchcraft mechanics and Headhunts, Season of Witchcraft brings fan-requested updates and exciting seasonal rewards:Armory Feature: Switch between saved loadouts with ease. Save Skill Points, Paragon Points, and gear sets for fast swapping between builds. Seasonal Rewards & Legendaries: Gain access to new Uniques, Legendaries, and gameplay updates, including three new Runes and exclusive tiers within the Seasonal Journey. Progress through the tiers to unlock cosmetic upgrades like the coveted Raven Pet. Covens Favor Battle Pass: Earn prestigious rewards by conquering Coven-inspired challenges tied to the seasonal theme. Claim Balance from ChaosDiablo IV: Season of Witchcraft is one of the mosthaunting journeys yet. By exploring the secrets of the Tree of Whispers and allying with the Witches of Hawezar, you will unravel a deeply engaging saga rife with moral complexity and danger lurking in every shadow.Sanctuary awaits your bravery, Wanderer. The Tree calls for justice, and its whispers demand action. Will you answer? Dont miss the start of Season of Witchcraft, coming January 21.Diablo IVBlizzard Entertainment918Get it nowXbox Game PassDiablo IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters throughout a beautifully dark open world and a gripping story. Dive into an expansive End Game where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle larger-than-life World Bosses, unlock robust character and loot customization, and uncover tons more action-packed activities to explore with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.This is only the beginning for Diablo IV, with new events, stories, Seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.Battle.net account required. Internet connection required.For more information, please visit Diablo.com. 2024 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries.

Next Week on Xbox provides an overview of the upcoming games set to launch on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass. Detailed information about these upcoming games is provided below, with links to their profiles for further details (please note that release dates are subject to change).Lonely Mountains: Snow RidersMegagon IndustriesGet it nowLonely Mountains: Snow Riders January 21Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|SAvailable on day one! Crash over and over until you master the mountain in the snowy follow up to Lonely Mountains: Downhill. Now supporting up to 8 players via cross platform multiplayer work your way down the slopes as a group sharing a small number of checkpoints, or risk it all in a breakneck race to the base!RoboDunkJollypunch Games$14.99Pre-orderRoboDunk January 21Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryRobodunk is NBA Jam meets Rogue Legacy with robots. A combat dunkball game with sky-high dunks, satisfying tackles and explosive weapons. A roguelite campaign where every match is different, and you can buy the next permanent upgrade even if you die.AquarunAfil GamesGet it nowAquarun January 22Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryDive into the vibrant world of AquaRun, a fast-paced 2D pixel art platformer that tests your reflexes, precision, and determination! Inspired by the best of hardcore platforming games, AquaRun challenges you to guide a fragile yet determined character through 40 meticulously designed levels filled with relentless obstacles, devious traps, and tricky platforms.DISORDER for XboxGRUMPY$29.99Pre-orderDisorder January 22Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play AnywhereEscape the department store and uncover the hidden truth in this full 3D roguelike dungeon crawler. The girl gradually overcomes her trauma by uncovering the truth of her past. Join the journey of a heartbroken girl finding her true self.ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the MistBinary Haze Interactive Inc.Get it nowEnder Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist January 22Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA dark fantasy 2D side-scrolling action RPG where you venture through the desolate Land of Fumes trying to save both humans and Homunculi. Follow the journey of destruction and rebirth in a post-apocalyptic world, decades after the disastrous Rain of Death.Let Me SleepSilesia Games Sp. z o.o.Get it nowLet Me Sleep January 22You are a helping hand for a guy who is so tired that he can never get enough sleep which is not surprising, considering that hes trying to rest in a house full of horrors and monsters! Be a helpful force in his life and solve spooky puzzles (sometimes even nasty puzzles) for the sake of helping your friend sleep safe and sound, of course.Mika and The Witch's MountainChibigGet it nowMika and The Witchs Mountain January 22Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryMika and the Witchs Mountain is a fantasy adventure about an aspiring witch who delivers packages to the townspeople of a small island. Explore every cranny and soar through the sky with your magic broom.Popotinho's AdventuresEastasiasoft LimitedGet it nowPopotinhos Adventures January 22Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryGuide Popotinho safely back to his home as you run, hop and double-jump your way through side-scrolling platformer stages inspired by genre classics. Collect fruit to earn extra lives, grab hearts to replenish health and more as you traverse 50 tricky landscapes, from grasslands and forests to the dark of falling night.Shalnor: Silverwind SagaJohnny OstadGet it nowShalnor: Silverwind Saga January 22Rynna has arrived on one of Shalnors most dangerous Islands. Prepare yourself for an epic RPG, action adventure game. With focus on gauntlet-style combat, traps, boss fights and beautiful pixel-art scenery.Stellar StriderRainForest Game StudioGet it nowStellar Strider January 22Optimized for Xbox Series X|STake off on a crazy adventure with Stellar Strider, a precision platformer packed with challenges, obstacles, flying saws, lightsabers, aliens, and gravity inversion.Dance of CardsPineapple WorksGet it nowDance of Cards January 23Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play AnywhereDance of Cards is a tactical gambling RPG where you try to survive seven days of a deadly cruise by playing poker. With no option to escape, they are forced to accept the rules and put their lives at stake for a fleeting hope of salvation.DreamcoreTln Industries Get it nowDreamcore January 23Optimized for Xbox Series X|SStep into the surreal with Dreamcore, a body-cam styled psychological horror game that plunges you into the eerie beauty of liminal spaces. Unravel the mysteries of Dreamcores non-linear worlds and uncover its hidden secrets. Can you discover what lies beyond the edge of reality?My Horse: Bonded SpiritsPlayWay S.A.Get it nowMy Horse: Bonded Spirits January 23Optimized for Xbox Series X|SBegin your adventure as the reluctant future heir of a stud farm. Prove that you are more than just a spoiled brat. Start from scratch and learn how to keep and manage a stud farm; it will be a challenge that will prove incredibly rewarding return the stud farm to its former glory! Along your journey, discover that nothing is as lasting as the bond with your horses!Mystery Box: Escape The RoomOcean MediaGet it nowMystery Box: Escape the Room January 23Welcome to the new chapter of the Mystery Box series. Youre trapped inside dark rooms and must solve intriguing enigmas to open boxes and escape. Interact with bizarre mechanisms, think out of the box to gain your freedom, and discover historical unsolved mysteries. Can you make it?STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power BattlesAspyr$19.99Pre-orderStar Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles January 23Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryTake back the Theed Palace in this fast and furious lightsaber action game. You will have the power of the Force and your trusty lightsaber to help you ward off legions of battle droids, destroyer droids, assassins, and other creatures from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.Sword of the Necromancer: ResurrectionGrimorio of Games$24.99$19.99Pre-orderSword of the Necromancer: Resurrection January 23Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryReturn to the world of Sword of the Necromancer like never before! Resurrection is a 3D remake of the original game, completely reimagined with new graphics and gameplay mechanics. Dive into an adventure full of emotions, strategy, and action, with an artistic style inspired by the classics of the 6th generation console era, now brought to the modern age.SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Pre-OrderBandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.4$39.99Pre-orderSynduality: Echo of Ada January 23Optimized for Xbox Series X|STaking place in the year 2222, years after a mysterious poisonous rain called The Tears of the New Moon wiped out most of humanity and birthed deformed creatures that now hunt the population. Amidst the calamity, humans are forced to build an underground haven to survive. Take on the role of a Drifter whose goal is to collect the rare resource known as AO Crystals. In your quest, you must collaborate with your artificial intelligence partner to face xenomorphic creatures known as Enders and survive the hazards on the surface.Aery Peace of Mind 2EpiXR Games$11.99Pre-orderXbox One X EnhancedAery Peace of Mind 2 January 24Xbox One X EnhancedAn interactive game experience that is designed to relax your mind and soul. Jump into the role of a little bird, explore beautiful landscapes and collect magical crystals that mark certain landscapes.Cyber Tank 2XitilonGet it nowCyber Tank 2 January 24Optimized for Xbox Series X|SA challenging puzzle game which adds various mechanics on top of the Sokoban genre like shot reflections, destroyable ice, crumbling floors, and more. Collect all the 135 holographic cubes across 45 mind-twisting levels and reach the exit!Cycle Chaser H-5Ratalaika Games S.L.Get it nowCycle Chaser H-5 January 24Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA horizontal arcade-style shoot-em-up. Defeat foes to harvest their energy for maximum power and defense! Mysterious aliens, led by a brainwashed soldier, have occupied a scorched Earth. 400 years later, a lone pilot seeks to rescue him from this cycle of destruction. Do you have what it takes to defeat the rampaging alien forces? Burn through waves of impenetrable foes with a sleek arsenal of weapons.Meow Moments: Celebrating Renewal & RomanceMens Sana InteractiveGet it nowMeow Moments: Celebrating Renewal & Romance January 24Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryCats and friends come together to commemorate special occasions in two vibrant scenes that capture the warmth of new beginnings and heartfelt connections. Every corner is filled with details that spark the imagination, inspiring you to create your own stories around the lively moments you find.Monster PanicHappy PlayerGet it nowMonster Panic January 24Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryQuickly get to the most thrilling part of Rogue-like! Unlock your favorite classes, upgrade your preferred talents, face hundreds to thousands of monsters, make your choices, and play in your own style! But first, you need to make sure you can survive!

