Conflict and Chaos: Black Ops 6 Season 03 is Here!In a video recorded before his death, Special Agent Jason Hudson warns of the Pantheon moles who have been working in the shadows for decades ever since Vietnam. Theyve managed to avoid detection throughout the years, using conflict and chaos to cover their tracks. With some new leads in play, however, their secrecy is no longer certain. Time to pick up the trail.Hudson left you to finish the job that he started, beginning with a file of codenames and documents leading you back in time to help solve the mystery at its roots.Turn the tide on the Pantheon spies with this massive offering of free and premium content coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 when Season 03 launches on April 2 at 9AM PT across all platforms, with Call of Duty: Warzone going dark for 24 hours before Verdansk comes online April 3 at 9AM PT.Note: Consult the following blogs prior to the launch of Season 03:Read This Now:Return to Verdansk Call of Duty: Warzone ContentRead This Now: Tour of VerdanskRead This Now: Verdansk Tac-AtlasMarch 28: Updates to Ricochet: Anti-Cheat and security updatesApril 2: Battle Pass, BlackCell and Store Bundles BlogMULTIPLAYER CONTENT SUMMARYFive Maps and a Variant:Head to the front lines in Barrage and Nomad, two new maps arriving alongside a remaster of the timeless Firing Range at Season 03 launch. Expand your deployment options in the mid-season with Haven and Signal plus a special Nuketown map variant.Returning Modes:Test your skills across two classic game modes returning forBlack Ops 6. Display your mastery of weapons in Sharpshooter and bomb the enemy team in Demolition.Additional Equipment:Rapidly deploy your Dedicated Melee weapon using the new Close Shave Perk and blast enemies to pieces with the glorious return of the Death Machine Scorestreak. In the mid-season, get even with help from the Vendetta Perk.Season 03 Ranked Play:Get wins, climb the Ranks, and beat out the competition in a new season of Multiplayer Ranked Play bringing all-new rewards to earn.Barrage (Launch)Brand-New, Core, 6v6, Medium-SizedRevisit 1968 Vietnam as you follow Hudsons clues surrounding one Summit Watch at the front lines of battle. The trees have been cleared and the landscape flattened to make room for this base housing an artillery battery in active combat. The area has taken hits with large chunks blown off buildings including the Command Center and Barracks, the damage opening new pathways through the map.Watch for sharpshooters trading shots near the base of the Watchtower, from Overlook, and through the second floor of the Command Center. Move quickly down the dirt roads to get out of sight or push out to the wings, battling around the artillery pieces in the Gun Pits and the Tree Crusher facing the Hill.Nomad (Launch)Brand-New, Strike, 6v6/2v2, Small-SizedThe Pantheon moles were in Afghanistan, too, when Woods fought there in 1986. Fight in the ruins of a fortified settlement commandeered for the ensuing battle, a parked missile carrier facing out over the valley where a convoy lies in ruins on the narrow road leading up to the map. Navigate the crumbled archways and walls as you engage enemies in the open, the only accessible building being the Tower standing over the middle. A zipline offers fast access up and down from the coveted position, promising frequent skirmishes for control of its views.Firing Range (Launch)Remaster, Core, 6v6, Medium-SizedFiring Range makes its glorious return in Black Ops 6 in a faithful remaster of the fan-favorite map. Watch for crossfire down the long center Road as Operators fight for control of the vantage points in the Tower and the upper levels of the Shoot House and Garage. Shooting targets move back and forth on their tracks behind the Office and several other spots adding a useful diversion while preparing for the next fight. Avoid the center chaos by branching off to the Dirt Road, keeping your guard up against ambush as you pass the Storage unit along the way.Haven (Mid-Season)Brand-New, Core, 6v6, Medium-SizedEnter a KGB safehouse in 1991. This once opulent compound now sits in a dilapidated state of disrepair, overgrown and cracking apart at the seams. Its current owners, however, are less interested in aesthetics and more interested in the sites former use.A crystal chandelier lies smashed on top of a sculpture in the Foyer while reams of cable connect running generators to the armory in the Hall, the command center set up in the Ballroom, and out to the Entrance where parked vehicles monitor the surroundings and deliver vital supplies. The indoor and outdoor spaces are tightly intertwined here, spilling the battle through the estate halls and past scenic areas of contemplation like the Gardens and Bath.Signal (Mid-Season)Brand-New, Strike, 6v6/2v2, Small-SizedTaking Operators back to 1968, this site connects the moles to activity surrounding the infamous numbers station. Flashing lights and alarms sound in the Control room of an ocean rig numbers station, flames erupting along the upper wing. Starting from opposing submarine bays, Operators can funnel straight down the middle into the Broadcast station or fire down on the action from the Communications landing. Take an alternate path through the Control room, its flooded hall giving access to the water below. Jump in and swim underneath the structure to access either submarine bay, providing the means to jump out of the water and flank the enemy team.Blazetown at Mid-SeasonPlus, light up the competition in a special Nuketown variant joining the map pool for a limited time later this season!Get in some intense gaming sessions as two classic modes with a rich history in the Black Ops series arrive in Season 03. Adapt to cycling weapons in Sharpshooter and throw yourself at two bombsites in Demolition.Sharpshooter (Launch)Flex your skills in this classic Black Ops free for all party mode where every Operator is assigned the same Loadout which changes every 45 seconds. Each cycle introduces a new Primary and Secondary Weapon from scoped Sniper Rifles to akimbo Pistols, plus a new Dedicated Melee weapon and Tactical and Lethal Equipment.Use everything at your disposal to eliminate enemies while unlocking bonus abilities for going on a streak:1st Elimination: Increased movement speed.2nd Elimination: Increased reload speed.3rd Elimination: Increased sprint recovery speed.4th Elimination: Increased ADS speed.5th Elimination: Earn double score for eliminating enemies.Keep the streak going to unlock double score and make a run for the top three. When youre taken out, respawn and build up those bonuses again. A short countdown precedes each weapon swap. Adapt and win.Demolition (Launch Window)Alternate between attacking and defending two bomb sites. The attacking team must destroy both bomb sites to win the round, gaining a time bonus after detonating the first site. All attacking Operators spawn with a bomb and respawns are active for both teams throughout the match.Defense is all about running down the clock. Defuse planted bombs right away, as the match timer pauses whenever a bomb site is in active countdown. If one of the sites is destroyed, regroup and throw everything you have into defending the last one.The first team to win two rounds wins the match. If the score reaches 1-1, enter a tie-breaking final round where both teams race to detonate a single neutral bomb site.Joint Operations: New Limited-Time Mode (Mid-Season)Leave the enemy up in smoke in this Limited Time Mode that tests teams with a gauntlet of five Core mode variants in a single match: Head Stash (TDM), Inhalation (Domination), Hotbox (Hardpoint), Very High Target (HVT), and Munchies (Kill Confirmed).Cycle through all five modes under a variety of changing effects, including double health, low gravity, visual hallucinations, and third-person POV.Unleash powerful melee attacks with ease, get vengeance on the Operator who eliminated you, and mow down everything in sight with two new Perks and a Scorestreak.New PerksClose Shave (Launch, Event Reward)Perk Slot: 1Type: EnforcerAutomatically use your Dedicated Melee attack when you perform a weapon butt attack. Simply tap the Melee button to attack. Like the old days!Vendetta (Mid-Season, Event Reward)Perk Slot: 2Type: ReconOn respawn, mark your killers last known position for a short duration. Get a bonus score for eliminating that enemy. The Vigilance Perk counters being marked by Vendetta.New ScorestreakScorestreak: Death Machine (Event Reward)Type:LethalScore:825Mastery Badges: YesHeavy minigun with a fast fire rate, high penetration, and a large ammunition capacity.Wield the infamous Death Machine, a powerful weapon with a single large magazine that fires high impact rounds at a blistering rate of fire. Score earned while using the Death Machine contributes to your current Scorestreak progress, making this a great tool for bumping up to the next streak.Season 03 Ranked Play OverviewFind out what youre really made of by dropping into competitive Multiplayer matches using the same settings, maps, modes, and weapon restrictions used by the Call of Duty League. Win matches to earn SR (Skill Rating) and progress through the Ranks while earning career rewards like Rank Skins and Win Challenge rewards.Get wins and progress through the Ranks throughout Season 03 to earn new seasonal rewards like a new Pro Issue Weapon Blueprint, Rank-themed Calling Cards, and more:Season 03 Ranked Play RewardsGet 10 Wins: Pro Issue AMES 85 Weapon BlueprintGet 100 Wins: 100 Season 3 Wins Large DecalSilver: Ranked Season 3 Silver Calling CardGold: Ranked Season 3 Gold Calling CardPlatinum: Ranked Season 3 Platinum Calling CardDiamond: Ranked Season 3 Diamond Calling CardCrimson: Ranked Season 3 Crimson Calling CardIridescent: Ranked Season 3 Iridescent Calling CardTop 250: Ranked Season 3 Top 250 Champion Calling CardSeason 03 Ranked Play Weapon BlueprintsPlayers will also earn themed Weapon Blueprints for the Jackal PDW SMG representing the Rank achieved in Season 03 Black Ops 6 Ranked Play:Gold: Start in/above or reach Gold at any point in Season 03Platinum: Start in/above or reach Platinum at any point in Season 03Diamond: Start in/above or reach Diamond at any point in Season 03Crimson: Start in/above or reach Crimson at any point in Season 03Iridescent: Start in/above or reach Iridescent at any point in Season 03Top 250: Finish Season 03 in the Top 250Retroactive SR AdjustmentsTo help reverse the impact cheaters have on the Ranked Play SR system, retroactive SR adjustments will be made starting in Season 03. When a Ranked Play cheater is banned, anyone they've recently beaten will receive a SR refund for those matches. Players who we detect playing with cheaters may have SR for those wins taken away.Rejoin in ProgressNow a feature coming with Season 03, players will be able to rejoin Ranked matches if they disconnect. Players will have five minutes to rejoin, and teammates will receive a reduced SR Loss if a matchmade teammate rejoins and they lose the match.ZOMBIES CONTENT SUMMARYShattered Veil:Move into the heart of an Appalachian apocalypse as the crew descends on Colton Hall, a diabolical mansion that holds the key to saving Agent Maxis.Additional Gameplay Content:Boost your fire rate with the Double Tap Perk-a-Cola, enjoy the effects of three new GobbleGums, and wield the Death Machine.New Enemy Types, Wonder Weapons, and More:Battle the Elder Disciple and its empowered minions, take on the new Toxic Zombies in special rounds, disintegrate enemies with the Ray Gun Mark II and its variants, as well as the classic Wunderwaffe DG-2 Wonder Weapon, and heat up the undead leftovers with the Microwave Trap.Team Cranked:Power up and keep slaying with friends to replenish the countdown timer and stay in the game as Team Cranked debuts with fresh rewards in Season 03.With the Sentinel Artifact in hand, the crew heads to the remote wooded hills above Liberty Falls to meet with S.A.M. at an old mansion in the forest which has been retrofitted to[[REDACTED]]Only with the aid of S.A.M.s synthetic mind can the team hope to unlock the ancient artifacts mysteries and bring back Agent Maxis. What could possibly go wrong?Brave the horrors of Colton Hall and confront a tyrant in the next chapter of the Black Ops 6 Zombies narrative, launching at the start of Season 03 on April 2 at 9AM PT.I hope it was worth dragging the Sentinel Artifact halfway around the globe.- Sergei RavenovS.A.M. leads comms in anticipation of receiving the Sentinel Artifact once the team successfully enters Colton Hall. Further guided by Ravenov, Peck, and Strauss with exfil assistance from Raptor One, the crew must approach the synthetic mind promising the imminent return of Agent Maxis.Shattered Veil: Initial Recon TourVenture into the mist-laden grounds of this tumbledown mansion that rivals the size of Citadelle des Morts, searching the Conservatory for [[REDACTED]] [[REDACTED]] the scene of fierce fighting at the Grand Foyer [[REDACTED]].[[ALL EXPLORATORY CONTENTS HAVE BEEN REDACTED BY REQUEST OF PROJECT JANUS]]Strange, floating apparitions have been seen flitting about the sprawling gardens and rambling mansion estate. Known to some as Elder Disciples, these powerful enemies likely spell trouble for the crew.Elder Disciples gain strength as they empower the zombies around them while summoning more undead to join the battle. Using their dark magic, these fetid, floating carcasses can force their allies to evolve more quickly, allowing a lowly zombie to more rapidly transform into a Doppelghast or some other sinister form.Eliminate the Elder Disciple before their forces grow too powerful, keeping it at a distance to avoid the scream it lets loose against players who draw too close. The deadly enemy grows more agitated as it takes damage, so try to get the job done fast.Other Entities of Shattered VeilBeware the Toxic Zombie!As a sickly yellow fog descends across the mansion, expect the inhabitants to take on an even-more revolting pallor. Easily identifiable due to their greenish hue and more skeletal exterior, Toxic Zombies appear to have lost all but their base perambulatory functions and seem intent on sprinting toward their prey before exploding, leaving a damaging pool of acid in their wake. Listen for their telltale shriek and get the jump on them before they can close the distance.These glowing ghouls are joined by a variety of Project Janus scientists and military personnel-turned zombies caught up in the nearby outbreak, along with an unhealthy horde of other ghastly entities, the Elder Disciple standsor perhaps floatsready to speed them through their evolutionary journey.Face the enemies of Shattered Veil with two time-honored Wonder Weapons ideally suited to clearing out more than just the musty halls of an old mansion.Drop multiple zombies at once with the upgraded and modestly unstable Ray Gun Mark II. Recovered from the Dark Aether by Project Janus, this powerful laser armament delivers three-round bursts of energy, can be Pack-a-Punched, and doubles as a bludgeoning instrument if youre running low on ammunition.Then theres the three new variants.Provided youve [[REDACTED]], you can experiment with an additional three variants of the Ray Gun Mark II: Ray Gun Mark II-W: Offering similar bullet patterns to a submachine gun, this also has a random chance to ignite enemies. Ray Gun Mark II-P: Shooting ammunition like a shotgun, with a chance to spawn a sigil with the ability to grant invulnerability to the player standing on it for a limited time. Ray Gun Mark II-R: Dropping zombies with a Marksman Rifle-like discharge, expect a chance to spread a plague infection that can inflict area-of-effect damage.New Wonder Weapon: Wunderwaffe DG-2Take a more electrifying approach to your undead denizen disposal with the original Wonder Weapon: The Wunderwaffe DG-2.Capable of striking down hordes with chain-lightning blasts, this has the bonus effect of stunning crowds of zombies, usually resulting in additional, and eventually terminal damage. The only real drawback to the weapon that users have experienced is the stench of electrified undead.Main Quest and Quest Rewards: The Main Quest for Shattered Veil goes live when the map releases with Season 03 on April 2. Complete the Main Quest to earn the PhDeadly Operator Skin for Carver (shown above), an animated Calling Card, and 5,000 XP. Players who complete the Main Quest before Directed Mode arrives for Shattered Veil will also earn a unique Calling Card variant.Microwave Trap: Burst zombies with microwaves for a mere 750 Essence. Get a horde of followers on your tail and then flip the switch.Dark Aether Field Generator: Dissolve zombies with Dark Aether energy in a static field that zaps anything that passes through. Circle the trap to entice enemies into the center of it.Lore and Intel:Dig deeper into the history of Colton Hall and other lore related to Shattered Veil with Intel in the form of Audio Logs, Documents, and Artifacts discovered throughout the map.New Gameplay ContentAccess the following new content within Shattered Veil as well as The Tomb, Citadelle des Morts, Terminus, and Liberty Falls.Available: In-Game at Perk MachineThe classic rapid-fire Perk returns for the first time in nearly a decade, dramatically increasing your weapons fire rate to chew through enemy hordes in record time. Research the iconic Perk for powerful enhancements like an even faster fire rate and the chance to inflict double damage.Double Tap is available in Shattered Veil along with the other previously accessible Zombies Perks. Note that some of these Perk-a-Colas are only available via the Der Wunderfizz machine.Double Tap is available on The Tomb, Citadelle des Morts, Liberty Falls and Terminus maps via the Der Wunderfizz machine.Double Tap: Major AugmentsResearch the following Augments to further customize the Perk.Double JeopardyNormal zombies at low health have a chance to die immediately when shot.Double ImpactDouble hits on the same target in quick succession deal more damage.Double StandardAll non-critical shots do double damage. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.Double Tap: Minor AugmentsDouble TimeIncreases fire rate bonus.Double or NothingWeapons have a chance to do double damage but also have a chance to do zero damage.Double PlayKilling two enemies in quick succession has a chance to return two rounds to your magazine. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.New GobbleGumsEnjoy three new GobbleGums available across all maps once acquired and equipped in your GobbleGum Loadout Pack.Tactical Diffusion (Rare): Disables the next Nuke Power-Up explosion you activate and gives everyone 2,000 Essence instead.Support Group (Legendary): Gobble up this tasty GobbleGum to acquire the ARC-XD, Mangler Cannon, Sentry Gun and Mutant Injection Support items.Die Pitched (Whimsical): Zombies have high-pitched voices. Lasts three minutes.Additional Support Scorestreak: Death MachineAvailable: Event RewardSalvage: 1,750Head to the Support tab at the Crafting Table to piece together the Death Machine, a powerful machine gun with a fast fire rate, high penetration, and a large magazine. Mow through multiple zombies with an all-time favorite, once you unlock this heavy weapon during the Black Ops Tribute Event.For adventures seeking extra guidance in completing the Main Quest on Shattered Veil, jump into Directed Mode arriving at the Mid-Season, as well as the following additional Modes:Team Cranked (Launch Window)Following the awesome collaboration that introduced Cranked to Black Ops 6 in the last season, the high-octane mode returns for more in Season 03 with a team-focused twist: now the Cranked Timer is shared across the whole team and any kill from any team member fills it! Eliminate a zombie to activate the Cranked state, powering up your Operator with improved abilities and setting a countdown timer that can only be replenished by eliminating more enemies.The rules are simple:The Cranked Timer starts when the first enemy is eliminated.The timer starts at 30 seconds. Each enemy eliminated replenishes the timer to its current maximum, and every round survived causes the maximum timer to be reduced by 1 second.Essence earned by eliminating zombies is increased compared to Standard/Directed.The Time Stopper Field Upgrade replaces your loadouts Field Upgrade.Main Quests and Easter Eggs are enabled.Use the following abilities to keep the timer from hitting zero:Time Stopper: Temporarily pause the Cranked timer for all teammates. All Operators begin the match with the Time Stopper Field Upgrade equipped.Time Extended:Grab this rare power-up to add a small amount to the maximum time allowed.Wall Buys are disabled in this mode, so the Mystery Box is your source for new weapons in Team Cranked. Because Operators gain increased Essence while Cranked, youll have plenty of chances to spin the Box for high-powered weapons! Good luck.Team Cranked also delivers some tantalizing rewards for players who can survive past Round 50 on each map while this limited-time mode is available:A custom selection of six GobbleGums per map.Each contains one high-rarity and five GobbleGums of other rarities.15,000 XP per map, or a total of 75,000 XP across all maps.New LTM and Field Upgrade (Mid-Season)Plus, whet your appetite with the Zombie Snacks Limited-Time Mode arriving later in the season, and put a chill on the undead using the Frost Blast Field Upgrade!GENERAL CONTENT SUMMARYReturn to Verdansk:Deploy to the big map that started it all as Verdansk returns to Call of Duty: Warzone. Consult the associated Blogs for more details.Weapons Detail:Earn six new weapons throughout Season 03, including four available at launch and revealed here: the Kilo 141 and CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifles, the HDR Sniper Rifle, and the Kali Sticks Melee Weapon. Customize your weapons with the Monolithic Suppressor other attachments. Plus, unlock the Nail Gun and the new Ladra SMG later in the season.Battle Pass and BlackCell:The Season 03 Battle Pass brings new Weapon Blueprints, Operator Skins, Calling Cards, Finishing Moves, Emotes, and more in a mix of free and premium tiers. Free tiers include two new base weapons and two attachments, including the Monolithic Suppressor.Season 03 Operators:R0-Z3, Hudson & Mace answer the call to Verdansk as headliners for BlackCell and the Battle Pass, respectively. Plus, Jay and Silent Bob as well as Bluntman and Chronic deploy to the Store along with other Bundles you dont want to miss.Free Trial, AMD Graphics Card Update:Play Black Ops 6 for free on April 2! And for PC players using the AMD Radeon RX 9070/9070XT, prepare for enhanced visuals and improved performance with the FSR 4 update.The Battle Royale Map that started it all is back! Get all the details about Call of Duty: Warzones original Big Map, including a recon of this massive Big Map, the features, original gameplay modes, the new coastal POIs, plus details on the huge launch Event with 20 free rewards by the following blogs:Read This Now: Return to Verdansk Call of Duty: Warzone ContentRead This Now: Tour of VerdanskRead This Now: Verdansk Tac-AtlasEquip your Kilo 141, CR-56 AMAX and HDR, and drop in on April 3 at 9AM, one day after the launch of Black Ops 6 Season 03 on April 2! Check further down the blog on the launch schedule.Primary Weapon: Kilo 141 (Launch)Assault Rifle, Call of Duty: Warzone Login RewardLevels: 42MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options: Skins, Camos and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).Fully automatic assault rifle with an ergonomic design that improves handling, and a steady fire rate helps stay on target.The Kilo 141 is back and ready to tear it up across Multiplayer and Call of Duty: Warzone. The weapons smooth handling, manageable recoil, and steady fire rate give it room to shine in a variety of combat situations, leaving no doubt as to why the Kilo 141 was a favorite in Verdansk. Now that the location is back, its time to relive the glory days with this hard-hitting Primary Weapon.Players will automatically unlock the Kilo 141 for use in Black Ops 6Call of Duty: Warzone after logging in to Call of Duty: Warzone at the launch of Season 03.Primary Weapon: CR-56 AMAX (Launch)Assault Rifle, Battle Pass Page 6 HVT Tier Reward, Completion Page Battle Pass BlueprintLevels: 42MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).This lightweight 7.62 x 39mm full-auto assault rifle is compact and powerful. Built exclusively for military use, the standard issue rifle is deadly at mid-range combat and easily configured for a variety of assault tactics.Combining high-damage hits with a fast fire rate and good handling, the CR-56 AMAX is the perfect mid-range weapon for downing targets fast. Eliminate enemies in three to four shots up to 25 meters out, leaving plenty left over to chew through equipped armor. Quick reloads get you back into the action fast, a helpful trait no matter how you choose to customize the weapon via Gunsmith.Primary Weapon: HDR (Launch)Sniper Rifle, Battle Pass Page 3 HVT Tier Reward, Page 11 Battle Pass BlueprintLevels: 38MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 5Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).Anti-material bolt action sniper rifle chambered in 12.7 x 108mm ammunition. Bullets have a lower muzzle velocity but remain devastating even at very long ranges.Veterans of Verdansk know the power of the HDR and the havoc a sniper can inflict with it when stationed in high vantage points like the infamous Airport Control Tower. The weapons long reach and heavy damage make it a favorite of sharpshooters, its distinctive firing sound sending squads running. Add the Reinforced Barrel attachment to further extend your damage range and bullet velocity, and dont forget to hold your breath for difficult shots.Melee Weapon: Kali Sticks (Launch)Melee, Event RewardLevels: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: NoneCustomize Options: Camos (MP, ZM, WZ).Two-hit kill. Extremely fast attack speed. Short range.The infamous Kali Sticks return, dealing out damage with rapid swings thatll take down your target in a flash. Smack them with fast follow-up hits using the weapons light attack or take them out in a more dramatic fashion by unleashing the heavy attack. Use Kali Sticks in Multiplayer with the new Close Shave Perk to deploy a quick whack against enemies without having to manually swap to your Dedicated Melee slot first.Primary Weapon: Ladra (Mid-Season)Submachine Gun, Event RewardLevels: 37MAGS: 4MAG SIZE: 38Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).Full-auto submachine gun. Extreme rate of fire, excellent range, and low recoil. Headshots can help offset lower base damage.What this SMG lacks in power it more than makes up for with a blistering fire rate thats effective even in mid-range fights due to the weapons low recoil. Consider an Extended Mag to cut down on reloads and aim for the head to improve your damage output. Pairs well with Scavenger and the Assault Pack, giving you the ammo reserves you need to keep up the pressure and continue spitting out damage.Special Weapon: Nail Gun (In-Season)Special, Event RewardLevels: 30MAGS: 4MAG SIZE: 15Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: NoneCustomize Options: Camos (MP, ZM, WZ).Full-auto Nail Gun. High damage at close range with fast handling speeds and very low muzzle velocity.Stick it to them with this handy tool configured with a magazine of 15 nails that fires at full auto. The damage drops off quickly after 25 meters and performs best up close. The Nail Guns low muzzle velocity can make it difficult to land shots against fast moving targets, so get them in your sights and unload before they know what hit them. This armament is a reward earned during the Black Ops Tribute Event.Monolithic Suppressor (Launch)Assault Rifles (except AS VAL), SMGs, Shotguns, LMGs, Marksman Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Pistols, Battle Pass Page 7 RewardMonolithic Core provides superior sound suppression and increased range. Moderate weight increase affects agility. The ideal attachment for extending your damage range on big maps like Verdansk while retaining the concealment provided by a suppressor.SWAT 5.56 Grau Conversion (Launch)SWAT 5.56 Marksman Rifle, Battle Pass Page 5 RewardConvert the SWAT 5.56 into a fully automatic weapon with lower damage and range but improved accuracy, mobility, and handling. Equips a new default Barrel and Magazine and unlocks an exclusive 50-round extended Magazine. Blocks Barrel attachments.C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (In-Season)C9 SMG, Event RewardConversion kit to use higher caliber 10mm Auto ammunition for increased stopping power. Though the conversion results in some increased recoil and a slightly lower fire rate, the extra damage, range, and velocity make this attachment a worthy consideration when approaching enemies on bigger maps.Goblin Mk2 7.62 Mini-Rocket Conversion (Mid-Season)Goblin Mk2 Assault Rifle, Event RewardConverts the Goblin Mk2 into a fully automatic weapon with explosive rocket ammunition. Splash damage capabilities come at the expense of bullet velocity and rate of fire. Equips a new default barrel and magazine. Blocks Barrel, Muzzle, and Magazine Attachments.New Features (MP, ZM, WZ)Base Blueprint Swap (Launch)Youre now able to customize any Black Ops 6 base weapon or Weapon Blueprint with a skin youve unlocked or purchased, across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone.For Base Weapons, you can only change the skin of the Base Weapon, not any Attachments.For Blueprints, you can customize the skins with other existing Attachments.Camo Hub (Launch Window, MP, ZM)This new user-interface section is planned to be added shortly after launch, available in the Barracks > Challenges Menu. This allows you to view the challenges you need to complete to unlock Weapon Camos in a single location, with weapons sorted by furthest camo unlocked. Simply visit the Camo Hub to start planning out the next steps on your journey to Dark Matter and Nebula.Season 03 delivers an assortment of scheduled Events across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone. Earn rewards such as a new Primary Weapon, Melee Weapon, Launcher, new special attachments, and more.Event: Return to Verdansk (WZ only)Activation Dates: April 3 to 15Free Event. Total Rewards: 20, including Instant unlocks for new and veteran playersand the Kali Sticks Melee WeaponOpen Verdansk Safes across several unique locations to earn rewards. Players also have the chance to earn the Trail Blazer Operator Skin for Caine, if you can find the right safe to open before someone else gets there first.As part of this event and to celebrate the return of Verdansk, all players who log in to Call of Duty: Warzone following the Season 03 launch will unlock the Kilo 141 plus two Operators exclusively for use in Call of Duty: Warzone. Players whose Activision ID matches those who deployed to the original Verdansk map will also receive three additional items when logging in after the update: the Blue Legacy Contrails, Coming Home Parachute, and Like We Never Left Gun Screen.For all the details on this Event, check out the Return to Verdansk Blog.Event: Black Ops Tribute (MP, ZM, WZ)Activation Dates: April 17 to May 1Total Rewards: 17, including the Death Machine Scorestreak, Nail Gun Special Weapon, Close Shave Perk, and Thermite LethalDont miss out on this legendary tribute to Black Ops in an event stuffed with rewards that honor the history of the series.Earn XP in any mode to progress the Event and earn Black Ops themed rewards. Black Ops 6 owners will receive additional rewards only available to use in Black Ops 6.Earn cosmetic content and functional equipment, including the Nail Gun (Special Weapon), C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (Attachment), Thermite (Lethal in Call of Duty: Warzone), Death Machine (Scorestreak in MP/Support in Zombies), Close Shave (MP Perk), an Emote, GobbleGums, and the fan-requested Operator, John Black Ops.More in the Mid-Season: Look for more events and rewards throughout Season 03, including the Blaze of Glory Event and the Call of Duty Endowment Got Your Six Event. Expect more event coverage in the Season 03 Reloaded announcement.Hudson and Mace Lead the Charge in the Season 03 Battle PassMemories are a powerful tool, and even the departed can change the course of history. The road back to Verdansk involves unlocking some core memories, as well as some unforgettable weaponry and new Operators. A flashback to agent