Gear up for a weekend of non-stop thrills and epic showdowns! Whether youre scoring goals, hitting the gridiron, racing to the finish line, or landing knockout punches, this weekend has it all with Free Play Days! FC 25, College Football 25, Madden NFL 25, F1 24, NHL 25, UFC 5, WRC 24 and PGA Tour are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday January 16 at 12:01am Pacific until Sunday, January 19 at 11:59 Pacific.How To Start PlayingFind and install the games on each of the individual game details page onXbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.Keep The Fun GoingPurchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.Free Play Days (Membership Required)EA SPORTS FC 25 Standard Edition Xbox One & Xbox Series X|SElectronic Arts612$69.99$27.99Get it nowEA Sports FC 25Optimized for Xbox Series X|SEA Sports FC 25 gives you more ways to win for the club. Team up with friends in your favorite modes with the new 5v5 Rush, and manage your club to victory as FC IQ delivers more tactical control than ever before.EA SPORTS College Football 25Electronic Arts1303$69.99$27.99Get it nowFree TrialEA Sports College Football 25Optimized for Xbox Series X|SIn EA Sports College Football 25, experience explosive gameplay variety across 134 FBS schools and immerse yourself in the iconic atmospheres of college football as you chase college greatness.EA SPORTS Madden NFL 25Electronic Arts668$69.99$20.99Get it nowEA Sports Madden NFL 25Optimized for Xbox Series X|SHit like you mean it with FieldSense powered by Boom Tech on Xbox Series X|S. Experience how the new physics-informed dynamic tackling system unlocks realistic collisions & new gameplay animations on both sides of the ball.F1 24Electronic Arts203$69.99$13.99Get it nowFree TrialF1 24Optimized for Xbox Series X|SBe One of the 20 and drive like the greatest in EA Sports F1 24, the official videogame of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship.NHL 25 Xbox Series X|SElectronic Arts241Get it nowFree TrialNHL 25 (Xbox Series X|S)Optimized for Xbox Series X|SEA Sports NHL 25 is powered by ICE-Q, a new gameplay intelligence system that gives you the time and space to control every inch of the ice. Experience true hockey intelligence.UFC 5Electronic Arts515$69.99$34.99Get it nowUFC 5Optimized for Xbox Series X|SPowered by Frostbite, EA Sports UFC 5 is the next evolution of the fight game. From unrivalled graphics upgrades to all-new damage systems and doctor stoppages that affect gameplay in truly authentic fashion this is as real as it gets.EA SPORTS WRC 24Electronic Arts125$49.99$14.99Get it nowEA Sports WRC 24Optimized for Xbox Series X|SExperience the thrill of the 2024 rally season with new locations, moments, stages, high-performance vehicles, and licensed crews. Drive the latest models in new liveries. Brace yourself to embark on your rally journey.EA SPORTS PGA TOURElectronic Arts309$69.99$6.99Get it nowEA Sports PGA TourOptimized for Xbox Series X|SThe exclusive home of the Majors, EA SportsPGA Tour features Pure Strike for superior golf gameplay powered by ShotLink,and unrivaled access to the worlds most exclusive golf courses.

At Xbox, were continuing to improve how we design, build, distribute, and use our products to reduce our environmental impact and help us reach Microsofts goal of being a zero waste, carbon negative, and water positive company by 2030. Finding ways to reduce the environmental footprint of gaming not only helps the environment but also creates benefits for our collective community of players.Weve heard from players that they want more options for support when their Xbox consoles need repair. Today, were expanding our repairability program, giving players even more options to get their Xbox Series X|S console options the Xbox Series S 1TB in Robot White, Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition in Robot White, and Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition fixed should they ever need to, while also reducing and preventing waste.Expanding Repairability, Updating Console Packaging and Reducing Plastic WastePlayers will soon have more options for support when considering in-person repairs for the three Xbox Series X|S console options. On January 20, uBreakiFix by Asurion will become the first Xbox Authorized Service Provider to repair Xbox consoles at its nearly 700 participating store locations across the U.S. In-person Xbox console repairs were previously only possible through the Microsoft Store, which means players will now have even more ways to repair their consoles, separate from Microsofts own support channels. Players should check with their local uBreakiFix by Asurion store to confirm participation in this repairability program.Additionally, replacement components for the three Xbox Series X|S console options are now available for purchase via the Microsoft Store and replacement console parts are also now available for purchase online via the Microsoft Repair Hub on iFixit. With the purchase of replacement components previously limited to controller parts and only available through the Microsoft Store, these additional repair options allow players to choose the repairability solution that works best for them, even if their console is out-of-warranty.By expanding the number of ways players can get support and repair for their Xbox consoles, we also help extend the longevity of Xbox devices, reduce waste, promote re-use, and ultimately reduce our environmental impact.Providing more options for repair isnt the only way Xbox is reducing plastic waste. At Microsoft, our goal is to eliminate single-use plastics from our packaging by 2025. Packaging for the three Xbox Series X|S console options are now fully paper and fiber-based, eliminating all single-use plastics.Reducing Carbon Impact through Energy UpdatesWe recently announced that, in just three years (FY20-FY23), Xbox has contributed to Microsofts goal of becoming a zero waste, carbon negative, and water positive company by 2030 with interventions to reduce energy from console usage that have prevented over 1.2 million metric tons of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide equivalent) compared to usage without interventions. According to US EPA estimates, this reduction prevents emissions equivalent to more than 3 billion car miles (driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle) being released into the atmosphere.Through recent system updates to Xbox consoles, we have also made significant advancements in how Xbox Series S handles video content. So far, these improvements have led to anaverage reduction approaching 10% in power consumptionacross all media apps on Xbox Series S, contributing towards lowering Microsofts usage-based carbon footprint and potentially allowing players to save on their monthly electric bills. Making Xbox consoles more energy efficient through system updates and player adoption of energy saving features like the Shutdown (energy saving) power option, which do not compromise gameplay, media app, or console performance, have been the primary ways Xbox and our community have contributed to these energy and emissions savings.To ensure youre taking advantage of the latest energy efficiency features on console, go to Settings > General > Power options and confirm that Shutdown (energy saving) is active.Collaboration Between Game StudiosThe work towards building a more sustainable future for gaming is never complete, and at Xbox we are committed to continuously enhancing sustainability in gaming by implementing innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact that preserve the gameplay experiences our players love. Achieving these goals is only possible through collaboration with others in the industry, and were proud to see game creators not only leverage the Xbox Sustainability Toolkit, which helps them create more energy-efficient games, to implement energy savings via their own games but also take those learnings and continue their own work of identifying new ways of reducing impact on the environment.Gaming brings joy to players, but we recognize it also has an impact on our environment. Our commitment to our players and the industry is to work to minimize that impact. We have set ambitious goals at Microsoft and it wont be a straight path to 2030, but we are committed to achieving these goals by empowering game creators, designers, and production teams with the cutting-edge analytic tools, bespoke toolkits, and cross-team solutions that can allow everyone to continue to a build a more sustainable gaming future.To learn more about our efforts to improve our environmental impact, visit xbox.com/sustainability.

EA Sports UFC 5Get ready to unleash your fury as EA Sports UFC 5 is now on the Play List for all EA Play members (conditions, limitations and exclusions apply see here for details). Members can now step into the Octagon with their favorite MMA players for the most definitive MMA experience with authentic gameplay and graphics maximized for modern consoles. Alongside unlimited access to EA SPORTS UFC 5, EA Play members can score the Bruce Lee Bundle and play as Alter Egos of the father of MMA. The bundle is available to all members at no additional cost from January 14 through February 11.Powered by the Frostbite Engine, EA Sports UFC 5 features the all-new Real Impact System, which elevates the stakes, technique, drama and excitement; players can feel every strike and deliver highlight-reel finishes bringing the intensity and strategy of a fight to life. The games advanced visuals and enriched gameplay, coupled with features like Cinematic K.O. Replays, Doctors Checks and Stoppages, Seamless Submissions and more, create an unparalleled MMA interactive experience, making EA Sports UFC 5 as real as it gets.EA Sports WeekThis month, the fight continues outside of the Octagon as Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can punch into EA Sports Week with a special, 90% off discount for UFC 5 Super Deluxe Edition! Members can celebrate EA Sports Week with friends as everyone will be able to access the EA Sports game collection, earn discounts on EA Sports games, get a Free Play weekend January 16-19, 2025 for all sports titles, and more. The celebration starts with the EA SportsFC 25s Team of the Year two-week activation and the addition of EA Sports UFC 5 to the Play List.January RewardsIf you thought that was it, youre mistaken! The gifting continues this month for EA Play members as the new year brings new heart pumping action with all the great rewards, including:Apex Legends Feelin lucky? Weapon Charm Now to February 3Battlefield 2042 Winter Series Now to January 28EA Sports F1 24 Now to January 31Madden NFL 25 MUT Pack Now to January 31EA Sports FC 25 Black FC Mask & Clubs Coins Now to January 30EA Sports FC 25 Now to February 14EA Sports NHL 25EA Sports NHL 25Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass PC members receive EA Play with their Game Pass subscription. Members can experience the world of EA with unlimited access to a collection of top titles, trials of select new games, in-game member rewards, 10% on EA digital purchases and more. Members can unlock the thrill of their next favorite game with up to 10-hour trials of EAs latest titles such as EA Sports FC 25, EA Sports NHL 25 EA Sports Madden NFL 25, EA Sports College Football 25, F1 24 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, in addition toaccess to an unrivaled collection of EAs best-loved series and top titles, including Madden NFL 24,EA Sports FC 24, EA Sports WRC and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.Visit the EA Play page for more details, and to stay up to date on the latest from EA Play, follow EA Play on, Instagram, or X. Please see EA.com/EA-Play/Terms for terms and conditions.

Happy new year!33 Immortals is back for Xbox Insiders with a third playtest starting January 28. The playtest will be available for 10 days and end on February 6. Thunder Lotus Games incorporated more updates and is excited for Xbox Insiders to try them and to get your feedback. Limited space is available so be ready to join on January 28 to experience this co-op action-roguelike for 33 players.About the Game:Play a damned soul, and rebel against Gods final judgment. Dive straight into epic 33-player co-op battles with instant pick-up and raid matchmaking. Cooperate with your allies to survive against hordes of monsters and massive, challenging bosses. Expand your arsenal and equip powerful new relics to permanently upgrade your soul. Face the Wrath of God in a fight for your eternal life.If you want to learn more, please sign up on the 33 Immortals Website!Updates and Fixes:First Time User experience:New cutscene has been added to welcome players to the game.Dialogue has been streamlined.New dialogue added.New compendium entries have been added with updated UI.Other:Relics can now be rerolled in the Relic Inventory.Meta currencies (Eternal Shards, Paragons, Stardust) totals will now appear when collected during a run.Reduced the speed of a player being revived while in soul form.Players will now be healed for a % of HP instead of a flat number when using Bone Shrines.Adjusted the difficulty of Inferno Wrath of God phases to allow them to scale in difficulty in later maps.For a full list of updates, please see our patch notes.Playtest Times:Start: Tuesday, January 28, 7:00 AM PT (10:00 AM ET / 2:00 PM GMT)End: Friday, February 7, 7:00 AM PT (10:00 AM ET / 2:00 PM GMT)How to Participate:On January 28, sign-in on your Xbox Series X|S console or Windows PC andlaunch the Xbox Insider Hubapp (or install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary)Navigate toPreviews > 33 ImmortalsSelectJoinWait for the registration to complete and be directed to the Store and install 33 Immortals BetaNOTE:Limited space is available and offered first-come first-served.NOTE:This playtest is available on Xbox Series X|S consoles and Windows PC.How to Provide Feedback:If you experience any issues while playing 33 Immortals Beta, dont forget to use Report a problem so we can investigate:Hold down the home button on your Xbox controller.SelectReport a problem.Select theGamescategory and33 Immortals Beta subcategory.Fill out the form with the appropriate details to help our investigation.Other resources:For more information: follow us on X/Twitter at@XboxInsiderand this blog for announcements and more. And feel free to interact with the community on theXbox Insider SubReddit.

Dynasty Warriors is comfort food for me Omega Forces long-running series tells the same kingdom-spanning tale in with each instalment, always aiming to deliver on its 1v1000 combat conceit with each new game. Discovering the series with Dynasty Warriors 2, Ive returned again and again over the last 25 years to see this huge cast of characters play their part in the same epic tale developing favorites (hello, Guan Yu) along the way by sheer weight of time spent with them.So it was with some curiosity that I started playing the 10th mainline instalment. The title tells you what you need to know Dynasty Warriors: Origins is going back to basics, a reinvention that goes beyond the incremental changes fans have been used to from most new versions of this series.For a start, Origins tells a deeper, more focused story in fact only telling the first half of the tale were used to, but with far more detail added along the way. Dynasty Warriors games series typically begin with players crushing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, a battle that sets the Romance of the Three Kingdoms the semi-fictionalized historical tale of ancient China the games are based on in motion. But Origins first chapter shows us the Yellow Turbans faction forming, becoming corrupted, and then being taken down. Its an origin story for, well, the series traditional origin story.As part of that, were also introduced to a brand new protagonist (who you can name); an amnesiac travelling warrior with a past thats slowly revealed as you play. Youll spend the majority of Dynasty Warriors: Origins playing as this character perhaps the biggest marker that this game is making a major change. Where Dynasty Warriors games have previously had players pick from dozens of officers from across the many factions in this tale, youre now leading this single character through a story that puts you on path to meet those familiar faces (some of whom will be playable along the way).Its a bold choice, worthy of a game looking to shake things up, and it certainly lends a different feeling to proceedings. While Origins drops the open world format of 2018s Dynasty Warriors 9, having a single main character allows the developers to craft a more mutable Story Mode. Rather than moving from battle to battle with cutscenes in between, youre now placed in an overworld between main levels, able to explore, find secrets, tinker with your loadout, meet and befriend officers, and take part in skirmishes to level up.All of this speaks to a renewed focus on how combat works in Dynasty Warriors. While fans will be pleased to know that the bones of its classic hack n slash action remain in place, theres far more nuance on show here. Blocks, parries, and evades are far more necessary when taking on enemy bosses, miniature puzzle elements have been introduced to certain battles, and customizable Battle Art special abilities let you tinker with your playstyle for every weapon type. This feels less like an experiment for an experiments sake, and more like a confident step forward Im still getting the familiar feeling of being, effectively, a 2nd-Century superhero, but the added level of thought required for each one-on-one fight along the way is meaningfully different.And its that balance between old and new that defines Origins approach this is recognizably Dynasty Warriors, but with new ideas slotted in place among that familiar framework. To put it another way its still my comfort food, but with new ingredients.DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINSKOEI TECMO AMERICA$69.99Pre-orderPre-order bonus: Protagonist's costume "Nameless Warrior Garb"A "Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty" collaboration costume that can be worn in the game.Note: Please be aware that this bonus may become available for purchase or for free at a later date.Early purchase bonus: Early Works Soundtrack Collection (Digital Edition)A soundtrack featuring a total of 191 original music tracks from the series, including background music from titles spanning from "DYNASTY WARRIORS 2" to "DYNASTY WARRIORS 5 Empires," as well Omega Force's first title, "DYNASTY WARRIORS." The soundtrack can be played by accessing the main menu, Special Content, and then Music, and selecting "Early Works Soundtrack Collection."Note: The early purchase bonus will be available for those who pre-order or who purchase the game by January 30, 2025. The soundtrack includes content that is also available for purchase on music streaming sites. Please be aware that the bonus may become available for purchase or for free as add-on content for this title at a later date.Become immersed in exhilarating battles as a nameless hero in the Three Kingdoms. The most exhilarating action in the series' historyTension-filled battlefields where you clash against massive armies stretching as far as the eye can see. How will you handle the onslaught of enemies? Your military prowess will serve you well as you fight in tandem with your allies in tactical battles unique to the "DYNASTY WARRIORS" franchise and experience the most exhilarating action in the series' history. A new version of the Three Kingdoms from the perspective of an original protagonistThe story of the Three Kingdoms is set in the vast mainland of China where the convictions of different heroes intersect. Experience this magnificent and alluring world through the eyes of the original protagonist, a "nameless hero."Note: The product "DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS Digital Deluxe Edition" is also being sold. Please confirm that you have selected the correct product before making your purchase.Note: Images are taken from an in-development build. The final product may differ from the footage shown.Note: If an add-on finishes installing while the game is running, it will become available after you return to the title screen.

The post Candy Crush Solitaire Arrives on February 6 Register to Play Now appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox highlights all the games arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass. Below are more details on these upcoming games, with links to their profiles for further information (release dates may change).Beautiful Sakura: Surfing Club (Windows)CropwareGet it nowBeautiful Sakura: Surfing Club (Windows) January 15Going in with low expectations, Kaito couldnt believe it when he hit it off with the new girl at school, Michiko. But just as the two were getting to know each other, Kaito discovered that his new crush has a twin sister, Yuuki, and he begins to question everything hes feeling. When Kaito finally comes to his senses, he realized that it may be too late. Who does Kaito end up choosing?Perfect Ninja Painter 3SilenGamesGet it nowPerfect Ninja Painter 3 January 15Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryPerfect Ninja Painter 3 is a colorful puzzle platformer where players embark on a vibrant adventure with three ninja characters who must bring life and color to a world shrouded in gray. Armed with paintbrushes, the ninjas are tasked with coloring entire levels, solving puzzles, and overcoming obstacles that require a clever mix of creativity and strategy.Runny Bunny Console EditionEastasiasoft LimitedGet it nowRunny Bunny Console Edition January 15Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryGet ready for a fast and furry twist on puzzle action in side-scrolling pixel art platforming style! Play as a frantic little bunny as you dash between floors, walls and ceilings collecting power dots and yummy carrots.SokorobotAfil GamesGet it nowSokorobot January 15Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA captivating puzzle game where you control an ingenious robot clearing and creating paths to reach the button that unlocks the next level. Combining classic puzzle mechanics with a futuristic setting, Sokorobot challenges players to think ahead and execute plans to conquer the levels.SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Deluxe Edition Pre-OrderBandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.5$69.99Pre-orderSynduality Echo of Ada (Deluxe and Ultimate Edition Early Access) January 15Optimized for Xbox Series X|STaking place in the year 2222, years after a mysterious poisonous rain called The Tears of the New Moon wiped out most of humanity and birthed deformed creatures that now hunt the population. Amidst the calamity, humans are forced to build an underground haven to survive. Take on the role of a Drifter whose goal is to collect the rare resource known as AO Crystals. In your quest, you must collaborate with your artificial intelligence partner to face xenomorphic creatures known as Enders and survive the hazards on the surface.Morkull Ragast's RageSelecta Play$17.99Pre-orderMorkul Ragasts Rage January 16Optimized for Xbox Series X|SA 2D video game that combines platforming and action with a touch of exploration, control Morkull, God of Death and Darkness and Lord of the Ragast. His main mechanic breaking the fourth wall, which allows him to communicate with you in a multitude of ways.Professor Doctor JetpackRoflcopter Ink GmbH$9.99Pre-orderProfessor Doctor Jetpack January 16Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryProfessor Doctor Jetpack is a physics based, pixel art, precision platformer, in which you embark on a dangerous journey to control your jetpack. Join Albert Einsteins digital remains on his whacky quest to save the world from hidden threats, like The Internet.Vanity Fair: The PursuitNiuGamer$14.99Pre-orderVanity Fair: The Pursuit January 16Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play AnywhereA fictional real-life interactive narrative with the theme of life choices and survival in the entertainment industry. The background of the story takes place between 2004 and 2024 in an imaginary world view. The gambling agreement you signed to realize your movie dream will be gradually involved in the whirlpool of Vanity Fair. When you are in a dilemma, what should you do?Cherry Tower Series X|SWebnetic s. r. o.Get it nowCherry Tower January 17Optimized for Xbox Series X|SA charming 2D pixel platformer that will take you on a sweet adventure unlike any other! Join Cherry on her small adventure, climbing a tower to return home and maybe even more. Overcome obstacles and traps to achieve your goals.DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS Digital Deluxe EditionKOEI TECMO AMERICA$89.99Pre-orderDynasty Warriors: Origins (Digital Deluxe Edition Early Access) January 13Optimized for Xbox Series X|SBecome immersed in exhilarating battles as a nameless hero in the Three Kingdoms. Play upon tension-filled battlefields where you clash against massive armies stretching as far as the eye can see. Standard edition launches on January 17.Hexa RiverOmegga InteractiveGet it nowHexa River January 17Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryImmerse yourself in the tranquil world of Hexa River, where your task is to bring life to the islands by guiding water through intricate puzzles. With a relaxing soundtrack and stunning low-poly visuals, each level offers a satisfying challenge that will keep you engaged as you ensure the crops grow lush and healthy.Tales of Graces f Remastered Pre-OrderBandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.$39.99Pre-orderTales of Graces f Remastered January 17Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryTales of Graces f is back with a beautiful and easier-to-play version in this action RPG about adventure in fantasy worlds and overcoming obstacles through friendship and determination. The game also includes Lineage and Legacies, an after-story to the main scenario.