Jason Hudson, bringing echoes of his frontline savvy, Hudson is unlockable by progressing within the Battle Pass. Joining him is Mace, the metal-faced mercenary, who will bring the war anywhere, anytime, for anyone, unlocked instantly upon Battle Pass purchase.Purchase the Season 03 Battle Pass for 1,100 COD Points or the Season 03 Battle Pass Bundle for 2,400 COD Points to immediately unlock the Instant Rewards Page of the Battle Pass, including the following items:The new Mace Operator and Mace BlackCell Mace Skin for those who purchase BlackCell10% Battle Pass XP BoostThe Day Ones Legendary Weapon StickerThe Package Received Finishing MoveThe Marbled Legendary Blueprint for the Saug SMGThe Season 03 Battle Pass includes over 110 pieces of unlockable content (excluding BlackCell) including free, earnable armaments; two new Base Weapons, the Monolithic Suppressor Attachment, and more. Check out the BlackCell, Battle Pass and Store Bundles blog prior to Season 03 launch for a closer look at whats coming.BlackCell OfferingsThe new BlackCell Operator R0-Z3 arrives in an animated mantle and her signature mask along with her faithful hound, leading an awesome array of Season 03 BlackCell content. She is joined by a roster of teched out Operator Skins, sleek Weapon Blueprints, and sci-fi themed unlocks earned exclusively through BlackCell.BlackCell owners can access the Season 03 Battle Pass via the exclusive BlackCell Page, instantly unlocking the following items:BlackCell Daily Challenges (MP, ZM, WZ, see below)10% XP Boost1,100 COD PointsThe Martial Arts EmoteThe Energy Siphon Mastercraft Blueprint for the XM4 Assault RifleThe Goodest Boy Companion Finishing MoveThe BlackCell Clan Tag (showcased in Lobbies and Winners Circles)The R0-Z3 BlackCell OperatorBlackCell owners get access to page after page of additional exclusive rewards within the Season 03 Battle Pass, including:10 BlackCell-exclusive skins for Mace (two skins), Hudson (two skins), Woods, Maya, Park, Marshall, Stone, and Toro.Six BlackCell-exclusive Weapon Blueprints for the Feng 82 (LMG), GPMG-7 (LMG), Tanto .22 (SMG), ASG-89 (Shotgun), HDR (Sniper Rifle), and the CR-56 AMAX (Assault Rifle).Over 130 item rewards (Battle Pass and BlackCell related) for those who fully complete the Season 03 BlackCell Battle Pass.As usual, players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive 1,100 COD Points back.BlackCell Stackable XP Boost: Players who purchased BlackCell in a previous Black Ops 6 season and go on to purchase Season 03 BlackCell will earn a permanent 10% Player and Weapon XP Loyalty Bonus, now up to 20% for players who purchased Season 01 and Season 02 BlackCell.NEW! Extra Daily Challenges: Players with BlackCell will also receive an additional Daily Challenge (shown above) throughout Season 03 for Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone, giving even more chances to rake in the XP during your play sessions!Season 03 and the return of Verdansk brings out six new Operators with plentiful combat experience in the area: The main three Operators include R0-Z3, who leads the BlackCell roster while Mace and Hudson headline the Battle Pass alongside a variety of other Operator Skins for both factions.R0-Z3 (BlackCell, Crimson One, Launch)R0-Z3 Skin: BlackCell Instant Reward PageR0-Z3 returns to claim her status as a top BlackCell operative working in Verdansk. You know the drill. No witnesses.Hudson (Battle Pass, Rogue Black Ops, Launch)Hudson and Hudson BlackCell Operator Skins: Battle Pass HVT, Page 2.Icebreaker and Icebreaker BlackCell Operator Skins: Battle Pass HVT, Page 14.Special Agent Jason Hudson, CIA operative, handler to Alex Mason, and KIA during Operation False Profit.Mace (Battle Pass, Crimson One, Launch)Mace and Mace BlackCell Operator Skins: Battle Pass Instant Reward PageApocalypse King and Apocalypse King BlackCell Operator Skins: Battle Pass Instant Reward Page, Battle Pass Page 12The Special Forces Army Ranger turned PMC returns, ready to inflict serious damage on anyone who thinks they can best him in Verdansk.John Black Ops (Event Reward for Black Ops 6 owners, In-Season)[REDACTED] Operator Skin: Black Ops Tribute Event RewardA mysterious Operator clad in a gray jump suit, sporting tactical goggles and helmet. Anonymous. Unassuming. Deadly.Jay and Silent Bob (Bundles, Rogue Black Ops, In-Season)Store BundlesThe iconic duo returns to loiter in front of the (Super) Store and cause trouble for passing Operators. Deploy in their classic look or as their comic book alter egos Bluntman and Chronic, arriving just in time to celebrate their favorite April holiday.New Store OfferingsCheck out some of the Bundles coming to the Store in Season 03. Look for more intel in the Season 03 BlackCell, Battle Pass, and Bundles blog arriving on April 2, just before launch.Tracer Pack: Jay and Silent BobBring some mischief to your matches with the Jay and Silent Bob Operator Skins, deploying with the Doobie Wreck LW3A1 Frostline Sniper Rifle and the Golden Calf Kompakt 92 SMG, both featuring Blue and Yellow Tracers and Smoke Death FX. For closer encounters, show them who owns the block with the Gimme a Light Finishing Move.Celebrate the high life and take back whats yours with the Poppin Off Emote, Moobys Weapon Charm, animated In Sync Calling Card, Mooby Joint Large Decal, and the animated Snoochie Boochie Emblem. Theres a new duo in town; theyve been to Hollywood and now these two guys from Jersey are ready for the limelight of Call of Duty.Tracer Pack: Bluntman and ChronicThe blunt-tastic heroes unite as their comic book alter egos. Deploy as Bluntman or Chronic with the choice of three doobie-themed Weapon Blueprints for their enjoyment: the Bluntman Stuntman Krig C Assault Rifle and Chronic Unapologetic Jackal PDW SMG with Pink and Purple Tracers and Joint Leaf Death FX, and the Bong Staff Bo Staff with Joint Leaf Death FX.Straight from the Bluntcaves arsenal, beat competition with the Smoke You Out Finishing Move and show your love for the chronic with the Did that Happen? Emote, animated Joint Power Calling Card, animated Blunts Out, Suit Up Emblem, and the Doobage Duo Spray.Tracer Pack: Digital Dreamin Reactive Mastercraft Ultra SkinHone your gaming skills with top-of-the-line equipment headlined by the Ultra Mastercraft Game Over Assault Rifle for the new CR-56 AMAX, featuring Starstruck Tracers and VR Knockout Death FX along with the Monolithic Suppressor and a new inspect animation that morphs the weapon into a game console. Wield it as the Pixel Operator Skin equipped with a Reactive headset and augmented reality tattoos and the gamified K.O. Finishing Move.Engage distant targets with the Pixel Precise! SVD Sniper Rifle, also featuring Starstruck Tracers and VR Knockout Death FX. Show them theyre not on your level with the Eezee Weapon Charm, animated Monkey Business Emblem, animated Its Over Calling Card, Not on My Level Spray, XD Emote, and Logging In Loading Screen.Other Incoming BundlesStay on the lookout for plenty of other exciting content arriving in the Season 03 Store, including the Radwaste Reactive Bundle (shown), the Spectral Wolf Mastercraft Bundle, the Fanatic Rivalry Bundle (shown) with two Operator Skins, the Shattered Veil Reactive Bundle, the Arcade Whiz Bundle (shown), and the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) United Force: Tracer Pack. Get a closer look at the seasons upcoming Bundles and more in the Season 03 BlackCell, Battle Pass, and Store Bundle blog.Season 03 and the Return of Verdansk: April 2 9AM PT to April 3 9AM PTCall of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 03 launch is planned to roll out across two separate days:Wednesday April 2, 9AM PT: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, and general content launches across all platforms.Thursday April 3, 9AM PT: Call of Duty: Warzone content launches across all platforms.Call of Duty: Warzone: Verdansk Launch SequenceBe sure you preload both Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone content files hours ahead of launch, as theres plenty of content for all players to enjoy, throughout this 24-hour period! Heres a timeline of what to expect:Wednesday April 2, 9:00AM PTBlack Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, and general content becomes accessible to all Premium players.Call of Duty: Warzone completely shuts down for 24 hours.Simultaneously, a 24-hour Multiplayer and Zombies Free Trial commences, available to everyone, including all Season 03 Premium content from these two game modes.This Free Trial unlocks it all, allowing you into all Season 03 Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Map and Zombies content, including the Firing Range MP Map and Shattered Veil Zombies Map!Season 03 Battle Pass and BlackCell content, including two free weapons within the Battle Pass, also become available.Additionally, the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle is unlocked for you to use, once you download the Call of Duty: Warzone game files and click on the updated game tile. Call of Duty: Warzone wont be available until the next day, but the Kilo 141 will!24-hours Countdown: Wednesday April 2, 9:01AM PT to Thursday April 3, 8:59AM PTA 24-hour Countdown to Verdansk launch timer now begins.Use these 24 hours wisely: This is the very best time to level up all preferred weapons you want to use in Verdansk!Obtain the Kilo 141 for free, optionally pop a couple of 2WXP tokens, and play Black Ops 6 content to unlock attachments and camos, via the Premium game or Free Trial.Get into the proper grindset: Complete Season 03 Battle Pass Pages (free or paid) to unlock two additional new base weapons; the CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle (Battle Pass Page 6), and the HDR Sniper Rifle (Battle Pass Page 3).Welcome Back to Verdansk: Thursday April 3, 9:00AM PTStand by for your first return drop into Verdansk; departure is imminent!In-game messaging will direct you to the appropriate menus.Various rewards prior to your first match will be granted (and were detailed earlier in this Blog).Starting at 9:00AM PT, expect to access the Call of Duty: Warzone Lobby, to squad up, and return to Verdansk for the first time since December 2021.FSR 4 is now live in Black Ops 6 on AMD Radeon RX 9070/9070XT graphics cards! Upgrade to the latest 25.3.1 Adrenalin Drivers and get ready to dive into the action with enhanced visuals in Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone. Experience the ultimate gameplay with stunning graphical quality and improved performance.Jay & Silent Bob Deliver, LLC 2025 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, MODERN WARFARE, CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS, CALL OF DUTY LEAGUE, and RICOCHET ANTI-CHEAT 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.

SummaryRetro-inspired 2D action-platformer filled with secrets and danger.Explore mysterious corridors, upgrade your gear, and battle powerful enemies.Coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC.Hi, Im Pavel Kalinichenko, CEO of Stamina Zero, and Im excited to introduce you to Little Droid, a handcrafted pixel art Metroidvania coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 10, 2025.In Little Droid, you take control of a small but determined droid, navigating a mysterious world filled with danger, puzzles, and secrets. Every move counts as you manage your energy, battle relentless enemies, and overcome tricky platforming challenges.Exploration is keyeach ability you unlock, from double-jumping to dashing, opens new paths to hidden upgrades and secret areas. The environments, from forgotten ruins to flickering machinery, are handcrafted with care, bringing a unique atmosphere to every part of the world.Combat is fast and rewarding. Enemies wont go easy on you, so youll need quick reflexes and smart decision-making to survive. But its not just about fightingyoull need to explore carefully, solve environmental puzzles, and manage your energy wisely.For the console release, we worked hard to optimize performance, refine visuals, and introduce an optional easier difficulty modemaking sure Little Droid remains true to its challenging metroidvania roots while being accessible to more players.If you love uncovering hidden paths, facing tough challenges, and exploring richly detailed pixel art worlds, Little Droid is for you.Little Droid launches on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 10, 2025. Pre-order today for $5.99 on the Microsoft Store.Little DroidStamina Zero LLC$5.99Pre-orderLittle Droid is an adventure platformer that takes you to a world of mysteries, tough enemies, and hidden dangers. The journey is packed with challenges, requiring careful battery management to keep the droid energized at crucial moments. Explore a richly detailed environment, collect weapons to overcome various obstacles, and uncover secrets as you pursue the source of a mysterious signal.Game Features: Metroidvania-style exploration, unlocking new areas with each gained ability. A high difficulty level designed for players who seek a rewarding challenge. Beautiful, hand-crafted 2D pixel art that brings the atmosphere to life with intricate details.

Calling all Guardians! Today brings the latest content update to Sea of Thieves, and with it, some radiant new additions to the Pirate Emporium Lightbearer items, inspired by the world and characters of Destiny, have arrived!Whether your pirate is as silent as a Hunter, mighty as a Titan or wise as a Warlock, theyll find a ship set to suit their style, complete with Collectors cosmetics and a Ships Crest. An array of matching weapons and a costume set to round out the range ensures youll be ready to take on whatever otherworldly foes may stand in your way.At first glance, venturing across the solar system may seem like a far call from securing swag in a tropical pirate paradise so how did this celestial collaboration come to be? Adam Park, Director of Brand & Licencing at Rare, sheds light on the partnership:As weve seen with our other cosmetic crossovers and our Tall Tales, our teams are always looking for opportunities to bring other worlds into Sea of Thieves and put a unique spin on them, no matter where the inspiration comes from. Even though it might not seem like an obvious choice, Destinys classes and co-operative play presented a crew-like bond that we thought was a great fit, along with some striking iconography, vivid art style and a sense of being mythical in tone and scope.Handily, there were already plenty of accomplished Guardians at Rare with a deep understanding of the Destiny universe, though the team completed more than their fair share of Quests while gathering ideas. If you want a sense of how much the team at Rare wanted to make this happen, just know that theyve been working with Bungie on this idea since 2023!Once plans were agreed, the next step in making the Lightbearer collection a reality was to create concept pieces for ship sets, weapons and clothing. Andria Warren, Director of Creative Operations at Rare, oversaw their development.Working with Bungie to bring Destiny 2 into Sea of Thieves was a creatively rich and deeply collaborative process. From the earliest concept sketches to finalising designs that honoured both universes, every step challenged us to think differently. We explored how iconic Destiny elements could be reimagined through a Sea of Thieves lens, translating tone, visual language, and character into something that felt fresh but unmistakably faithful. It pushed our teams creatively in the best possible way, and the result is something were truly proud of!Working alongside the Destiny team to iterate and refine the various Lightbearer items culminated in one of Sea of Thieves most comprehensive collections. Partnerships like this can take a lot longer than people realise to make happen, Park muses, But when you see the results it really does showcase the talent and hard work of everyone involved. Were sure the Lightbearer items will be a big hit with Destiny fans old and new, and cant wait to see people making creative use of them as they go about their adventures. Good luck, Guardians!You can check out the trailer below to see the full Lightbearer assortment, and then visit the Pirate Emporium to gear up and get ready for battle the seas are counting on you!