Its time to get a look at whats next Developer_Direct is back. On Thursday, January 23 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK, fans will get an inside look at a selection of highly anticipated games coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass players this year.Presented by the game creators themselves, Developer_Direct offers an in-depth look at upcoming titles, how theyre being created, and whos creating them. Well visit Compulsion Games in Montreal, Canada to learn more about South of Midnight, head to Montpellier, France to see Sandfall Interactive for a look at Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, stop by the legendary id Studios in Richardson, Texas to check in on DOOM: The Dark Ages, and visit a surprise location to see another studios brand new game.Fans should tune in on Xbox channels at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm UK, January 23 to see all the latest on:DOOM: The Dark Ages Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the Doom Slayers rage. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the Doom Slayer in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell. Learn more during the full game reveal at Developer_Direct.South of Midnight Compulsion Games, the creators of Contrast and We Happy Few, will share a deep dive on South of Midnight, a third person action-adventure game set in the American Deep South. As Hazel, you will explore the mythos and confront mysterious creatures inspired by Southern Folklore to unravel her familys hidden past in this dark, modern folktale.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Sandfall Interactive will take us behind-the-scenes at their studio to shed some light on the development of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, this debut studios incredible new RPG. The team will share more about the games creation and how they plan to deliver an incredible story in a gorgeous fantasy world.Stay tuned to our official social channels for more from Developer_Direct, airing on Thursday, January 23 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK.

For train enthusiasts, theres nothing quite like designing tracks, solving logistics challenges, or simply watching trains run smoothly. Whether its the detailed realism of train simulators or the tactile joy of arranging model railways, the appeal of trains transcends generations. But what if you could enjoy that charm in a more accessible, relaxing way?Enter Railway Islands 2, now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Created by Alysson Moraes of Rising Moon Games, a one-man indie studio, and brought to Xbox by the small but passionate team at Mens Sana Interactive, Railway Islands 2 is a minimalist puzzle game that combines strategic thinking with a cozy, stress-free experience.A New Way to Enjoy TrainsRailway Islands 2 distills the essence of railway management into bite-sized challenges perfect for quick gaming sessions. Players design safe train routes for passengers and packages across 40 vibrant islands, each inspired by the four seasons. Youll coordinate up to two trains on shared tracks, carefully managing routes and railway switches to prevent collisions.Unlike complex train simulators or sprawling strategy games, Railway Islands 2 embraces simplicity. Its calming atmosphere, intuitive controls, and thoughtful puzzles make it ideal for relaxing between more intense gaming sessions. And while train enthusiasts will find much to love, the games cozy aesthetic and approachable design make it a perfect fit for players of all ages who enjoy casual or relaxing games.A Modest Tribute to the Joy of TrainsAt its heart, Railway Islands 2 is a humble celebration of the creativity and joy that trains inspire. Whether youre a fan of model railways, a lover of train simulators, or simply looking for a cozy game to relax with, this title invites you to enjoy the journey.Hop aboard and start your railway adventure! Railway Islands 2 is available right now on Xbox Series X|S,Xbox One, and Windows Store.

Xbox Insiders can now join the preview for Belly Bumpers! Use your belly to knockout other players in this 2-8 online and local party game. Eat juicy burgers to increase the size of your belly or force-feed opponents until they burst. Bump it out in a world of food-themed stages.About Belly BumpersLocal and Online MultiplayerBump your friends out of the arena in this belly-centric party game. Play with 2-8 local players on a single device! Cross-platform online multiplayer is also supported for 2-8 players.Eat BurgersEat burgers to increase the size of your belly and the power of your bumpers. Be careful as you eat a variety of foods because some have horrible side effects!Force-Feed OpponentsForce-feed opponents until their bellies burst by slapping them in the face with food!Food ArenasBump it out on over 10 food-themed stages. Each stage has unique interactive food elements such as stretchy licorice!Custom GamesPlay with only the tastiest foods. Set your own rules, modify bump powers, choose stages, and more with in our customizable games.How to Participate:Sign in on your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One console and launch the Xbox Insider Hub app (install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary).Navigate to Previews > Belly Bumpers.Select Join.Wait for the registration to complete, and you should be directed to the Store page to install it.How to Provide Feedback:If you experience any issues while playing Belly Bumpers, dont forget to use Report a problem so we can investigate:Hold down the home button on your Xbox controller.Select Report a problem.Select the Games category and Belly Bumpers subcategory.Fill out the form with the appropriate details to help our investigation.Other resources:For more information: follow us on Twitter at @XboxInsider and this blog for release notes, announcements, and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the Xbox Insider SubReddit.

Welcome to our first Coming Soon announcement for 2025! And special welcome to all you new friends that picked up gaming hardware the last few weeks. Lets get you prepped for what to install or play next. To the games!Available TodayRoad 96 (Cloud, Console, and PC) January 7Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass StandardReturning to the Game Pass library, Road 96 is a crazy, beautiful road-trip. On this risky road trip to the border, youll meet incredible characters and discover their intertwined stories and secrets in an ever-evolving adventure. But every mile opens a choice to make. Your decisions will change your adventure, change the people you meet, and maybe even change the world.Coming SoonLightyear Frontier (Game Preview) (Xbox Series X|S) January 8Now with Game Pass StandardStart your interstellar homestead in this peaceful open-world farming adventure! Build your sustainable exofarm, grow alien crops, customize your mech, and explore a new world full of mystery with up to three friends!My Time at Sandrock (Console) January 8Now with Game Pass StandardJust like My Time at Portia, My Time at Sandrock takes place in a wholesome post-apocalyptic world 300 years after the Day of Calamity destroyed most modern technologies. Gather resources to build machines, befriend locals, and defend Sandrock from monsters all while saving the town from economic ruin!Robin Hood Sherwood Builders (Xbox Series X|S) January 8Now with Game Pass StandardJoin Robin Hood and his unwavering band of outlaws in 12th-century England on their mission to free Nottingham. Travel across various regions, build up a secret hideout village and help the denizens of the surrounding lands. Complete quests, construct various builds, craft a broad range of items, and freely explore locations inspired by both myth and history in this open-world RPG with base-building features.Rolling Hills (Console) January 8Now with Game Pass StandardServe sushi as a robot chef in Rolling Hills, a life sim about running your own restaurant in a cozy village. Make new friends, purchase ingredients, enhance your shop, and improve the lives of your neighbors as you perfect your craft!EA Sports UFC 5 (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play January 14Game Pass UltimateUnleash your fury and get unlimited access to EA Sports UFC 5, coming to Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play. Plus, members can score the Bruce Lee Bundle and play as alter egos of the father of mixed martial arts, available at no additional cost in the Perks section from January 14 to February 11.Diablo (PC) January 14Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game PassReturn to the legendary town of Tristram in Diablo, the groundbreaking action-RPG that defined the genre, coming to Game Pass on January 14! With its satisfying progression, deep character customization, and intense battles, Diablo delivers an unforgettable journey through a dark gothic fantasy world.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate PerksNew year, new Perks! Check the Game Pass section on your console, Xbox mobile app, or Xbox app on PC on a regular basis to find new in-game content, consumables, and offers included with your Game Pass Ultimate membership.First Descendant Season 2: Ancestors Bundle Available nowPlay the next-generation looter shooter, The First Descendant, and elevate your experience with the exclusive Season 2: Ancestors Bundle! Customize your Descendants and weapons with unique styles and enhancements!Vigor: Coast Guardian Pack Available nowBeneath the shimmering northern lights on the frozen coast of Anniken, a silent lighthouse overlooks the Outlands. Gear up and carry the legacy of this iconic landmark into every battle with the Coast Guardian Pack.Apex Legends: Feelin Lucky? Weapon Charm Available nowAdd some flair to your arsenal with the Feelin Lucky? Weapon Charm. Equip this to your favorite weapon and battle for glory, fame, and fortune in style.Metaball: Punk Pack January 7Metaball is a free-to-play, crossplay-enabled multiplayer sports game with fast-paced action. The Punk Pack unlocks seven colorful and cool legendary outfits!Leaving January 15The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon, so be sure to show them some love and jump in before they go. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.CommonHood (Cloud, Console, and PC)Escape Academy (Cloud, Console, and PC)Exoprimal (Cloud, Console, and PC)Figment (Cloud, Console, and PC)Insurgency Sandstorm (Cloud, Console, and PC)Those Who Remain (Cloud, Console, and PC)Well be back to our usual twice monthly announcements, so keep tuned here and to Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox on social for all the updates on when coming soon turns into available today to play. Be back soon!

Were focused on bringing more games to more people around the world, on the devices you choose to play with. Millions of Game Pass Ultimate members are already using Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to play great games from the Game Pass catalog on various devices.Today, were excited to announce our collaboration with LG Electronics to bring the Xbox app to their new LG Smart TVslater this year. This means Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to play their games directly from the Xbox app on supported LG Smart TVs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. This gives players even more choice in how they enjoy their favorite games.Soon, players with LG Smart TVs will be able to explore the Gaming Portal for direct access to hundreds of games in the Game Pass Ultimate catalog, including popular titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and upcoming releases like Avowed (launching February 18, 2025).Stream Your Own GameWe also recently announced that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can stream select games they own, outside the Game Pass catalog. This feature will also be available on the Xbox app with LG Smart TVs, allowing Game Pass Ultimate members to stream over 50 games they own, including NBA 2K25, Hogwarts Legacy, and more.Well share more details on the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience with LG TV in the coming months. To learn more about Xbox Cloud Gaming and how you can play across TVs and browsers on supported devices like smartphones, PCs, and tablets, visit xbox.com/cloudgaming.

SummarySay hello to our newest Agent, Tejo, whos joining our roster from Colombia.As part of the Initiator class, Tejo specializes in flushing out enemies with a unique kit consisting of information gathering, explosions, and a concuss.Those who have strategic game sense and understand how the enemy plays will be able to thrive on this Agent.Tejo, like all Valorant Agents, is unlocked for those with a Game Pass membership.This should be simple enough. I flush them out. You finish them. This statement from Tejo perfectly encompasses our newest Initiator-class Agent, the well-dressed man of action.Hailing from Colombia, Tejo will undoubtedly shake up the gameplay with his unique kit that flushes out enemies using a top-down approach. Tejo will require you to think proactively and strategicallyanalyzing the situation mid-round and using his abilities to help clear the way for your team.Tejos abilities, which revolve around flushing out enemies, consist of 3 outputs: information gathering, damage, and concuss effects:Stealth Drone: Throw and possess a stealthed drone that, upon activation, creates a small sonar pulse at its location.Guided Salvo: Pull up a map to target one or more missiles towards a location. Upon reaching their location, the missiles explode twice, pushing enemies off of angles.Special Delivery: Toss a grenade that bounces once (sticks to players immediately), sticks, then winds up and explodes. Explosion concusses.Armageddon: Cast a wave of explosions, forcing enemies to move in the direction of your choosing.The perfect teammates for Tejo will be those who can quickly follow up on the space he creates. Lets take a closer look at how thats done.Stealth DroneWhether your team is attacking and attempting to take a site or defending and playing retake, having a drone can be extremely impactful. Especially on maps where there are a lot of corners to clear, it allows your team to take space safely or be prepared to fight for that space. Since drones are great pieces of utility, the enemy team is often prepared to shoot down whatever youre using to take space. Tejos Stealth Drone is unique in that its invisible at long range, giving you more time to grab information about where the enemy team could be.Drones typically give a lot of baseline value of information gathering, but we wanted to give this drone a little spin where the information is secondary, and the effect of suppressing an enemy is why you take this drone over others, Game Designer Ryan Cousart tells us.Guided SalvoWhen we asked the devs, Why rockets?, Cousart smiles and says, Because rockets are sweet.In addition to rockets being sweet, they made sense thematically for what the devs were trying to accomplish.When you start putting things like a map targeter or world placements on Agents, you force people to think about the game more proactively and more strategically. We wanted something to lead your team in and show you the effect of telling your team, Hey something is going to happen. We couldve used anything but we landed on rockets for these reasons, Cousart adds.Tejos abilities, which revolve around flushing out enemies, consist of 3 outputs: information gathering, damage, and concuss effects. Theres a lot to consider and be careful about when deciding the output of an ability. Damage as an output is a lot more permanent than a concuss or a flash. Its worthwhile to explore though and I think weve landed in a pretty good spot but thats one well need to keep a really sharp eye, states Cousart.Special DeliveryWith how naturally guns down his other abilities are, Tejo really needed something that was just simple to understand and simple to cast but still captured that feeling of being explosive but directed. I wanted Special Delivery to be a quick, like, Lets fight button, states Cousart.Unlike the other abilities where Tejo needs time to set up the play, Special Delivery allows him to initiate a fight quickly in the moment. Whether or not an enemy is there for the concuss, using the ability there will give them the confidence they need to take that space. One thing is for certain even if players can use the ability quickly, we wont be surprised when players are making fancy lineups to get that perfect angle to land on that perfect circle.ArmageddonTejos rockets are really only valuable if youre following up on the pressure thats created. But the sweet spot is when you fire your rockets and you force people to move and then while theyre moving, youre able to capitalize on them having to reposition. Tejo would be great with another Agent that can go in very fast, like Neon, who can capitalize on the distance he casts his abilities from, notes Character Producer, John Goscicki.Tejos ult, Armageddon, is something enemies will need to be aware of round-to-round. Watch that scoreboard and check how many ult points hes away from being able to use it, since it can heavily impact the flow of a round. The wave of explosions will force enemies to move in a direction of Tejos choosing or at least have players moving further back, since the site will be difficult to hold. This will give his team the perfect opportunity to follow up and take control of the space he just created.Everyone can play Tejo but those with strategic game sense can make this new Agent really shine. All of Valorants Agents are unlocked for Game Pass members, so step up to the challenge andlearn to use him to your advantage before everyone else. In the words of Tejo, We can stand around all day talking about killing them or we just do it. So what are you waiting for?VALORANTRiot Games786Get it nowXbox Game PassVALORANT is a character-based 5v5 tactical shooter set on the global stage. Outwit, outplay, and outshine your competition with tactical abilities, precise gunplay, and adaptive teamwork.DEFY THE LIMITSBlend your style and experience on a global, competitive stage. You have 13 rounds to attack and defend your side using sharp gunplay and tactical abilities. And, with one life per-round, you'll need to think faster than your opponent if you want to survive. Take on foes across Competitive and Unranked modes as well as Deathmatch and Spike Rush.CREATIVITY IS YOUR GREATEST WEAPONMore than guns and bullets, youll choose an Agent armed with adaptive, swift, and lethal abilities that create opportunities to let your gunplay shine. No two Agents play alike, just as no two highlight reels will look the same.FIGHT AROUND THE WORLDEach map is a playground to showcase your creative thinking. Purpose-built for team strategies, spectacular plays, and clutch moments. Make the play others will imitate for years to come.

Rewards with Xbox are our way of, well, rewarding you for your love of gaming, and today were thrilled to announce new ways for players to earn points. From expanding Quests to PC Game Pass, to reimagining the Game Pass Quests you use to earn points, to weekly Rewards for all Xbox players 18 and older, there are lots of new ways to earn points through your play time.Lastly, today were sharing an important update on earning Rewards with Xbox. This update aligns more closely with our continued commitment to foster positive, age-appropriate gaming experiences by making points earned through play activities available only to players 18 years and older.Game Pass Quests Arrive on Your PCPreviously exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate members, Quests unlock opportunities to earn even more Rewards with Xbox. Starting to roll out on January 7, Quests are also available for PC Game Pass members. Now you have more ways to earn Rewards points on PC in addition to console and mobile. The new Game Pass Quests will also launch in Japan, bringing the region the full Rewards with Xbox experience.If youre an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass member 18 years or older, starting to earn is simple:Explore the new Quests by navigating to your Xbox profile and accessing the Rewards Hub, which is available across console, the Xbox app on mobile, and the Xbox app on Windows PC.Earn points by playing your favorite games with Game Pass.Claim your points on the Rewards Hub.Once youve earned enough, redeem your points for Xbox gift cards to use for games, in-game content, donations to your favorite causes, and more.As part of these changes, minimum playtime is required to earn points through gameplay. For now, Quests are only available for titles in the Game Pass catalog, and this does not include PC games that require third party launchers or are played on Battle.net. Check Xbox.com/Rewards for more details.Download the Xbox app on mobile and the Xbox app on Windows PC to start earning more today.New Game Pass Quests AvailableWe have reimagined Game Pass Quests, making them easier to use, and more fun to play weve made it possible to earn even more points, simply by playing games you love and discovering your next favorite games. Quests offer daily, weekly, and monthly opportunities to add to your Rewards, and weve also brought back a player favorite: weekly streaks.Heres how Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can now earn points (and remember, Rewards offers may vary by region and may change over time. Check terms and conditions here):Daily Play Earn 10 points a day by playing any game from the Game Pass catalog for at least 15 minutes.Weekly Streaks Play for at least five days a week to complete your streak. The more days you play, the more points you earn. Now comes the challenge: maintain your streak week over week to unlock bigger point multipliers. A 2-week streak will earn 2x the base streak points, a 3-week streak will earn 3x the base streak points, and anything beyond a 4-week streak will earn 4x the base streak points.Monthly 4-Pack Explore the Game Pass catalog by playing four different games (for at least 15 minutes each) every month.Monthly 8-Pack Push your gaming further and play eight different games (for at least 15 minutes each) every calendar month. Dont worry, the 4 games from your 4-Pack count towards the 8-Pack, too.New Ways to Earn Rewards for AllBeyond changes to the exclusive Quests for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members, were also bringing new ways to earn points for all players. Starting January 7, 2025, all Rewards members 18 years and older will be able to access the new PC Weekly Bonus, awarding them 150 points when playing (for at least 15 minutes) for 5 days or more.With this update, were also rebalancing points from the current Console Weekly Bonus to 150 points and the Daily PC Play to 10 points.Play and Earn UpdateWe are constantly evaluating the Xbox platform to ensure our continued commitment to foster positive, age-appropriate gaming experiences for our players to enjoy. Starting today, earning Rewards points via gameplay will only be available to Xbox players 18 years and older. With these changes, the Rewards Hub used for tracking and earning points on Xbox console, the Xbox app for Windows PC, and the Xbox app for mobile will no longer be available to players under 18 years old.This update will not impact existing Rewards and points previously earned by players, and going forward players under 18 will still be able to earn Microsoft Rewards points via parentally approved purchases of eligible items on the Microsoft Store, eligible searches on Microsoft Bing and other non-gameplay activities, such as completing the Microsoft Rewards Daily Set. They can continue to track and redeem their available Microsoft Rewards at Rewards.Microsoft.com.We cant wait to see all the great Rewards youll redeem, simply by playing with Xbox. Youre already playing, so now start earning!Learn more on: Game Pass Quests: Play Games & Earn Rewards | Xbox or our Xbox Support page.