SummaryChoose your preferred tactics for each battle.Great variety of items and weapons.Live a fulfilling life in the Zone with crafting, farming, cooking, and tons of quests and stories.Attention, fellow Ghoul Hunters! Welcome to the Zone. Or shall I say: welcome to your final demise? Because according to my studies, only one in a hundred Ghoul Hunters will survive in the Zone! Deadly Distortions, dangerous mutants, heavily-armed bandits, and yes, the cursed Visitations! They are here to claim your life and your soul.But fear not: the Cossacks are here to help! Well provide you with the best gears and training (for a small fee, of course), and well always have your back. Now, if you can spare me a few minutes, Im sure a few tips and tricks can get you started.Dont Get into Fights Unless You Have toYou may trust your grandpas Makarov and sawed-off double-barrel, but what are you up against? AKs, sub-machine guns, AS-Val, SVD, oh and even RPD and PKM bad guys armed to the teeth who dont even bother to loot rookies like you!So heres my advice: stick to the shadows, sneak past your foes, and learn to take them down quietly with a garrote. But when you get a hold of those big toys, work on improving your skill level with each kind, and find weapon attachments to unleash their true power.Take Good Care of Your GearsLife in the Zone is not your dream vacation. Your armors will degrade. Your devices will run out of battery. Your guns will jam.Remember, your life depends on your gears working flawlessly, so use a repair kit to maintain them after every battle! You can bring any worn-out weapon and armor to our workbench for repair free of charge, as long as you know how to fix them.Always Keep Your Eyes Peeled for More LootThere are always supplies in every nook and cranny for you to find. Food, ammo, medicine, serums, ingredients, they are all crucial to your survival in the Zone. Especially iodide pills for radiation, and Vodka for Tunguska Syndrome if you need more, come see our trader and well cut you a good deal.Dont forget: you can craft almost everything you need in the Zone. Cooking, farming, loading bullets, brewing serum, and even distilling alcohol for the serum lab (and of course, for escaping from your troubles and sorrow!), you can essentially live a life here.Finally, Bring All Your Spoils to The CossacksAfter all, you are here to be Ghoul Hunters, right? Remember: bullets dont do you any good theyll just rip up all those mutated body parts that youll need to make money with. On the other hand, melee weapons give you the best chance to harvest high quality serum ingredients. Just bring them to us and well make you rich, because the Cossacks make the best serums!So join us now, and well fight together, hunt together, and prosper together, only in Tunguska: The Visitation today on Xbox!Tunguska: The Visitation Complete EditionRotorist WorkshopGet it nowSeek fortune as a Ghoul Hunter in an abandoned Soviet Exclusion Zone. Use your grit and ingenuity to survive deadly radiation, mysterious anomalies, and poisonous mutants. Go in guns-blazing, or stay in the shadows your choice. Uncover the dark secrets of Tunguska from the Soviet era. Venture across desolate villages, abandoned facilities, toxic swamps, and ominous tunnels in this top-down adventure RPG, in a realm cursed by the mysterious Tunguska Event in 1908.Inspired by the novel Roadside Picnic, Tunguska is one man's vision and creation of a new post-Visitation zone: a place not just full of horror and danger, but also the freedom and opportunities sought after by many near the fall of the USSR.SURVIVALTunguska: The Visitation is 3D top-down action shooter, infused with moderate survival elements such as food, medicine, body energy, character stat buff, hazardous environments, and inventory management. The slow-paced, methodical gameplay inspires critical thinking and strategic planning.A perk-based skill system lets you decide on how to build expertise be it combat-heavy, stealthy, crafty, or just an all around survivor of the Zone.COMBATPut your grit to the test with real time melee brawls and gunfights. With a large arsenal of weapons, you can be creative and come up with the best approach for each combat scenario. Stick to the shadows and use distractions, if being stealthy is up your alley.CRAFTINGThe Zone is not a barren place. Collect wild herbs, grow crops, and hunt for wild animals to collect ingredients for cooking and brewing. Use the workbench to craft ammunition and repair your gears.COMPLETE EDITIONIncludes: main game, Ravenwood Stories, Shadowmaster, New Game+, and Slaughterhouse.

Get ready to unleash the supernatural in Atlus (Metaphor: ReFantazio, Shin Megami Tensei, Persona) upcoming action RPG, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, launching June 19, 2025 on Xbox Series X|S.Raidou Remastered marks the triumphant return of 2006s Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army, a one-of-a-kind mystery spin-off within the legendary Shin Megami Tensei series. Originally released for the PlayStation 2, the game is set in a fictional Taisho-era Japan and combines action-packed gameplay with detective drama. Raidou Remastered is a faithful remaster of the iconic RPG, featuring an overhauled battle system, enhanced graphics and full VO in the main story.If you want more details about the original game and whats new in Raidou Remastered, you have come to the right place! Heres what you need to know.Story and CharactersThe story starts off with a bang! In Raidou Remastered, a young heiress approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a strange requestto kill her. Before she can explain further, the girl is kidnapped and disappears without a trace. Apprentice detective Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, who moonlights as a Devil Summoner assigned to protect the Capital, is on the case. Raidous investigation takes him across the entire city, including the Dark Realm a dangerous, demon-filled juncture between the real world and the netherworld.As you unravel the mystery of Raidou Remastered, you will encounter many complex, suspicious and intriguing characters. My personal favorite is a black cat named Gouto, who accompanies Raidou as his mentor on on his missions and provides helpful advice throughout the investigation. Every Atlus game needs an adorable companion!Real-Time BattlesOne of Raidou Remastereds greatest features is its engaging real-time RPG combat, where youll need to utilize your wits AND your powers to succeed. One key element to success in combat is the skillful utilization of MAG (Magnetite), the special bio-energy that powers demon skills. MAG can be recovered with MAG Drain, which steals MAG from attacked enemies. Make sure to balance weak, MAG-stealing attacks and stronger non-MAG-stealing attacks.Its worth noting that all demons, whether enemies or allies, have unique weaknesses and resistances, so keep your eyes peeled in combat! Attacking an enemys weakness will stun them, restricting their actions and allowing you to inflict critical hits to increase the amount of damage dealt and the amount of MAG drained. You will have a variety of combat abilities and attacks at your disposal, so make sure to develop a solid strategy.Investigation and ExplorationTo find clues and crack the case, you will cross between the Dark Realm and the real world, explore the Capital and seek answers from people and demons on the streets. To level up your detective skills, use demons with Investigation Skills. Abilities like Read Mind, which allows Raidou to hear other peoples thoughts, are key to helping Raidou connect the dots. In some instances, where there are suspicious locations that a human like Raidou cannot go, you can even command your demon to go on a solo investigation to retrieve new information. The demon is in the details!The Art of Confinement and Demon FusionDemons can be recruited by using the art of confinement to catch them during the battle and make them allies. Conversations may occur when the art of confinement is successful. Choose wisely because demons will reward you by restoring your party or improving your stats.The demons you have recruited as allies throughout the investigation can be fused at the Goumaden, a research facility run by a mad scientist by the name of Dr. Victor. Here, you can utilize the forbidden magic of demon fusion to combine your demons and form even more powerful ones!Whats New?Raidou Remastered is the most visually enhanced and immersive version of the fan-favorite mystery RPG. RAIDOU Remastered features a plethora of gameplay and quality-of-life updates to bring the title to the modern era, including an enhanced save game functionality more save slots, autosave and quick save; difficulty settings five difficulty levels to choose from, including the brutally challenging Detective Legend difficulty only selectable on New Game+; and voice settings the option to switch between English and Japanese VO.To learn more, you can watch the Raidou Remastered livestream from earlier today on the Atlus YouTube channel or visit the games official website. Pre-order Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army now on Xbox. To stay up to date on news for Raidou Remastered and everything else Atlus, follow the official Atlus West pages on Facebook, Instagram and X.RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless ArmySEGA$49.99Pre-orderThe story of apprentice detective and Devil Summoner extraordinaire Raidou Kuzunoha XIV returns in this remastered classic! Call upon your demons to solve supernatural mysteries and dispose of enemies.As a special pre-order bonus, receive the cosmetic Raidou Glasses. With these glasses that were popular in the Taisho Era, his charm will increase beyond what one can handle.*The pre-order bonus will be given for purchases made before 00:00 local time, Thurs, June 19, 2025.Undertake the case of the century in this must-play classic from ATLUS. The studio behind Shin Megami Tensei remasters "Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army" with revamped visuals, QOL updates, new VO, and an overhauled battle system! Taisho 20, in the CapitalA young heiress approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a strange requestto kill her. Without any further explanation, the girl is kidnapped. Apprentice detective Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, who moonlights as a Devil Summoner assigned to protect the Capital, is on the case. Raidou investigates all across the city, which includes entering the Dark Realma dangerous juncture between the real world and the netherworld where demons abound. Become Raidou Kuzunoha and work with your allied demons to unravel the mysteries that block your path. What was once a missing persons matter soon spirals into a conspiracy that will shake not only the Capital, but the entire nation. KEY FEATURESAn Enhanced Yet Faithful Remaster:The supernatural action RPG classic returns, now revamped with visual, audio, and combat enhancements for modern consoles while staying true to the original game's style. A brand-new UI, full VO, expanded 3D environments, and more invites both veterans and newcomers alike to a nostalgic and thrilling gameplay experience. A Supernatural Detective Mystery:Channel your inner detective in a gripping, supernatural adventure with a charming cast of complex characters. Uncover the truth behind collusion swirling around the Capital with unexpected twists and turns ahead. Use both your mind and the might of your demons to leave no stone unturned. A Fantastical Taisho Era Adventure: Navigate the historic streets of a fantastical 1930s era in Tokyo or delve into the haunting Dark Realm where demons lie in wait. With over 120 demons to summon, choose your allies wisely to prevent humanity from being consumed by darkness.

Lets end March on a high note with five games for you to try this weekend with Free Play Days! Blindfire, City Transport Simulator: Tram, Big Helmet Heroes, Tiebreak and Make Way are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday March 27 at 12:01am Pacific until Sunday, March 30 at 11:59pm Pacific. Big Helmet Heros is also free for all Xbox members to try during Free Play Days with a 2-hour timed trial.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)Blindfire (Game Preview)Double Eleven Ltd.163$8.99$6.29Get it nowFree TrialBlindfire (Game Preview)Optimized for Xbox Series X|SBlindfire is an online multiplayer first-person shooter that takes place in the dark. Set in a shadowy underworld, the ultra-wealthy bet on illicit bloodsports beneath a neon skyline. For contestants lured by the promise of untold riches and unimaginable glory, its kill or be killed. Brave the arena alone or team up in matches of up to 8 players. This game is a work in progress. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game.City Transport Simulator: TramDovetail Games 4$24.99$19.99Get it nowCity Transport Simulator: TramOptimized for Xbox Series X|SGrab up to 20% off City Transport Simulator: Tram Standard Edition on this Free Play Days, and get an authentic tram-driving experience with three iconic vehicles that set the stage for your journey. Operate the sleek ULF A1, ULF B1, and R2.2b trams and discover what makes each one unique in both Career and Sandbox Mode gameplay options.Big Helmet HeroesDear Villagers24$24.99$19.99Get it nowFree TrialBig Helmet HeroesOptimized for Xbox Series X|SFor a limited time only throw yourself into a free trial of an epic 3D beatem up adventure with adorable knights, full of surprising worlds and situations. Grab your buddy and play in 2 player co-op to save the princess, this is only the beginning.TIEBREAK: Official game of the ATP and WTANacon17$49.99Get it nowTiebreakOptimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart DeliveryTiebreak is the most lifelike tennis simulation ever released, showcasing the essence of gameplay on court and the challenge of managing a career through an entire season of 90 official tournaments against 120+ officially licensed pros. Each professional womens and mens player from Novak Djokovic to Nick Kyrgios, and Iga Swiatek to Caroline Wozniacki, has been studied with minute detail to reproduce their signature techniques and strategies, immersing players into the core essence of WTA and ATP play.Make WaySecret Mode57$14.99Get it nowMake WayOptimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart DeliveryMake Way sees up to Six playersbattling it out in weapon-filled, round-based races. But there are no pre-built courses. Instead, players must construct the track together, using a random selection of pieces and hazards (train crossings! loop-de-loops! seesaws!) to invent a unique raceway that gets bigger and wilder every round.

The power of Xbox is now in your handsanywhere, anytime. The new Designed for Xbox: Backbone One Xbox Edition transforms your phone into the ultimate companion for gaming on mobile.Enjoy your games with an enhanced D-pad for precise control and magnetic adapters that secure your phone in place, even with your phone case on. Quickly access your Xbox dashboard with a single press of the Xbox button and jump straight into games like Halo Infinite and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. All this, with a look that captures the classic Xbox design, featuring a stunning translucent green inspired by the original Xbox.Stream with cloud gaming and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, play natively, or use remote play from your Xbox console or PCwherever you are. Designed for low-latency and responsive controls, Backbone One Xbox Edition keeps you in the game.The Backbone app unifies your gaming experience, connecting your favorite titles, streaming services, and social features into one intuitive hub. And to kickstart your adventure, each purchase includes one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no cost (for new members only), unlocking hundreds of games ready to play on the go.Backbone One Xbox Edition is available now for $109.99 USD through Backbone in the U.S. and coming to additional markets in April 2024. The device is compatible with iPhone models with USB-C (15 and up) and Android devices running Android 6.0+.Take control. Push limits. Play anywhere.