The competition begins as Squid Game drops into Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone in celebration of the release of Squid Game Season 2 on Netflix!Try your luck in the deadly games with Squid Game-themed LTMs across all three modes going live alongside the in-game Event featuring rewards, like the new Front Man Operator and the new Cleaver Melee Weapon. Plus, get into the competitive spirit with three Squid Game-themed Bundles arriving throughout the Event.Enjoy a thrilling start to the New Year as the Squid Game Event goes live starting January 3 at 10AM PT through January 24 at 10AM PT.Zip up your green tracksuit and earn XP in Multiplayer, Zombies, or Call of Duty: Warzone to earn rewards in our new Squid Game Event Pass and prove your standing as a top contestant. The Squid Game Event Pass is free for all players, and the Premium Track will be available for 1100 COD Points.All players can earn Squid Game-themed rewards along the Free reward track of the Event Pass, including the instant reward Player 006 Operator Skin, plus the Player 115 Operator Skin and Loading Screen, Emblem, Sticker, Calling Card, the new Cleaver Melee Weapon, and more.Free Track Mastery Reward: CleaverUnlock the new Cleaver Melee Weapon to make short work of the competition. Chop and slice with a mix of attacks, including a devastating heavy attack.Get More with the Premium Reward TrackWhile every player can progress and unlock items along the Free reward track, a second Premium reward track in the Event Pass offers even more. Purchase the Premium track to access the ability to unlock additional themed rewards, including the instant reward High Authority XM4 Assault Rifle Blueprint plus Blueprints for the Knife, GS45 Pistol, and Saug SMG as well as a Concussion Grenade Equipment Skin, a Finishing Move, the Throwdown Emote, the Whos Left Talking Gun Screen, and more!Complete the premium track to turn the tide on the other competitors:Ultimate Mastery Reward: Front Man OperatorBecome the leader of the Pink Guards with the Front Man Operator. Deploy as the ruthless administrator of the Squid Game and take your team to victory.Compete in multiple Squid Game-themed Limited Time Modes across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone. Pay close attention to the rules; your life depends on it!Red Light, Green Light [MP]Young-hee is watching, so dont misstep at the wrong time. Get on the pitch in the Red Card stadium and play three rounds of Red Light, Green Light, each two minutes long. In Round 1, no one gets a weapon. In Round 2 and 3, you can pick up weapons on the ground and eliminate other competitors with melee attacks and Finishing Moves.Theres just one simple rule: When Young-hee says Green Light, the fight is on. Move a muscle after she says Red Light and youre toast.Pentathlon [MP]Prove that you have what it takes in the long run by competing in a series of Multiplayer modes to find out who reigns supreme! Play Domination, Kill Confirmed, and Hardpoint along with two new mode variants: Piggy Bank Team Deathmatch and Roulette. In Piggy Bank TDM, every elimination adds score to the Mega Piggy Bank; fight for possession of the huge payout when it drops part way through the match. In Roulette, one-shot eliminations via the Roulette Handgun award double the points, though with each fired shot theres a chance itll blow up in your hands!Matches can end in a draw, so fight for every advantage to see that you win.Squid Game Moshpit [MP]Fire up the Squid Game Moshpit including Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Hardpoint with a twist as Operators gain access to three important Squid Game-themed features:Red Light, Green Light Scorestreak: Is the fight getting too hectic for you? Stop the enemy in their tracks with this Scorestreak that calls Red Light, commanding all enemy Operators to stop moving or risk elimination.Piggy Bank: Eliminated Operators have a chance of dropping a Piggy Bank that awards a small score boost when picked up. For a bigger pay day, watch for the Mega Piggy Bank. Every elimination adds additional score to the Mega Piggy Bank, so once it drops, fight for it to acquire all the deposited score within.Roulette Handgun: The epitome of high risk, high reward. The Roulette Handgun spawns in the center of the map; grab it to activate a permanent UAV effect while wielding it and land one-shot eliminations against enemies, earning more than double the normal score to help you obtain Scorestreaks more quickly. The catch? Your location will be marked for everyone to see, and every shot has a chance to blow up the weapon, taking you down with it.Dead Light, Green Light [ZM, Liberty Falls, Citadelle des Morts]Deploy to Liberty Falls and the new Citadelle des Morts Zombies map to compete in an undead version of the stop-and-go game in Dead Light, Green Light. In the Green Light phase, Operators gain a bonus to earned Essence, so rack up the zombie eliminations. Once Red Light is called, Essence is drained from any Operator who moves, so spend big before this phase or hang tight to avoid throwing away your hard-earned currency.And it doesnt end there. When the dreaded Dead Light phase begins, prepare for a tough fight as a meaner wave of enemies approach.Squid Game Call of Duty: Warzone [Urzikstan]Squad up and compete in a rotating series of challenges on Urzikstan that will see only the most hardened competitors emerge victorious. At the end of each round, underperforming squads will be eliminated. Keep your eyes peeled: at any time, a new challenge may trigger a round of Red Light, Green Light. You know what to do.Why compete when you can control, spectate, and determine who wins and who loses in the race? Look for new Squid Game-themed Bundles arriving in the Store throughout the Event.Keep the games under control with one of three new Operators included in this Bundle: Deploy with the Masked Manager, the Masked Soldier, or the Masked Worker. For close eliminations, take out enemies with the Winner Finishing Move.Enforce the rules with two Weapon Blueprints: the Game Guard SMG and the Rule Master Assault Rifle. Plus, get the Enforcer Emblem, Bank Reticle, Where it Stops Weapon Charm, Bank Reticle, and Play Time Calling Card.Sit back and soak in the spectacle with two VIP-themed Operators, the Panther Mask VIP and the Lion Mask VIP. Not the humble type concerning their immense wealth, the Bundle also features a variety of rich items, including the Choicest Launcher, Lacquered Sniper Rifle, and Satin Slayer SMG Weapon Blueprints, plus the Death Plated Frag Grenade Equipment Skin.For a classier finish, end them with the Pinky Up Finishing Move, and never let them forget your elite status by equipping the Gilded Emblem, List Required Calling Card, and Very Important Player Loading Screen.Punish the enemys every move with the Young-hee Operator, accompanied by the Dont Move Assault Rifle and The Curator Marksman Rifle Weapon Blueprints, and the Hit Pause Finishing Move for close-ranged eliminations.Young-hee watches their every move; keep them in line by also equipping the She Watches Emblem, Lethal Look Large Decal, Stay Still Spray, Under Her Gaze Calling Card, and the Uncorked Emote.Welcome back to the game. Good luck.SQUID GAME / Netflix. Used with Permission. 2024 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.For more information, please visitwww.callofduty.comandwww.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow@Activisionand@CallofDutyon X, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow@CODUpdateson X.

Earlier this year we announced were giving you more options than ever before when it comes to joining console gaming with Xbox and now is the best time yet to dive in and experience everything Xbox has to offer!Available now, you have the choice of a variety of storage and design options with the Xbox Series S 512GB, Xbox Series S 1TB (White), Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition, Xbox Series X 1TB, and Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition (console availability will vary by country).These consoles offer the best way to enjoy the diverse experiences crafted by game creators with console gaming with Xbox!Each of these consoles support many unique elements that make gaming with Xbox great, like access to thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Original Xbox games through Backward Compatibility. Theyre also the first game consoles to support gaming in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and contain powerful features like Quick Resume, letting you seamlessly switch between different titles instantly; faster load times thanks to their powerful SSD drives; and framerates up to 120 FPS.There have also been an exciting slate of game launches on Xbox this year like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, andSenuas Saga: Hellblade II, as well as several amazing experiences on the way like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and Avowed this is one of the best times ever to jump in and experience Xbox gaming to its fullest with these new Xbox Series X|S console options !Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special EditionExperience the fastest, most powerful Xbox with the new Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition. Featuring the same speed and performance of the Xbox Series X, the console also comes with an optical disc drive and double the storage with a 2TB SSD.Drawing inspiration from constellations and the spirit of exploration and adventure that outer space evokes, the special edition console in Galaxy Black features a silver, grey, and green celestial effect representing thousands of games and millions of gamers playing on Xbox.It also includes a matching Xbox Wireless controller with a Galaxy Black D-pad and Velocity Green back case only available with this special edition console. Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition is available now in limited quantities in select markets for $599.99 USD ERP.Xbox Series X 1TBThe Xbox Series X, with its 1TB SSD in Carbon Black, offers an immersive gaming experience with true-to-life characters, brighter worlds, and sharper details in 4K. More time gaming and less time waiting with features like Quick Resume, lightning-fast load times and gameplay up to 120 FPS. Plus, the ultra-low latency improves your controllers response time, making every second count. Included is the Xbox Wireless Controller, designed for ultimate precision and comfort. The Xbox Series X 1TB is available now in select markets for $499.99 USD ERP.Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition in Robot WhiteThe new Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition in Robot White, features the same speed and performance of the Xbox Series X with a 1TB SSD, now all-digital. Just like all Xbox Series X|S console options, it includes a matching Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring our highest level of precision with a dedicated Share button and enhanced ergonomics. The Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition in Robot White is now available in select markets for only $449.99 USD ERP.Xbox Series S 1TB / 512GB in Robot WhiteThe Xbox Series S console line-up offers the best value in gaming, offering access to thousands of digital games across four generations of gaming. The Xbox Series S comes with an Xbox Wireless Controller and features Quick Resume and speeds of up to 120 FPS, all in a sleek, compact design. Available in Robot White, the Series S comes in two storage options: the Xbox Series S-512GB for $299.99 USD ERP and the Xbox Series S-1TB, which offers double storage, for $349.99 USD ERP. Both the Xbox Series S-512GB and Xbox Series S-1TB are now available in select markets.

Xbox Design Lab is a one-stop shop that allows you to create your very own controller. From the controller itself to every external component, Xbox Design Lab is a hugely customizable platform that lets you create controllers for yourself, or as a truly personal gift for the Xbox player in your life.But before you get started, There are a lot of options to choose from let us break down every single one, to help you create the perfect Xbox controller:Choose Your ControllerThe key question before you begin using Xbox Design Lab is: which Xbox controller do you want to design?Xbox Wireless Controller Starting at $69.99 USD, the Xbox Wireless Controller is our standard model, bringing you high performance at an affordable price. With textured triggers and grips, a hybrid D-Pad, and Bluetooth technology that allows you to connect it to multiple devices. Click here to start creating an Xbox Wireless Controller.Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Starting at $149.99 USD, the Elite Series 2 makes our premium controller better than ever. With refined components, paddle slots offering extra options, adaptable elements like adjustable thumbsticks and hair trigger locks, and rubberized grips as standard, this controller delivers pro-level performance. Click here to start creating an Xbox Eliter Wireless Controller Series 2.Customize ComponentsOnce youve chosen your controller, Xbox Design Lab gives you 10 different customization options, allowing you to make a controller thats uniquely yours. And if you cant quite decide as you go, Xbox Design Lab allows you to preview your controller at any time, as well as save designs to your own personal gallery, allowing you to create multiple options to compare before you pick the final one.BodyApplied to the entire front case, your choice of Body makes a statement. With the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from a variety of matte finishes, or from a selection of gorgeous patterns, including the swirling Vapor designs, the multi-toned Shift patterns, bold Camo looks, our vibrant Pride design, or special, game-inspired designs like the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 top case and the Fallout top case. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from matte finishes, our new Cipher series which adds a transparent case that allows you to see through the case to the components inside, or game-inspired designs.BackYour choice of Back encompasses everything behind the grips on your controller. With all the standard colors available in the Body category, you can choose to match the front of the controller, or create a two-tone pop of color.GripsFor a small extra cost, you can add rubberized back and side grips to your Xbox Wireless Controller, offering an extra level of control in the hand. Rubberized grips come as standard on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.BumpersYour choice of Bumper color encompasses the two buttons on the top of the controller, and the case in between them. On the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from all the standard colors available for the Body and Back. For the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from an array of metallic finishes.TriggersThe Triggers are key to controlling many games, and come with multiple options. With the Xbox Wireless Controller, all the standard colors are available, but Xbox Design Lab also offers a variety of metallic options, allowing you to add a stately point of difference from the rest of the design. On the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from a series of metallic designs that can blend in with your bumpers, or choose a different tone to create a standout design.D-PadOn the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from all the standard colors available in other categories, or pick a metallic hue. On the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, pick from the classic four-direction D-Pad, or our unique Faceted design for extra control. Both D-Pad choices offer a variety of single-tone metallic finishes, or pick our new multi-toned Chroma designs for a truly standout look.ThumbsticksOn the Xbox Wireless Controller, thumbsticks can take on any of the standard colors available on the rest of the controller. Take more control with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 pick the color of the metal base, as well as separate colors for both the thumbstick ring and topper.ABXY ButtonsOn the Xbox Wireless Controller, pick from seven different designs for the iconic Xbox buttons, from classic colored looks to different two-tone treatments. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, get even more choice with 20 different treatments, including colored variants that allow you to create even more specific looks.View, Menu, Share ButtonsOn the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from 5 different designs for the central buttons on your controller. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, pick from 24 color options to help bring your design to life.EngravingFor that final touch, both controller types allow you to add a 16-character engraving. Add a name, a Gamertag, or a personal message to make the controller truly theirs.Pick a Pre-Made DesignIf youre looking to create a controller to celebrate a particular game, we may already have what you need. Xbox Design Lab is always adding new Inspired By designs that celebrate games on Xbox pick a pre-configured design, make any changes you see fit, and show your fandom. Theres also the Xbox Design Lab Game Collection, which offers extra-special designs for the likes of Fallout and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 all of which can be customized further.Choose Some Elite ExtrasIf youre opting for an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, Xbox Design Lab offers a number of extra adjustable elements for the premium controller, all of which can be customized to fit your design. The Carrying Case and Charging Pack helps you take your controller anywhere in safety. The Paddle Pack adds a number of easily added extra paddles for the back of your controller, which can be used by adjusting options on your console. The Thumbsticks and D-pad Pack offers both D-Pad options and multiple interchangeable thumbsticks to let you swap how you want to play, game-by-game. And the Everything Pack includes all of the above in a single package. If you already own an Elite Series 2 controller, you can also opt to purchase the additional accessories packs by themselves.Adaptive Thumbstick ToppersWe collaborated with community members, charity organizations, and a hospital involved in adaptive gaming and 3D printing to design complimentary 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers with Xbox Design Lab. Available to download, these designs can be 3D printed to create thumbsticks that meet multiple accessibility needs and are available for both the Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Xbox Design Lab also offers thumbstick topper designs for the upcoming Xbox Adaptive Joystick, coming in early 2025 for select Xbox markets.You now have everything you need to start creating a unique Xbox controller head over to Xbox Design Lab to start experimenting!

While the holiday period is often considered a time for rest and reflection, we know what its really about finally having time to play some excellent video games. And what better match for the season than cozy games titles built for relaxation, lacking in stress, but just as inventive as their action-oriented cousins.Whether the cold weather has you peeking into a shameful backlog or browsing the Xbox storefront for something new, weve got a mighty fine selection of tried and tested titles that are great to cozy on up with divided into categories to ensure you find the exact right fit for your mood. So, grab yourself a hot drink in your favourite oversized mug, fetch a big ol blanket, and dive on in here.Fun on the FarmFarming sims are effectively the ancestral home of cozy gaming, offering respite in peaceful worlds where we can grow produce, hangout with friends, and adventure to our hearts content. Whether youre looking for a combat-free space or a light challenge to your adventures, weve got you covered.Stardew ValleyCloud, Console, and PCAfter inhering your grandfathers old farmland in Stardew Valley, youll embark on a journey to transform this overgrown plot into a gorgeous home. Along the way, youll level up key skills to improve your farming, fishing and fighting abilities, and unlock new items and recipes to craft and cook. Youll meet the locals of the town, make friends, and even fall in love. Stardew Valley also recently received the 1.6 update with lots of new content and features, the perfect time for both new and returning farmers to jump in, either alone, or with up to 8 friends via co-op mode.Lightyear FrontierCloud, Console, and PCIf youre looking for peaceful farming on a galactic scale, Lightyear Frontier has you covered. An open-world adventure that lets you build the interstellar homestead of your dreams, equipped with your fully customisable mech companion. Explore a mysterious world, discover the planets secrets and help the ecosystem in the process. Its the ultimate cozy simulator for farm and big robot enthusiasts alike, and up to three friends can join in your adventure via the online multiplayer.Coral IslandCloud, Console, and PCIn this vibrant, laid-back take on farming sims, ditch the bustling city life and put together a dreamy tropical paradise on Coral Island. Here, youll tend to crops, nurture animals, and become part of a lovely community of over 70 unique characters. The island also offers plenty of exciting outdoor activities such as insect hunting and fishing, as well as diving in the local coral reef to hunt for hidden treasures. Take life as it comes in this relaxing simulator full of charm.Comfy, Cozy PuzzlesIf the farm life isnt quite for you, perhaps this selection of lovely puzzle games will sate your interest. Were not talking brain busters here, just cozy exploration and peaceful, satisfying puzzling that you can take at your own pace, all bundled up in gorgeous art styles.Botany ManorCloud, Console, and PCThis quaint puzzle game sees places you in the wellington boots of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist on a quest to restore the gardens of her stately home. As you explore the manor, youll uncover clues that aid in growing forgotten flora and fauna, use your green thumb to solve puzzles to unlock more of the manors grounds, and uncover the tale of Arabellas life and research.A Little To The LeftCloud, Console, and PCSettle in for a calming time with this wonderfully charming puzzle game that makes tidying up fun. Stack and organise a wide array of household items, from loose screws to pantry shelves, in over 100 unique and intuitive scenarios. If youre someone that gets a burst of satisfaction from a well-organized space, A Little to the Left is for you.Strange HorticultureCloud, ConsoleIn this occult-themed puzzle game, youll assume the role of the proprietor of a local plant store on the hunt to discover new species of plants. Balancing calm and creepy in a way very few games can manage, youll wield your growing knowledge of flora and fauna to influence Strange Horticultures story, and unravel the dark mysteries surrounding the quaint but spooky town of Undermere.Light-hearted AdventuresPerhaps youre looking for something a little more interactive than a puzzle game but without the pressures of combat or big decisions? A place to explore fun environments, enjoy some light questing, and engage in some action is sometimes necessary to keep your mind occupied. Roam around a big city as a cat or challenge yourself to an atmospheric climb in these easy-going adventures!Lil Gator GameCloud, Console, and PCExplore a lovingly crafted island full of new friends and hidden secrets as a lil gator in this joyful, low stress platformer. Quests are nestled in every corner of the island, and youll make new friends as you adventure through forests and mountaintops. Its an adorable cozy time if youre looking for a joyful game to take on at your own pace.Dungeons of HinterbergCloud, Console, and PCDungeons of Hinterberg combines exciting dungeon delving with cosy social systems. As protagonist Luisa, youll venture to the picturesque town of Hinterberg that is, quite curiously, now full of perilous dungeons serving as tourist attractions. Each day, you can choose between exploring these locations or relaxing in town and spending with the locals. Theres no pressure to go either way, which makes for a lovely, relaxing experience with some light challenge here and there.Little Kitty, Big CityCloud, Console, and PCExperience the big city through a cats eyes in Little Kitty, Big City, a cozy exploration game with plenty of fun areas to discover. As a curious little kitty with a big personality, make your way home via the streets at your own pace, befriend stray animals, complete quests, and of course, leave a little chaos in your wake. You can even wear a little hat!SpiritfarerCloud, Console, and PCDespite its macabre theme, Spiritfarer is a cozy management affair that explores mortality. As Stella, youll sail across an atmospheric world and encounter new spirit friends to look after, before finally releasing them into the afterlife. All the while, enjoy farming, mining, cooking and crafting new discoveries thatll aid your journey. You can even invite a friend to play alongside you as Stellas pet, Daffodil the cat.JusantCloud, Console, and PCAscend to new heights in Jusant, a meditative action puzzle adventure game. Equipped with a trusty set of climbing tools, your goal is to reach the peak of a tall tower, but the real joy comes from the journey, not the destination. As you climb, youll uncover new paths, discover beautiful biomes, and master your abilities as you reach higher areas. Conquer the tower at your own pace (and without fear of falling), with plenty of freedom to take in the sights and relax to the atmospheric surroundings and music as you go.A Short HikeCloud, Console, and PCKeeping to the outdoor adventure theme, A Short Hike presents a peaceful jaunt through the mountainous landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. As a little bird, enjoy a calming adventure though vibrant scenery, discover secrets and chat to other kind characters on the trial as you make your way to the summit.Disney Dreamlight ValleyCloud, Console, and PCIf youre looking for an adventure on the magical side, come down and meet the inhabitants of Dreamlight Valley! In this hybrid of life simulator mixed with exploration, youll befriend iconic Disney and Pixar characters and take on new challenges from heroes and villains. Youll also have the opportunity to decorate your own home, create custom designs, and help restore Dreamlight Valley to its former glory for all of your new friends.Cozy Narrative DelightsIf youre hankering for a good story alongside some low energy cozy gameplay, these narrative-driven titles may be for you. Jump into a hand-drawn journey as a photographer or a stylish claymation adventure in space theres stories to be found everywhere.ChicoryCloud, Console, and PCDiscover your inner artist in Chicory, a top-down adventure game full of vibrant characters. On the hunt for superstar artist Chicory, who has mysteriously gone missing, youll wield your creative powers to solve puzzles, help your friends, and discover the poignant story behind the mystery.ToemCloud, Console, and PCIn Toem, youll see the world through a new lens, literally. Pack your trusty camera and embark on a delightful expedition to uncover the hidden mysteries nestled inside a magical world that is all about finding the perfect angle. Meet quirky characters, flex your creative muscles taking photos, and enjoy a relaxed jaunt through a gorgeous hand-drawn landscape.Harold HalibutCloud, Console, and PCThis point-and-click adventure set under the sea places you in the squeaky shoes of its titular protagonist Harold, a lab assistant working aboard an underwater spaceship. As Harold, youll encounter numerous weird and wonderful creatures as you learn more about humanitys past, in a cozy narrative adventure brimming with retro futuristic charm.Satisfying CleanupsIf the validation of clearing up a big mess is your idea of a calming time, why not do it from the comfort of your sofa? Here, youll find a cozy selection of titles that will have you putting off your own chores in favour of scrubbing, sorting and styling a range of vibrant virtual worlds.PowerWash SimulatorCloud, Console, and PCIf youre searching for stress-free satisfaction, PowerWash Simulator has you covered. Suit up and embark on a cleaning adventure, blasting away every speck of dirt across levels ranging from a simple van to an entire subway platform. As you progress, youll unlock bigger levels and better equipment. Plus, if youre paying close attention, youll unravel a fun story about the town of Muckingham and its inhabitants as you make their surroundings sparkle.House FlipperCloud, Console, and PCBecome a one-person renovation crew in House Flipper. Take on a series of contracts to build up funds, then buy abandoned, rundown properties to transform into spectacular new homes. With a vast range of tools at your disposal, youre free to knock down walls, apply a lick of paint, and furnish every room down to the smallest details.UnpackingCloud, Console, and PCIn this cozy narrative puzzle game, youll follow the life of an unseen protagonist as they move through numerous homes. As you unpack possessions and place them mindfully around numerous environments, youll uncover their story, their memories, and other clues about their life as you curate satisfying living spaces full of personal treasures.Nostalgic Cozy FavoritesSometimes, nothing beats the warm embrace of familiarity, and returning to a beloved series from your youth is the perfect way to experience it. The holiday season is all about reconnecting and sharing memories, and this selection of reboots of seminal 90s games will have you reminiscing in no time, whether youre revisiting a favourite for yourself or introducing a loved one.Spyro: Reignited TrilogyCloud, Console, and PCSave the Dragon Realms from the clutches of evil in this stunning remastered collection of the original Spyro trilogy. As the titular purple dragon, glide across the world once more freeing your kin from crystal prisons, collecting treasure, and rescuing dragon eggs from peril. Its a cozy platforming adventure for all ages, and whats even better is youll now be able to explore these lovingly crafted remakes via Xbox Game Pass.Crash Bandicoot: NSane TrilogyCloud, Console, and PCRelive your youth and rediscover your favourite marsupial in this collection of the first three iconic Crash Bandicoot games. Packaged up with entirely remastered visuals, all three games offer a nostalgic platforming experience with a modern twist as you adventure to take down Dr. Neo Cortex and his villainous crew. Whether youre jumping back into an old favourite or experiencing Crash for the first time, youre sure to have a wonderful time jumping and spinning your way through this shiny new version of a classic trilogy.Return to Monkey IslandCloud, Console, and PCReprise the role of the iconic Guybrush Threepwood in this exciting return to the revered Monkey Island series. Melee Island has taken a turn for the worst, and is now led by the hip, young Captain Madison. This new entry to the series brings classic point-and-click gameplay to the modern day, with all the familiar elements that made the original games so special. Banter with friends old and new and uncover clever puzzles as you venture across the high seas and confront the new leaders of Melee Island.