Welcome HomeWelcome home.The original, Call of Duty: Warzone Battle Royale experience returns as Verdansk arrives for players to dive into at the start of Season 03! This is a return to the games initial Battle Royale roots, with back-to-basics gameplay, an authentic rebuilding of the Big Map, along with an impressive number of quality-of-life improvements.In this highly detailed blog, we break down the rebuilding process of Verdansk, a lengthy showcase of the games features, the host of modes, event rewards, and initial weapon details, as well as how to prepare for launch. Separate to this blog is the Tour of Verdansk, a visual recon of all the major Points of Interest, as well as smaller, but still important locations youll remember from your past drops.Note: Ensure youre up to date with all Season 03 content by checking out the CODPOD (above), as well as the following blogs:Read This Now: Tour of VerdanskRead This Now:Verdansk Tac-AtlasMarch 27:Season 03 Announcement (Multiplayer, Zombies, General Content Intel)March 28:Updates to Ricochet: Anti-Cheat and security updatesApril 2: Battle Pass, BlackCell and Store Bundles BlogThen make sure you preload the game prior Black Ops 6s Season 03 launch on April 2, which comes with a 24-hour Free Trial featuring all premium content available to everyone, and the launch of Verdansk and Call of Duty: Warzone on April 3! All the details you need to know are later in this blog.Content SummaryFamiliar, Enhanced, and Improved:Verdansk is rebuilt from the ground up meticulously recreated with a variety of light adjustments and quality-of-life improvements.Examples You Need to Know:Expect intel on some of the exact one-to-one map duplications, enhanced details on structures and draw distances, additional cosmetic details, improved access along steep slopes and across buildings, and more.Combat on the Kastovian Coast:Get ready for engagements along the southern cliffs; the newly accessible coast and shoreline trenches are detailed.When Verdansk returns on April 3, 2025, players who dropped in five years previously on March 10, 2020, should instantly recognize this as the original Big MapCall of Duty: Warzoneexperience.This version of Verdansk has been painstakingly rebuilt from the ground up to give you the very best battle royale experience possible. That experience balances the immersion, adjusted movement mechanics, and the signature gameplay you remember from the original Call of Duty: Warzone with one overriding goal: To relive the classic and nostalgic Verdansk map we all remember.From exploring the rugged wilderness of the northern villages, Military Base and Quarry, to the first time landing at Superstore or Hospital, to surviving your first 1v1 prison Gulag, a great deal of work has gone into making Verdansk as exact, detailed, and authentic an update as possible.In the most basic terms, this version of Verdansk is 95% a rebuilt version of Verdansk in 2020, with around five percent of the maps landscape receiving light adjustments and quality-of-life improvements. Veteran players remembering back toModern Warfare 2019Seasons should think of Verdansk in Season 03 as the map that dropped in March 2020, with a few elements from that games later seasons added like the Metro Station entrances and a variety other map changes scheduled across future seasonsThe separate Recon Tour Blog of Verdansks famous Points of Interest (click here to read it), and the accompanying descriptions in that blog should be all the intel you need to understand how faithful this version of the map is.The look and feel of Season 03 Verdansk falls into one of three categories:Familiar:The map is rebuilt to be the same as the original map you remember. This is around 95% of the play space.Enhanced:Just the same as the Verdansk 2020 map with beneficial adjustments.Improved:New elements within an existing area based on the current game designed with quality-of-life upgrades in mind.Lets take a moment to look at some specific visual examples of these adjustments. Remember these are mostly very subtle and designed to be beneficial without influencing the maps original combat flow.Note:If the following examples include comparison screenshots, images of the original Verdansk (taken in February 2020) are on the left, and Season 03 Verdansk (taken in March 2025) are on the right, as indicated on each image. Otherwise, consider all imagery to be from the current version of Verdansk.Example 1 (Comparison): Familiar FacsimilesFAMILIAR: For the vast majority of the map, structures, roadways, and scenery are a one-to-one duplication, as shown in the two examples (above). Both this exterior section of Karst River Quarry (Top) and the interior of Superstore (Bottom) are pretty much identical, aside from improved interior lighting and renumbering of the checkout area.Example 2 (Comparison): Enhanced TopographyENHANCED: Top: Certain structures like this Fire Station have received a detail pass. Bottom: Grazna Bridge (west of TV Station) shows Gora River is no longer frozen, though the water is only ankle-deep. This ground thaw extends across most of the map, and changes how you hear enemy footsteps as they splash through water rather than crunch through ice. Also look through the bridge arch to compare the understated improvements to the draw distance at longer ranges.Example 3 (Comparison): Enhanced DetailENHANCED: Top: Rummage around in Storage Town, and youll discover a variety of subtle cosmetic details added, including weeds on the garage roofs and ground, reflective puddles, additional electrical pipework and other minor additions. Bottom: In the western foothills, Bunker 02 has enhanced and climbable outcrops, extra detail along the combat zone perimeter, and longer-range visibility.Example 4 (Comparison): Improved AccessIMPROVED:Top row: The Verdansk Police Stations like this one close to Airport Maintenance have received art and clarity adjustments. Examples include the three left-most top-floor windows which are now openings, and more illuminating interior lighting.Bottom row: Back at Storage Town, the roof of Building 3 is now less of an unfair power position as a ladder has been added to the exterior balcony. Again, a very minor adjustment, but one that enables Operators to reach many of the places that only parachutes could be used to get to.Example 5 (Season 03 Verdansk): Enhanced Details EverywhereENHANCED:Visit familiar locations, like Gora Dam (Top-left), and you may find small improvements, like a jetty over the ice, which doesnt appear to take the weight of a truck. Or navigate through the car dealership close to Airport (Top-right), as the exterior sign has fallen, creating a ramp to the upper interior. A favorite hot-drop are Hangars (Bottom), which features some slightly repositioned cargo planes to aid Operators rushing the tarmac, while the main airport runway itself has a few additional concrete jacks to use as cover.Example 6 (Season 03 Verdansk): Coast; the new Southern Shoreline, Bunker 09 SwitchbacksIMPROVED:Running west to east along the southern edge of Hills, now that swimming is possible, access to the Kastovian Sea has opened up and a new shoreline can be traversed, all the way from the southwestern edge of the map (south of the Kart Racing Track) all the way east to the Prison. Along the way are trails up the cliffs, as well as wooden viewing platforms (Top row) allowing a quick ascent from the water as Ascenders appear in the game.Cross the mouth of Karst River by Docks, and when you reach the marshland to the southeast, youll discover a set of trenches (Bottom-left). When youre finally in the Prison grounds, a new set of pathway switchbacks has been carved into the cliffs above Bunker 09 (Bottom-right), all built to aid in map traversal.For much more details on the topography of the map, consult the Tour of Verdansk Blog, and explore 19 spectacular main Points of Interest, as well as a host of other memorable places youll be visiting.Click here to see and read more. For now, lets take a first glimpse at some of these locations:(Clockwise from Top-left) Its time to start planning your first game-winning match: Some favorite hot-drops include the top of the Gora Dam, the roof of Hospital, the infamous Atlas Superstore, and the more remote Karst River Quarry.(Clockwise from Top-left) Battle across familiar territory as Train Station, Gora Dam complex, Scrapyard (within the Zhokov Boneyard) and Airport are all just as you remember them, and all viable places to battle through as you focus on victory.(Clockwise from Top-left) Towers, tenement blocks, chaos, and concrete: The biggest POI of all, Downtown Tavorsk District is just as you remember it, allowing for match-winning strategies youve already planned for. Gold lions guard the bank, the Art Museum sits ready for rooftop sniping, and the infamous SKN Comm Tower is still on fire. Now that youve seen a variety of the limited and extremely subtle adjustments and quality-of-life improvements to the map, heres a general summary of what to expect across Season 03 Verdansk as a whole:Trees arent in precisely the same exact positions as they were in the original map.Any parked vehicle that arent drivable now look much more like smoldering wreckage, ensuring players can easily distinguish immovable automobiles from the Cargo Truck, LTV, and other accessible vehicles.One of the biggest changes is the ability to swim, which wasnt originally possible. The southern combat zone has been extended out into the Kastovian Sea, and the coastline is now accessible. However, this isnt critical to gameplay, and none of the rest of the map requires swimming.Some of the more unforgiving areas of steep and rocky terrain have been adjusted so that mantling and traversal maneuvers are easier, and goat trails are a little more prominent.Telephone and electrical poles have been slightly shortened in some locations to enable easier parachute landing.Other traversal points or areas that disadvantaged some players have been given minor adjustments, allowing routes to rooftops that may have originally been accessible only by parachute. This includes the addition of newly positioned ladders.Doors can be barged through, are usually double hinged (they swing open in both directions) and can be shot or blown open or closed.While Ascenders werent in the original Verdansk launch (they were originally added at Season 5 of Modern Warfare 2019) and arent planned to arrive until later into Season 03 in Battle Royale matches, these have been test-fitted to numerous buildings to enable players to reach otherwise difficult-to-reach rooftops, in preparation for them to return to the game mode. These arent the original A frame shape, but the newer L shape with current mechanics allowing for much faster traversal from the zip line to rooftop. Available in Plunder at launch, theyre scheduled to be bolted to the rooftops and overhangs you remember from the original Verdansk. Read more in the Features section of this blog.The lighting of the exterior map, the draw-distance at range, general visibility and haze of the map has been adjusted to enhance clarity and minimize glare.The lighting of interiors has been adjusted to favor more immediate spotting of enemy Operators, and the glare between exiting and entering interiors has been reduced. Or to put it another way, minimizing the advantage of hiding in dark corners wearing a Roze skin.Detail art passes and scenery enhancements have been added for areas that can benefit from it, such as additional exterior details to the Fire Stations, and extra detritus along the riverbanks. This also extends to some new, additional scattered wreckage players can use as cover.The HUD compass text font at the top of the screen indicating the name of the location youre at has been updated to match the current graphical user interface.The user interface has been simplified, as detailed later in this blog.Content SummaryVerdansk is Back to Basics:Featuring authentic, back-to-basics gameplay with the latest in fan-favorite mechanics, theres a wide variety of features returning or incoming to the game.Omnimovement adjustments:Fine-tuning has been made to bring movement more in line with what players experienced in the early days of Call of Duty: Warzone.Like We Never Left:150 players. The original announcer. Shooting during freefall. Original Infil cinematics. All before you hit the ground running!Original Game Mechanics:Original Supply Boxes, Floating Loot, Armor Satchels and Buy Station menus, coupled with current Loadouts and Perks, with High Value Loot Zones across the map where some premium loot resides.A Retro Refresh:In-game loot gets a retro refresh, Thermite is back, while Contracts, In-Match Public Events, Field Upgrades and Killstreaks are back to basics: Verdansk in 2020 basics.Cargo Truck. Heli. And More:The return of the helicopter, and four ground vehicles all rebalanced to ensure steering and handling keeps to the spirit of the original iteration of the game.All Gas, No Brakes:Circle Collapse mechanics are just how you remember them from five years ago with Loadout Drops at the second and fifth circles. So-called endgame dead zones have been minimized.Going Up in the World:Exterior Ascenders are coming to Verdansk, but later in the season in Battle Royale Modes, after the original March 2020 gameplay mechanics are employed (before Ascenders came to the game). Rooftop exploits however, are mitigated.Verdansk Opens Up:As Season 03 progresses, expect the first Points of Interest to open up. This is just the start of the map adjustments you can expect over the multiple seasons to come. Explore areas both topside and below ground, drop onto a moving train, and uncover [[REDACTED]] and more at Mid-Season.QOL Updates:A variety of quality-of-life updates also hits Call of Duty: Warzone, including Squad Redeploys at Buy Stations, Attachment description at Weapon Inspects, detailed Death recaps in game, and, coming later in the season, a HUD flag so you know exactly when your Loadout is available to buy.Secrets of Verdansk:There are more revelations, Easter Eggs, and hidden clues to [[REDACTED]] than ever before, across Season 03 and beyond.Ruck up! Youre headed to the war zone!With the arrival of the most important map in Call of Duty: Warzones history, this has resulted in the return of many fan-favorite features; numerous back to basics gameplay elements that harken back to the very first iteration of the game, along with the latest in current and fan-favorite mechanics, all without sacrificing what made Verdansk so special in the first place.The introduction of Black Ops 6's Omnimovement has been a major steppingstone for the game, establishing a new foundation for player movement. Initially, Call of Duty: Warzone adopted movement values directly from Multiplayer with good intent, but adjustments are needed to better align with the unique demands of Call of Duty: Warzones map and engagement styles.Season 03 serves as an opportunity to fine-tune player movement by slightly scaling back some of the speed increases introduced over the past several months. These adjustments bring movement more in line with what players experienced in the early days of Call of Duty: Warzone.Additionally, changes are being made to omni-sprint speed scaling and slide friction to address the strength of strafe engagements while preserving the feel of sprint-strafe reloading and general movement.150 Players, Original Announcer, Original Cinematics, Shoot During Infil (Launch)150 Players:Battle Royale returns to Verdansk with large-scale, battle-tested Operator player counts to match the original experience. Those hot drops will never have felt hotter, and 30 additional rivals ensure you have targets to acquire all the way to the final circle.Original Announcer:Radioing in from the joint operations base, the original Announcer sometimes known as UK Team Leader with a similar accent to Captain Price is back, and so is the jostling for position before the drop out of the original cargo plane over Verdansk.Shooting During Freefall:On your way down from an Infil (or return to action after success in the Gulag, drop from a Heli, or airborne descent from a high building), youre able to switch between the gentle glide of a parachute to a freefall plummet, which is optimal if you want to clear the skies of enemies also dropping in: Shooting During Freefall is back! Draw your starting weapon the 9mm PM Pistol and eliminate foes, or cause some damage before facing them on the ground!Infil and Exfil Cinematics:At Infil, expect to step out from the bay of a giant cargo plane that looms out of the clouds, and for those Operators skilled enough, expect the classic Exfil helicopter to drop a rope for a final escape from the encroaching gas, once all threats are neutralized. Then figuratively press F to pay respects to the defeated squads you dominated on your path to match victory!Original Supply Box Colors, Original Floating Loot, Original Armor Satchel (Launch)Original Supply Box Colors:Once youre on the ground, its time to loot: Youre likely to hear the familiar original hum of a Supply Box before you see one. The crates themselves are the original ones; the gray-colored regular crates and more legendary orange crates, along with special supply crates with yellow markings that are accessed during Scavenger Contracts.Original Floating Loot:As expected, ground loot whether found at a Buy Station, Supply Crate, or after inspecting a downed foe is color-coded based on rarity and now springs out of a crate in a variety of directions and floats a few inches off the ground, just as it did originally.Current Reusable Supply Box:The darker blue Supply Boxes that are refilled as the match progresses are also available across Verdansk.Original Armor Satchel:The original Armor Satchel first added during Season 03 Reloaded of Modern Warfare 2019 is also back, enabling eight Armor Plates to be carried instead of the normal five without the Satchel. The Armor Satchel is found in Supply Crates or as ground loot.The original Armor Satchel takes the place of the current Armor Satchel. All other Satchel types (the Ammo Satchel) are removed, allowing for as close an original Verdansk experience as possible.Current Loot Pool, Current Loot User Interface, Current Loadouts (Launch)Current Loot Pool:Expect the type of loot you find on the ground, from fallen enemies, and in crates to be based on the selection of armaments you can choose from currently in Call of Duty: Warzone. This includes Weapons (Primary, Pistol, Melee), Tacticals, and Lethals. See below for the available Field Upgrades and Killstreaks, which are based on those available originally.Current Loot User Interface:Each item you look at has the current GUI system applied to it, allowing for simple, at-a-glance information and rarity value with attachments for rarer blueprint weapons.Current Loadouts and Perks:Before Infil to Verdansk, youre able to create multiple Custom Loadouts as normal to use in-match, with the full selection of MWII, MWIII, and BO6 weapons and equipment. This includes Weapons (Primary, Pistol, Melee), Tacticals, Lethals, three Perks, and a Wildcard.High Value Loot Zones (Launch, Mid-Season)Introduced during Modern Warfare III and now coming to Verdansk, recognizable Points of Interest across the map may be identified as High Value Loot Zones. Get there before the enemy and youll be rewarded with higher tier loot than normal, with gear sometimes related to the type of POI it appears in. Watch out though; the entire lobby may be on their way to claim it too!This looting meta also gets a significant update at mid-season, as additional Zones within named POIs begin to appear across Verdansk.Original Buy Station Inventory, Original Buy Station Placement (Launch)Its time to retrain your muscle memory and remember where all the Verdansk Buy Stations appeared, as these equipment hubs appear semi-randomly across Verdansk in the same places they spawned originally. Near the Comms Tower just south of TV Station? In the parking lot of Superstore? These are just two of the placements from the dozens of possible Buy Station locations. Expect a subset of the total Buy Station placements to appear during each match.Interact with a Buy Station, and youll discover its pretty much identical to the original inventory interface, even down to the vertical list of purchases (with the Equipment type under the name, and icons added for quicker visualization). The actual inventory you can purchase has also been scaled back to match that of the original Verdansk; the only Balloons you can buy now are Plunder-related!Also note theres additional Buy Station items to buy in Plunder, mimicking those in the original game mode.Current: Specialist Perk (Mid-Season)One of the most important items of all from the current iteration of the game is set to be added into Buy Station inventories at the Season 03 Reloaded update. Perhaps its also hidden elsewhere?Current Call of Duty: Warzone Equipment (Launch)As part of your preferred Loadouts, the choices of Tactical and Lethal Equipment span across multiple Call of Duty games (MWII, MWIII, and BO6), based on the selection currently available in Call of Duty: Warzone.Equipment: Retro Refresh (Launch)Munitions and Equipment available as floating loot takes the appearance of items you remember originally. The pool of Lethal and Tactical Equipment in Verdansk has been adjusted to be closer to what was originally available when players first dropped into the field. The list is as follows:Field Upgrades:Munitions Box, Heartbeat Sensor, Deployable Cover, P.D.S. (Decontamination Station), Trophy System, Loadout Drop Marker (Grenade and Crate), Armor Box, Recon Drone.Killstreaks:UAV, Advanced UAV, Precision Airstrike, Cluster Strike, Bunker Buster.Equipment:Flash Bang, Smoke Grenade, Concussion Grenade, Decoy Grenade, Snapshot Grenade, Stim, Frag Grenade, Semtex Grenade, C4, Spring Mine, Molotov, Throwing Knife.Note!Not all the Field Upgrades and Killstreaks will be available in Verdansk at launch. Expect additional content within these equipment types at mid-season and across future seasons. Remember, this retro refresh is for items appearing as floating loot within a match. Equipment you use with a visual component (holding the Heartbeat Sensor for example) is likely to reflect the current model.Returning Lethal: Thermite (Launch)Explosive incendiary device that sticks to surfaces. Burns fiercely for a short while after impact and effective against vehicles. Sticks to all surfaces.Whether youre preventing enemies from entering a tenement bloc doorway or wanting a sticky incendiary takedown that damages over time, Thermite is likely to be a game-changer.Though not guaranteed to down an opponent, Thermite is extremely effective at burning enemies, as well as vehicles to an explosive finish. Find it in loot or as part of your Loadout.Original Armor Box, Deployable Cover, Heartbeat Sensor, Munitions Box, Recon Drone, Trophy System (Launch)Time for a bit of argy bargy!The range of Field Upgrades to scavenge or purchase in Verdansk is based on the available equipment from the original Battle Royale Mode:Armor Box (Loot, Buy Station Inventory):Deploy a box of armor for you and your teammates. The box can also act as an explosive device if fired at or close to another detonation.Deployable Cover (Loot):Portable, rapidly deployable ballistic cover. Once deploys, it forms a protective barrier covering the Operator from the waist down if standing. Use it or mount weapons on it.Heartbeat Sensor (Loot, Updated):AKA the baby monitor, this limited-use tablet displays rough information about nearby enemies using the current interface. The device is no longer a Tactical (it is now a Field Upgrade) and uses the more upgraded awareness system of the current model, with faster detection at greater distances.Munitions Box (Loot, Buy Station Inventory):Deploy a box of ammo and equipment for you and your teammates. Expect to refill your Primary, Secondary, Tactical, and Lethal weaponry if you interact with it. The box can also act as an explosive device if fired at or close to another detonation.Recon Drone (Loot):Remote controlled drone that marks enemies and also offers tactical visuals across the area around the Operator. It cannot mark enemies with the Cold Blooded Perk and is easily shot down.Trophy System (Loot):Deployable autonomous defense system that destroys up to three nearby pieces of equipment and projectiles. Useful to affix to a vehicle, or in a location you dont wish to leave. Is the Big Bertha meta back?Returning Field Upgrade: Portable Decontamination Station (Mid-Season)Drop this Field Upgrade to protect yourself from encroaching gas, adding to the tactical options in end-game scenarios.Original Cluster (Mortar) Strike, Precision Airstrike, UAV (Launch)The selection of support Killstreaks echoes those available in March 2020, with the Cluster Strike, Precision Airstrike, and UAV (revealing enemies on your Tac-Map for a short period of time) available. The current Advanced UAV (showing enemies over a wider area with increased sweep frequency) is also added to this line-up due to its added tactical benefits though it is only available if players use three consecutive UAVs. All Killstreaks are available from the Buy Station or as ground loot.Current Bunker Buster (Mid-Season)Scheduled for arrival at mid-season, the available Killstreaks are expanded with the arrival of vertical explosive ordnance; the Bunker Buster, which could be the weaponry you need to pry foes dug inside apartment building interiors.Original Bounty, Most Wanted, Scavenger Contracts (Launch)Three of the Contracts currently available in Call of Duty: Warzone are confirmed for Verdansk, coming in their original iterations:Bounty:Hunt down a player within an enemy squad using your Tac Map to see the approximate location of your quarry.Eliminate the target before another team can! Eliminating your target will award your team with cash and a UAV ping centering on your fallen targets location.Most Wanted:Let the enemy come to you by marking yourself as a most wanted target. A large crown icon appears around you and your squad for all rival Operators to see. The next few minutes are deceptively simple; just survive with your squad until the timer ticks down. Killing enemies and opening supply caches will lower the amount of time you need to survive the mark! Surviving the mark will respawn all your eliminated squad mates and award you with a nice sum of cash.Scavenger:Three special Supply Crates are indicated by an icon on your Tac Map. Once the first one is opened, the second is marked, followed by the third once both boxes are collected. Reach and open each yellow-glowing Crate for a chance at rarer loot, a guaranteed armor satchel from the final box, and a direct injection of cash.Returning Original Contract: Recon (Launch)Recon that point, soldier!Original Contracts are back: Find the rugged tablet with the flag icon and activate this to update your Tac Map, and advance to an objective marker. You and your squad need to stand within a small radius around the objective a comms station and upload data. The more squadmates are nearby, the quicker the capture. Complete the upload for Loot and Cash along with a peek at the next safe area to reach, via a yellow circle on your Tac Map. Just be aware theres a flare fired skyward as youre capturing, which can attract rivals. But the results are worth it, especially as finishing multiple Recons stacks the reward allowing you to see several safe areas.Returning Original Contract: Supply Run (Launch)Race to the Buy Station, soldier!Pinpoint a tablet computer with a timer icon and activate the Supply Run Contract, which marks out a specific Buy Station for you or your squad to reach within the allotted time. Get there for a Cash reward and Firesale prices on most items. Even better, theres no cost for picking up a Self-Revive Kit or redeploying a fallen teammate. The Loadout Drop Marker is not discounted.Returning Feature: Contract Multipliers (Launch)Contract payout increased!Keep an eye on completing contracts throughout an entire match, as the original Contract Multiplier system is back! This is an additive bonus to each completed contract payout after the first one, which increases every time you or your squad successfully completes a contract. Need cash fast? Then consider the following:Complete more than one contract for additional bonus money. The type of contract isnt important; finish any contract you like!Every contract across Verdansk receives an additive bonus 30 percent to its cash payout.The bonus is capped after you finish the fifth contract. And no, this bonus doesnt apply to XP!Returning Contracts: Big Game Bounty, Recon (Train) (Mid-Season)Stay on the train to receive intel on the next gas spread!Big Game Bounty:Band together to place a Big Game Bounty on the player with the most eliminations in the match, then hunt them down and defeat them to earn a 20 second instantly activated Advanced UAV and a tidy sum of cash.Recon (Train):With the arrival of the Train moving around the rail lines of Verdansk at Mid-Season, the returning Recon Contract also becomes available on the trains cargo carriages. Activating this is riskier than a normal recon as data uploads happen on the train itself.Original Fire Sale, Jail Break, Loadout Drop, Restock (Launch)The following in-game Public Events match-changing incidents occurring towards the final circle collapses are confirmed for Verdansk, as one of following three familiar Public Events within a match may (randomly) occur, with more to be revealed at Mid-Season.Fire Sale:Expect major discounts at all Buy Stations for most items.Jail Break:All eliminated players immediately redeploy into the match.Restock:All Supply Crates on the map close and the loot is refreshed, substantially increasing the available loot.Loadout Drop:Additionally, during the second and fifth circle collapses, free loadouts drop from the skies.Original Capture the Flag Gulag Variant (Launch)Fail at victory the first time during a match, and youre sent to the infamous Prison Showers Gulag, for a 1v1 confrontation with the victor redeploying. As with the original Verdansk, all three Gulag variants are returning, along with the optional, raucous rock-throwing from the cellblocks above. For a closer look at all three Gulag variants,check out the Tour of Verdansk Blog here.Though technically a variant, the only way to emerge from the Gulag victorious is to claim the Gulag flag, if defeating your opponent is proving trickier than anticipated. A flag is positioned in the middle of the map, appears after a short time delay. The winning player is the one that either dispatches their rival as normal or captures the flag within the time limit.Heli, Cargo Truck, LTV, Polaris RZR Pro R 4, ATV (Verdansk, Launch)As the topography of Verdansk sometimes favors rapid transportation across the dangerous open terrain, its worth test-driving the five different vehicles coming to the Big Map, including the return of a fan favorite Helicopter.All vehicles are available in the same set of locations to those that appeared in the original map. Additionally, there are no tire punctures or fuel-refilling to worry about; each vehicle has a health meter and when it reaches zero, it explodes and flames out, just as it did originally.All vehicles are receiving a tuning pass. This rebalancing is designed to ensure these handle and steer in the spirit of the original iteration of the game, with more rapid acceleration and handling.Helicopter: AKA HeliA stalwart aircraft for maneuvering across the map with haste, and with rotor blades that can double as slicing and dicing implements, the Heli allows four players (including the pilot) to rule the skies, providing they arent downed by enemy missile or sniper fire. Dropping out of an airborne helicopter and using it as a blunt explosive implement is also a favored tactic.Cargo TruckParked at every Fire Station across the map, this heavy-weight truck is slow to accelerate, lacks swift e-braking and steering maneuvers, but can really take a pounding in the damage department. Offering easy boarding access to and from the flatbed, the rear of the truck also offers a modicum of protection if an Operator drops to a more prone position.LTV: AKA Light Tactical VehicleTaking the place of the SUV from the original Verdansk is the re-tuned LTV. This workhorse of Verdansk offers a mixture of protection and speed and can be swung around tight corners with a well-timed e-brake and enough previous acceleration. It also has reasonable uphill and off-road terrain prowess for up to four Operators. Youre also guaranteed to find one at the Promenade car dealership.Polaris RZR PRO R 4Now wrapped in an understated but formidable matte black finish, this swift, rapid-accelerating off-road tactical RZR has light armor, but excellent handling and power across all types of terrain, with mountain goat-like agility and impressive performance, whether youre weaving through the steep wooded tundra close to Gora Dam or weaving through the burning barricades of Downtown.ATV: AKA All-Terrain VehicleThe Kongo Offroad 4x4 is a two-seater all-terrain machine with almost no protection, but exceptional acceleration, top-speed, maneuverability, and off-road capabilities. Though designed for two Operators to sit back-to-back, perch a third on the front hood for an unconventional increase to your carrying capacity.Youve got gas closing in fast. Get to the safe zone!The collapsing circle of acrid gas that suffocates stragglers and forces Operators to rotate into ever-shrinking arenas performs similarly, and relentlessly, just like in the original map. Expect Loadout Drops during the second and fifth of the six circle collapses, and a wide variety of final locations to claim victory at, though dead zones end-game areas which lack cover or maneuvering choices are being minimized to lessen matches that conclude like the infamous Verdansk Stadium endgame; where it was almost impossible to extricate any teams dug in on the roof.Vertical Ascenders (Launch to Mid-Season)Verdansk returns with the two types of Ascenders you remember Interior and Exterior and there are distinct plans involving each:Interior Ascenders (above):Rope or cables spanning vertical interiors, like the sluice towers of Gora Dam, the inside of the Airport Control Tower, or the Hospital elevator shafts, are accessible at launch in all modes.Exterior Ascenders (above):Ropes up to a yellow L-shaped metal overhang attached to a deck, balcony, or rooftop exterior, are also planned for inclusion in Verdansk. Nowadays these are part of your regular maneuvering, but Exterior Ascenders were completely absent from the original game, and didnt arrive in Verdansk until Modern Warfare 2019s Season 5, almost five months after launch.To maintain the classic feel of Verdansk, expect no Exterior Ascenders to be available at launch in Battle Royale, except in a few, very particular areas where a rival team could exploit the verticality of a building to reach a power position that is almost impossible to overrun. Yes, that means the Stadium will be getting Ascenders. Almost everywhere else, gameplay will be focused on other means of traversal, just as players did five years ago.Then, as Season 03 progresses, Exterior Ascenders are scheduled to be added across Verdansk in Battle Royale modes in the same locations