Game Pass is all about options. Want the total gaming experience? What about high-quality games on PC? Or do you just want to play with your friends? Whatever type of player you are, Game Pass has you covered with an ever-expanding set of top-tier games.Heres a one-stop shopping guide to Game Pass to help you choose the plan thats right for you:PC Game Pass Want to play high-quality games on PC? PC Game Pass offers hundreds of games, including new titles on day one like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Plus, get an EA Play membership, Riot Games benefits in Valorant, League of Legends, and Teamfight Tactics, and more. Members also enjoy discounts of up to 20% on many games. If youre a PC player, then PC Game Pass is designed for you.Game Pass Core Is your main interest jumping on your Xbox console and challenging your friends online or teaming up to take down a final boss? Game Pass Core is a great avenue for online console multiplayer. For a low monthly price, play with others online, get member deals of up to 50% off select titles, and enjoy a select catalog of over 25 high-quality games in the Game Pass library, including Grounded, Among Us, Halo 5: Guardians, Gears 5, and more.Game Pass Standard Are you looking to level up your Xbox console gaming experience at a great value? Then Game Pass Standard may be right for you. In addition to all of the benefits you receive with Game Pass Core, including online console multiplayer and member discounts, you get access to hundreds of high-quality console games in the Game Pass library. Legendary series like Halo or Age of Empires, and massively popular games such as Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Tom Clancys Rainbow Six Siege are ready for you to play. Dive in and discover your next favorite game today.Game Pass Ultimate Are you a player who wants the total gaming experience? Then Game Pass Ultimate has what you need with all the Game Pass benefits we have to offer. Enjoy hundreds of high-quality games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Starfield, and Diablo IV, including new games on day one like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on your console, PC, and cloud. Get beloved series like EA Sports F1, Battlefield, and Star Wars with EA Play. Get a head start in Valorant, League of Legends, and more of the biggest PC and mobile games from Riot Games. Join friends and play together with online console multiplayer. Experience premium member benefits with deals and discounts on games and add-ons, free Perks, and more. Stream a game with cloud gaming before you download it on your console no installs required. With Game Pass Ultimate, theres always something new to play.We continue to be focused on delivering the best gaming experience at a range of price points so players can choose the plan with the features that best fits their gaming needs and budget. If you are interested in learning more about Xbox Game Pass and pricing for each plan, please visit our main page.

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The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the excitement of finding the perfect gift for the kid(s) in your life. For some, this means considering an Xboxan experience that can offer endless hours of fun, connection, creativity, and learning.But navigating the gaming world can seem daunting to some especially those that are new to gaming. From questions around online gaming communities, to regulating screen time, content appropriateness, and how to maintain safety it can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, Xbox makes it easy for adults to make the right choices for their families.The single most important thing you can do when setting up a new Xbox console is to select Yes when asked Will this console be used by kids?By spending just a few minutes setting up an Xbox Child Account (versus having them use your existing account), youre building a safer, more tailored experience for them and one thats right for your family (and thats easy to adjust as your little one grows up). Dont worry, you wont have to buy your games again to allow your child to play on the same console*. You will, however, have control over which of these games theyre allowed to play, how long they can play, who they can communicate with, and more.Once youve set up your Xbox console, you can keep the experience safe by downloading the Xbox Family Settings app for your Android or iOS device. This powerful tool allows you to easily tailor your childs gaming experience from anywhere, even if youre nowhere near your Xbox.Heres just some of what it can do:Screen Time Management: You can set time limits to manage how long your child can play each day. Parents (and grandparents, aunts and uncles!) tell us one of their favorite features is the ability for kids to request extra playtime, which you can easily approve or reject right from the app. You can even pause game time temporarily from the app; the perfect way to say dinners ready!Content Filters: The app allows you to tailor the content your child can access, blocking games that are too mature and ensuring they only see age-appropriate content that you approve.Purchase Limits and Approvals: Prevent unexpected purchases by approving each purchase through the ask-to-buy feature. To reward good behavior, you can easily add funds to a childs account for future purchases.Communication Controls: Decide who your child can communicate with during their gaming sessions through robust controls. You can manage your childs friend list and review incoming requests, and can restrict communication to just friends, or block it entirely.Activity Reporting: Stay informed with weekly activity reports that give you an overview of what your child is playing, how long theyve played, and any requests theyve made for additional time or new games. Pretty cool!Additionally, the Xbox Series X|S offers numerous features designed to make gaming accessible for everyone. You can find the full range of accessibility settingson Xboxs Accessibility site.Once youve curated the experience youd like your children to have, the only question is, what should you play together? Xbox Game Pass offers great value with access to hundreds of games for one monthly price, including a diverse range of family-friendly games that everyone can enjoy. From action-packed adventures to educational games, theres something for everyone; check out an updated list of titles here just click the Family & Kids box underneath Genres on the left rail or in the Game Pass area on your Xbox console.Playing games can stimulate creativity, improve hand-eye coordination, and offer a sense of achievement. They can also be a fantastic way for children to unwind and connect with friends, or be the center of your familys game night, especially in todays digital age.With the robust features built into your Xbox console and managed by the Xbox Family Settings app, you can ensure that your childs gaming experience is as safe and controlled as you need it to be.For more information about the Xbox Family Settings app, visitXbox.com/family-app.*Entitlements are shared only if child accounts are using the same console set as the Home console. More details on designating a Home console can be found here.