as you remember them.Plunder Mode will have all External Ascenders available at the start of Season 03.Original Train Station Interior Access (Mid-Season)First unlocked during Modern Warfare 2019 Season 5 (August 2020), the interior of the covered footbridge, and a mezzanine shopping mall within the Train Station POI, is scheduled to open, along with a surprise or two!Original Moving Train (Mid-Season)The Verdansk Express; a fearsome-looking train with numerous, loot-filled carriages, is reported to be heading towards the map at Mid-Season. Moving along a pre-determined path in a large circle around much of the rail lines, it cant be controlled by Operatives yet![[REDACTED]] Interior Access (Mid-Season)New areas both on the surface and within subterranean [[REDACTED]] across Verdansk are being actively monitored for signs of [[REDACTED]]. Additionally, partially redacted reports of [[REDACTED]] that havent been seen [[REDACTED]] also tracking intel that [[REDACTED]].A number of additional gameplay enhancements are coming to the game. Be sure to continue consulting the Call of Duty: Warzone Patch Notes for more information on these and other improvements.Squad Redeploy at Buy Stations (Launch)Got more than one Squadmate ready to get back into the action, but only a second or so to buy them back? Then select Redeploy All at the Buy Station, and providing youve got sufficient funds, all teammates can drop back into the action with a single purchase. Naturally, if youre short on cash, you can still choose specific players (likely those with fewer skill issues) to join you back in the match.Weapon Inspect to View Attachments (Launch)Whether youve just picked up a weapon from ground loot, a fallen foe, or a Loadout Drop, you can now immediately see a list of the Attachments the weapon is equipped with at any time by inspecting it. During the inspect, in the bottom-right corner of the screen displayed the icon and name of each Attachment. This feature can be toggled on or off in the Settings > Interface > Gameplay HUD Menu.Prioritize Favorite Loadout in Gunsmith (Launch)Now, when youve finished your preferred Loadout in the Call of Duty: Warzone Gunsmith, and set it to Favorite in the Loadout Options, the Loadout is prioritized and moved to the top of the list.Tac Map Zoom and Centering Settings (Launch)New Tac-Map settings under "Map Assist" offer improved control options: Auto Zoom & Center, Auto Center, Zoom & Center Once, Center Once, and Off giving players flexibility in how their map behaves for better navigation during a match.Detailed Death Recap Widget (Launch)Every time youre eliminated in a match, youre likely to get a glimpse of your opponent and a brief HUD message regarding how they managed to defeat you. This Death Recap will be further augmented with more details showcasing gameplay elements that the attacker utilized during the fight. Current and new recaps include:List of attackers with their name, weapon, damage and hits (this appears currently in Call of Duty: Warzone).Affected by Live Ping:If the enemy had you pinged via line-of-sight.Affected by UAV:If the enemy had you pinged in the minimap via a UAV, UAV Tower (if available), or Advanced UAV.Affected by Unsuppressed Weapon:If firing your weapon revealed your location on the minimap to nearby enemies.As the season progresses, this feature will roll out additional gameplay tracking elements, assisting you in understanding how you were felled in combat, and more importantly... how to get the upper hand in your next fight!Updated Squad Widget (Field Upgrades) (Launch)When playing in Duos, Trios, or Quads, its important to know what your teammates are carrying. Yelling questions over comms is one option. But a better plan is to quickly check the Squad Widget (the HUD in the bottom-left corner of the screen). This lists the members of your Squad, with icons showing their Armor Plates, Gas Mask, and Killstreak. Now the Field Upgrade each Operator is carrying (or a white dot if they arent) is displayed, allowing for at-a-glance information.Ping Duration Settings (Launch)A new setting has been added that lets you control how long pings stay on your screen. Choose from multiple options to make pings disappear quickly or remain visible for longer.You really know Verdansk inside and out!Between March 2020 and December 2021 when Verdansk was an active map, investigations across the combat zone began to reveal a host of hidden items, communications, and evidence, much of it hidden well away from prying eyes. Upon your return to Verdansk, its well worth your time checking out-of-the-way places, searching for clues, and finding [[REDACTED]] allowing you to [[REDACTED]] both old and new. With a wealth of history over the last five years, [[REDACTED]] opening up, [[REDACTED]] including tracking [[REDACTED]] than ever before!Content SummaryMap Management:Welcome to Verdansk and Rebirth Island.Confirmed Modes:150-Player Battle Royale, Plunder, and (at Mid-Season) Ranked Play on Verdansk. Plus; Rebirth Island Resurgence Quads within the Launch Window, with other squad sizes dropping the following week. And a brand-new Battle Royale Casual mode on Verdansk where 28 players and up to 120 Bots can warm up before the main events.Major Launch Event: Major Rewards:Free, major rewards in the Return to Verdansk Event include the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle, two Modern Warfare 2019 Operators for Call of Duty: Warzone only, the infamous Kali Sticks, and a special Verdansk-themed Operator Skin for Caine as the ultimate reward!A new grindset:Four free weapons available at Season 03 launch and during the Return to Verdansk Event are confirmed and detailed, including three Verdansk-era originals: the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle (Call of Duty: Warzone download & launch reward), CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle (Battle Pass Reward), and HDR Sniper Rifle (Battle Pass Reward).Even the classic loading screen is back!Its a fond farewell to Urzikstan, as players wanting to drop into the current Big Map have around one week left to do so before it is retired. Also, itsau revoir(but not goodbye) to Area 99 as the Nevada test site goes on hiatus for a limited time.Returning Maps: Verdansk (Launch), Rebirth Island (Launch Window)Season 03 is dominated by the arrival of Verdansk at launch. Then during the Launch Window, expect Resurgence modes to appear on Rebirth Island as this map drops back into the map pool along with Verdansk.Expect the following Modes as Season 03 progresses:Returning: Battle Royale (Verdansk, Launch)150 Players, 25 Minute MatchesLoot, Upgrade, Survive!The same ruleset, map, Buy Station options, and a host of other features from March 2020 detailed earlier, this is the original Call of Duty: Warzone Battle Royale mode you remember.New: Battle Royale Casual (Verdansk, Launch)148 Players, Players & Bots, 28 Players, up to 120 BotsLoot, Upgrade, Survive, but with a new kind of opponent!Whether youre warming up, want a Battle Royale match that isnt quite as intense as facing off against 149 human opponents, or need to build up your confidence, Battle Royale Casual is likely the game mode for you. Expect the same rules set as BR, and up to 27 other players dropping in with you, but the majority of your opponents will be computer-controlled Bots, who may or may not be experiencing skill issues of varying severity.Like Call of Duty: Warzone Bootcamp, game progression is limited in this mode and results will not count towards or against your stats. This mode also doesnt count towards your eligibility to accessing BR Ranked Play when it arrives at Mid-Season.Returning: Plunder Quads (Verdansk, Launch)100 Players, 20 Minute MatchesFind Cash, Protect Your Cash, Most Cash Wins!Fan-favorite Plunder is back in Verdansk!Collect the highest amount of in-game money, choosing to keep or bank the cash using Balloons or Extraction Points, and claim victory over other teams before the timer runs out. Note this mode launches with all External Ascenders active across the map.Returning: Call of Duty:Warzone Bootcamp(Verdansk, Launch)Training, 44 Players, 12 Humans, 32 Bots, 15 Minute MatchesLoot. Advance. Endure. Refine your Battle Royale Tactics.An updated Call of Duty: Warzone Bootcamp is still available for newer players or those wishing to practice their skills but now takes place across Verdansk. While youre waiting for your squad to assemble, or if you want to easily earn some XP completing missions and earning rewards, drop into a Resurgence-sized section of Verdansk for example, the Karst River Quarry and hunt down up to 32 Bots of varying skill levels.Game progression is limited in this mode and results will not count against your stats. Expect to collect around 50 percent of the normal XP compared to regular Battle Royale.Returning: Resurgence (Rebirth Island, Launch Window)44 Players, 15 Minute MatchesResurgence. Wipe Out. Survive.A favorite mode to many, but one thats difficult to conquer, youre here to survive and redeploy fallen teammates as well as scoring by dispatching enemies, equipment, opening crates, and completing Contracts to return your Squadmates more rapidly. Drop into the fray on Rebirth Island just hours after launch.New: Battle Royale Ranked Play (Verdansk, Mid-Season)150 Players, Trios, Verdansk.Competitive Play. Earn Rewards. Show Your Skill.The mode that never quite made it to Verdansk, Battle Royale Ranked Play is back in a big, big way at Mid-Season! Squad up in your preferred Trio and ensure your dominance over 49 other teams as 150-player Ranked Play hits Call of Duty: Warzones first Battle Royale Map!More Modes at Mid-SeasonExpect Mid-Season to bring additional Modes to Verdansk, including the LTM: High Trip with massive resurgence potential, a special narrator on the comms, and gameplay boosts to leave your enemies in a pile of ash.Activation Dates: April 3 to 15Free Event. Total Rewards: 20, including up to six Instant unlocks for new and veteran playersReassemble the Squad and drop back into your former stomping grounds for an exciting homecoming. The celebration takes the form of a series of challenges scattered across 12 distinct, Event-only zones within Verdansk:Explore:Fight your way across Verdansk and explore12 unique zones.Find Hidden Safes:Discover one Safe in each Zone and open them forexclusive rewards.Special Operator Skin:Safes have a rare chance of awarding anEvent-Exclusive Operator Skin. Will you be one of the lucky few?Firstly, lets talk about the six rewards you can automatically unlock just for accessing Call of Duty: Warzone:Primary Weapon (Assault Rifle):Kilo 141Operator:Domino (available in Call of Duty: Warzone only)Operator:Mil-Sim USEF (available in Call of Duty: Warzone only)Instant Unlocks (Call of Duty: Warzone Veterans):Contrail:Blue LegacyParachute:Coming HomeGunscreen:Like We Never LeftIf you dont take advantage optionally via a special Free Trial of levelling up the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle in the previous 24-hour countdown between the time the Premium Game and Call of Duty: Warzone launched, the weapon becomes available now. Operators Domino and Mil-Sim USEF from Modern Warfare 2019 become available at this time as well and are only accessible in the BO6 section of the Operators Menu in Call of Duty: Warzone. Both Operators are not available in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer or Zombies.The Blue Legacy Contrail, Coming Home Parachute and Like We Never Left Gunscreen are Instant Grat Rewards for Call of Duty: Warzone Veterans only. The game checks your Activision ID, and if you played on the original Verdansk map, or Verdansk 84 on that account, youre awarded with the three previously listed items. Remember to equip them in the Barracks Menu!Note:If for some strange reason youre a Premium player and dont access Call of Duty: Warzone between launch and the end of this Event, the Kilo 141 weapon will become available as an Armory unlock during Season 03.Event Intel Part 1: ExploreOnce the Event begins, you and your Squad are encouraged to explore the entirety of Verdansk in any of the following game modes:Battle RoyaleBattle Royale CasualPlunderThe Event menu restructures the Verdansk map into 12 separate Zones, which usually include one or two major POIs, and a few minor POIs, as detailed in the following map and table:Event Zones & Major and Minor POIsEvent ZoneIncludedMajorand Minor POIs in this Zone01. DamGora Dam, Gora Tunnel, Gora Village, Gora Ridge, Roadside Hamlet02. Military BaseArklov Peak Military Base, Crash Site, Lozoff Pass, Riverside, Grazna Bridge03. QuarryKarst River Quarry, Quarry Offices, Lozoff Pass Village, WHP Camp, Karst Bridge, Rail Tunnel,Gorengard Lumber Yard04. Storage TownStorage Town, Airport(Verdansk International Airport Terminal),Airport(Control Tower Complex)05. SuperstoreAtlas Superstore, Airport Maintenance (Hangars)06. StadiumVerdansk Stadium,BCH TV Station, TV Station Central Plaza, Great Bridge07. Train StationVerdansk Train Station, Junkyard,Zhokov Boneyard, Graveyard, Torsk Bloc, Kart Racing Track,Barakett Promenade (West)08. HospitalVerdansk Hospital, Barakett Promenade (East)09. DowntownDowntown Tavorsk District, West Bridge, Gora Bridge, Tavorsk Bridge10. HillsNovi Grazna Hills, Tavorsk Park,Styor Memorial, Coast11. PortCity of Verdansk Port,Krovnik Farmland12.PrisonZordaya Prison ComplexTip:Consult the Verdansk Tac Atlas for expanded details of all the locations mentioned here.Event Intel Part 2: Find Hidden SafesThe actual missions youre undertaking during this Event is to choose a Zone and thoroughly explore it, looking for Hidden Safes. There are multiple Safes across each Zone. You and your Squad can open as many Hidden Safes as you can find during a match. Each Safe can only be opened once, and when opened, expect an explosive indication (visible to rival teams) that the Safe has been cracked!When you open a Hidden Safe, there are three possible outcomes:Supply Loot:The Hidden Safe contains a variety of ground loot, but no other reward.Zone Reward:The Hidden Safe contains an Event Reward. Each Zone has a specific reward from the first 12 listed below. Each member of your Squad receives the reward.Special Reward:[[REDACTED]].Event Unlocks: Zone Rewards (All Players)Below are the 12 rewards (one available per Zone) you can unlock during the Return to Verdansk Event:Loading Screen:Lets Plan Something!Emblem:Jarvdinsk SpomenikCalling Card:Lumberjack LegendsWeapon Decal:Deathly Chill ReturnWeapon Charm:With Fries, PleaseCalling Card:Breaking NewsFinishing Move:The Back AdjustmentSpray:Love 4 Tha GameEmote:Cheering the SquadToken:Double XP Token (45 minutes)Sticker:Shipping to VerdanskCalling Card:Wheel of GloryEvent Intel Part 3: Mastery Rewards (All Players)Mastery Reward: Kali Sticks:Once your safe-opening skills have yielded dividends and youve acquired all 12 Event Rewards, youre automatically awarded with the infamous melee weapon from Modern Warfare 2019 Season 04 (June 2020); the dual-wielding batons that might just change the melee meta; the Kali Sticks!Special Challenge: Operator Skin (Caine): Trail BlazerBe on the lookout, as opening [[REDACTED]] Hidden Safes also have the [[REDACTED]] chance to grant you the special Trail Blazer Operator Skin for Caine (as shown above).Prior to the Season 03 Announcement Blog on March 27, which fully details all the incoming weapons and special Attachments are covered, its worth detailing the weapons confirmed so far:Primary Weapon: Kilo 141 (Launch)Assault Rifle, Call of Duty: Warzone Download RewardLevels: 42MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments:Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options:Skins, Camos and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).Fully automatic assault rifle with an ergonomic design that improves handling, and a steady fire rate helps stay on target.The Kilo 141 is back and ready to tear it up across Multiplayer andCall of Duty: Warzone.The weapons smooth handling, manageable recoil, and steady fire rate give it room to shine in a variety of combat situations, leaving no doubt as to why the Kilo 141 was a favorite in Verdansk. Now that the location is back, its time to relive the glory days with this hard-hitting Primary Weapon.Players will automatically unlock the Kilo 141 for use inBlack Ops 6andCall of Duty: Warzoneafter downloading and launchingCall of Duty: Warzonefollowing the launch of Season 03.Primary Weapon: CR-56 AMAX (Launch)Assault Rifle, Battle Pass Page 6 HVT Tier Reward, Completion Page Battle Pass BlueprintLevels: 42MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments:Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options:Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).This lightweight 7.62 x 39mm full-auto assault rifle is compact and powerful. Built exclusively for military use, the standard issue rifle is deadly at mid-range combat and easily configured for a variety of assault tactics.Combining high-damage hits with a fast fire rate and good handling, the CR-56 AMAX is the perfect mid-range weapon for downing targets fast. Eliminate enemies in three to four shots up to 25 meters out, leaving plenty left over to chew through equipped armor. Quick reloads get you back into the action fast, a helpful trait no matter how you choose to customize the weapon via Gunsmith.Primary Weapon: HDR (Launch)Sniper Rifle, Battle Pass Page 3 HVT Tier Reward, Page 11 Battle Pass BlueprintLevels: 38MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 5Mastery Badges: YesAttachments:Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options:Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).Anti-material bolt action sniper rifle chambered in 12.7 x 108mm ammunition. Bullets have a lower muzzle velocity but remain devastating even at very long ranges.Veterans of Verdansk know the power of the HDR and the havoc a sniper can inflict with it when stationed in high vantage points like the infamous Airport Control Tower. The weapons long reach and heavy damage make it a favorite of sharpshooters, its distinctive firing sound sending squads running. Add the Reinforced Barrel attachment to further extend your damage range and bullet velocity, and dont forget to hold your breath for difficult shots.Melee Weapon: Kali Sticks (Launch)Melee, Event RewardLevels: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments:NoneCustomize Options:Camos (MP, ZM, WZ).Two-hit kill. Extremely fast attack speed. Short range.The infamous Kali Sticks return, dealing out damage with rapid swings thatll take down your target in a flash. Smack them with fast follow-up hits using the weapons light attack or take them out in a more dramatic fashion by unleashing the heavy attack.Note:Grind the Kilo 141, CR-56 AMAX, and HDR when the full game of Black Ops 6 becomes accessible as part of the 24-hour Free Trial during the Countdown to Verdansk. Read on for more intel!Content SummaryImportant Intel:Call of Duty: Multiplayer, Zombies, and General game content drops a day early on Wednesday April 2, 9AM PT. Call of Duty: Warzone content launches across all platforms 24 hours later, on Thursday April 3, 9AM PT.Free Trial: Play All of Black Ops 6 During 24-Hour Countdown:Pre-load the game, then access Black Ops 6 as a premium player or via a Free Trial withthe entire Season 03 premium gameaccessible for 24 hours, allowing you to grind out some of the new weapons, including the Kilo 141, CR-56 AMAX, and HDR.Welcome Home:At around 9AM PT on April 3rd, expect to access the Call of Duty: Warzone lobby, squad up, and return to Verdansk on console and PC for the first time since December 2021.Prior to the March 27 Season 03 Announcement Blog and Roadmap detailing all new Multiplayer, Zombies, and general content shared with Call of Duty: Warzone, we can confirm that the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 03 launch is planned to roll out across two separate days:Wednesday April 2, 9AM PT:Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, Battle Pass, and general content launches across all platforms.Thursday April 3, 9AM PT:Call of Duty: Warzone content launches across all platforms.Be sure you preload both Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone content files in the hours before launch, as theres plenty of content for all players to enjoy throughout this 24-hour period! Heres a timeline of what to expect:Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, Battle Pass, BlackCell, and general content becomes accessible to all Premium players.Call of Duty: Warzone completely shuts down for 24 hours.Simultaneously, a 24-hour Multiplayer and Zombies Free Trial commences, available to everyone, including all Season 03 Premium content from these two game modes.This Free Trial unlocks it all; allowing you intoeveryBlack Ops 6 Multiplayer Map and all Zombies content, including everything from Season 03 (revealed tomorrow)!Season 03 Battle Pass and BlackCell content, including two free weapons within the Battle Pass, also become available.Additionally, the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle is unlocked for you to use, once you download the Call of Duty: Warzone game files and click on the updated tile. Call of Duty: Warzone wont be available until the next day, but the Kilo 141 will!24-hours Countdown: Wednesday April 2, 9:01AM PT to Thursday April 3, 8:59AM PTA 24-hour Countdown to Verdansk launch timer now begins.Use these 24 hours wisely: This is the very best time to level up all preferred weapons you want to use in Verdansk!Obtain the Kilo 141 for free, optionally pop a couple of 2WXP tokens, and play Black Ops 6 content to unlock attachments and camos, via the Premium game or Free Trial.Get into the proper Grindset: Complete Season 03 Battle Pass Pages (free or paid) to unlock two additional new base weapons; the CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle, and the HDR Sniper Rifle.Stand by for your first return drop into Verdansk; departure is imminent!In-game messaging will direct you to the appropriate menus.Various rewards prior to your first match will be granted (and were detailed earlier in the Event section of this Blog).At around 9:00AM PT, expect to access the Call of Duty: Warzone Lobby, to squad up, and return to Verdansk for the first time since December 2021.Rep Verdansk with all-new apparel, accessories, and collectables inspired by the iconic battlefield that started it all! The Call of Duty Shop is now offering everything from sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, tumblers, and more to celebrate the return of Verdansk.Click here to visit the Call of Duty Shopto view the full collection.Call of Duty: Warzone Verdansk Credits: 2025 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, MODERN WARFARE, 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.(*Verdansk is just as you remember it, but with a few caveats detailed in the blog above)

Every generation or so, a new game genre ascends in popularity, carving out a spot in players hearts, with its breakout hit spawning countless imitators: think the Platformer, the FPS, the Open World, the Soulslike.While dozens of games have followed the path blazed by FromSoftwares seminal Souls games, very few have approached the bar set by Hidetaka Miyazaki and co. Lies of P, with its blend of tight, challenging action and a haunting take on Carlo Collodis The Adventures of Pinocchio, is one such genre standout.Now 18 months since its initial release, Neowiz is finally sharing whats next for Lies of P, the expansion Lies of P: Overture. At last weeks Game Developers Conference (GDC), I was able to sit down with Game Director Ji-won Choi to talk about what we can expect. Xbox Wire: Before we get into the new stuff,I want to ask about the team and what the last 18 months have been like. I think its a year-and-a-half since Lies of P first came out, and so I would love to just sort of start there.Ji-won Choi: If I had to choose one distinctive change from the beginning and then now, 18 months later, its that for the fans, there was a sentiment of worries and concern and that changed to trust, support, and expectation.In our case, that sort of switch also happened to us. First, the worries and concern to modesty, because the lovely reaction and the feedback the fans actually share with us became a constant source of motivation for us to do better.Xbox Wire: Lies of P was a fantastic addition to the Game Pass library in its first year. What was the Xbox/Game Pass partnership experience like in helping to bring Lies of P to the global stage?Ji-won Choi: So, thank you so much for all the love and support that you have shared with us on Xbox, we really appreciate it, and we also want to share our love and appreciation for the fans of Xbox and Lies of P on Xbox. Our goal was always to bring our content to as wide a set of audience around the world as possible and Xbox allowed us to make that happen, and we are very grateful for it. And because of that, we have now heightened expectations to really continue to satisfy and improve our content to an even broader fanbase around the world- so we now have a lot of work to do. Xbox Wire: Lets talk about Overture, the recently revealed DLC expansion. So and Ill try to avoid super spoilery things here at the end of Lies of P, which by the way I wear it as a badge of honor that I did beat the game, theres a scene that seems to imply where Lies of P could go next. I found it a bit surprising that Overture will take us back in time. How was the decision made to see the city of Krat before it fell?Ji-won Choi: Congratulations on beating the game! And yes, the character that we teased about, I can definitively say that that the character is not going to be in the expansion this time. For the expansion, we were putting all our effort into delivering Lies of Ps base game at first when we launched. Even before that, we had an even bigger vision and narratives that we wanted to put in. But because we had to focus on really completing the base game experience as a solid experience without issues, we had to cut out a lot of branches at that point.Now, thanks to all the fans support and love and reception that you shared with us around the world, we now have a chance to really complete the experience that we couldnt deliver at first when we launched the base game. So please consider this extension not as a separate entity, but it is actually the experience Lies of P was supposed to be delivered at first. Now you have the complete experience.Xbox Wire: Im curious how Overture integrates within the main game of Lies of P. Do you need to have completed the main game and then something happens that sends P back in time? Or is this something where a new player can enter as part of their original playthrough, and even bring the new Legion Arms and new moves in the expansion and bring them back to the main game?Ji-won Choi: I cannot quite share with you exactly how the mechanism of how you jump into the expansion, but if you go and play to just about Chapter 9, with all the knowledge base and capability up to that point, it will let you very seamlessly jump into the world of the expansion. That is for the same for anyone who even completes the game at the end; even if you join in after completing the game, or if you join in by just simply playing up to the chapter 9ish, you have a satisfying experience together. So, the content itself is going to be both for the fans who are familiar with the franchise, and for brand new players. Xbox Wire: I watched the recent Overture trailer and then I went and watched some very detailed fan videos that broke down every bit of the trailer frame by frame, to try to guess whats happening. What do you want people to take away from the trailer? Anything they should be paying extra special attention to?Ji-won Choi: I also saw those frame-by-frame analyses from the fans. First of all, that made me realize how much love that we have been receiving from our fan base around the world. I was deeply touched by that. What we wanted to really convey to the fans was quite simple: we wanted to let the fans know that we have gotten a lot of feedback, very meaningful feedback and reception of all kinds for a very long time. And we wanted to deliver content for the fans that they will intuitively know that we listen to them. And thats what we wanted to deliver in our trailer.Xbox Wire: Im very curious about that. Lies that P was made, I would expect, with not a lot of expectations, externally. I mean it looked good, but nobody knew really what to expect. Now people know how good Lies of P is, and are anticipating Overture, so when you hear the fan feedback, Im curious which things you are taking into account, or do you have to shut some of that out to complete your vision?Ji-won Choi: Really meaningful question. We see this whole process as a collaboration and we take it seriously a collaboration between developers and the customers. We carefully study all these elements all together and the key is to understand what we are doing well is resonating, and to understand what were doing wrong and how we identify it and improve upon it. So, when we get this type of feedback to ourselves, there are elements that are easily acceptable, and there are other elements that are sort of debatable, but we dont just discard them. What we usually do is we bring those elements internally to our development team and we get to write it down and we start testing very quickly. Based on that, we can validate if those claims work out well for us or it doesnt. We take it seriously: we test it, and we validate.Xbox Wire: Going back to the trailer, my personal take away is that in the base game, its a very lonely experience most of the time. Yes, you can come back to the Hotel Krat and you get to see other people, which is great. But when youre out in the world, youre alone. And in this trailer, P is not alone very often P blows the horn, and and I think its Aladoro comes smashing through the window, we see this masked stalker fighting alongside P. Is Overture going to be a less lonely affair?Ji-won Choi: The whole feeling of loneliness and any other emotion, thats something thats hard for me to sort of predict What we really focused on was to really elaborate on the attractive characters we started developing. When you play the base game, you see many different characters or actually you only heard of through some hints throughout the game. When you experience the expansion, you will get to learn far more about these characters that we have hinted quite a bit. We want you to make sure that you have a much more thorough and complete experience of the attractive characters that we begin to introduce here again. Xbox Wire: Any final thoughts?Ji-won Choi: To emphasize, Overture combined with the base game is going to be the holistic experience of Lies of P how it was meant to be experienced. Because of that, its highly intertwined together, so what I recommend or suggest to the fans would be to take time, experience the base game in time for our Overture launch, and enjoy.Xbox Wire: This summer, right?Ji-won Choi [enthusiastically!]: This summer! Lies of P: OvertureNEOWIZGet it nowCross the Bounds of TimeLies of P: Overture is a dramatic prequel to the acclaimed soulslike action RPG, Lies of P. It transports you to the city of Krat in its final days of haunting, late-19th-century Belle poque beauty. On the brink of the Puppet Frenzy massacre, you follow a legendary Stalkera mysterious guidethrough untold stories and chilling secrets. As Geppettos deadly puppet, youll journey through Krat and its surroundings, uncover hidden backstories, and face epic battles that shape the past and future of Lies of P.As Geppettos Puppet, you encounter a mysterious artifact that transports you back to Krat in its final days of grandeur. In the shadow of an impending tragedy, your mission is to explore the past and uncover its dark secretshaunted by surprises, loss, and vengeance. The choices you make ripple through the past and present in the world of Lies of P, revealing hidden truths and leaving lasting consequences.Embark on an unforgettable adventure where the symphony of steel clashes with the haunting melody of the unknown. Dare to unravel the mysteries of the past, for in the heart of darkness lies the key to unlocking the secrets of a timeless tale reborn.Geppettos puppet We need your help.Lies of PNEOWIZ663$59.99Get it nowLies of P is a thrilling soulslike that takes the story of Pinocchio, turns it on its head, and sets it against the darkly elegant backdrop of the Belle Epoque era. You are a puppet created by Geppetto whos caught in a web of lies with unimaginable monsters and untrustworthy figures standing between you and the events that have befallen the world of Lies of P.You are awakened by a mysterious voice that guides you through the plagued city of Krat a once lively place that has been poisoned by madness and bloodlust. In our soulslike, you must adapt yourself and your weapons to face untold horrors, untangle the unfathomable secrets of the city's elites and choose whether to confront predicaments with the truth or weave lies to overcome them on the journey to find yourself. A DARKLY ELEGANT AND CRUEL WORLDUnearth the secrets of the city of Krat a place soaked in the style of the Belle Epoque era which once thrived due to its puppet industry and now sees its streets covered in blood.BATTLE WITH TWISTED INSTRUMENTSDevelop a unique combat style to counter vicious enemies and terrain by weaving together dynamic weapon combinations, utilizing the Legion Arms, and activating new abilities.WHATS IN A LIE?There will be times when you will be confronted with choices where you can give comfort to others in sorrow or despair by lyingor you can choose to tell the truth. Carve your own path.A CLASSIC REIMAGINEDExperience the beloved fairy tale of Pinocchio reinterpreted as a dark, grim narrative that allows players to discover the secrets and symbols hidden within the world of Lies of P.

SummaryDemo gives players a first look at the strategic deckbuilding and dungeon-crawling gameplay.Strategic dungeon crawling Build your dungeon, battle through it, collect relics, upgrade your deck, survive.Details on the full release coming May 15.Hi everyone, Im Ben, part of the publishing team and all-round dungeon master here to introduce you to Into the Restless Ruinsa roguelike deckbuilder where you create the dungeon you fight through. Our Scottish friends at Ant Workshop have crafted something truly unique, blending strategy, deckbuilding, and dungeon crawling into one addictive package. And the best part? The demo is available right now on Xbox!Build Your Dungeon, Then Battle Through ItIn Into the Restless Ruins, you dont just explore dungeonsyou create them. Every room, corridor, and connection is determined by the cards you play. Youll expand the ruins using a deck of cards, strategically building out the best path to survive the dangers that await.Your starting deck includes a mix of cards, including:Rooms Create the layout of your dungeon and uncover strategic advantages.Corridors Shape the flow of the dungeon and connect key areas.Boosts Temporary buffs to help you survive each night.Curses Dangerous cards that can increase your corruption or weaken your deck if left un-played.Boons Special bonuses that reward risk-taking and smart planning.Once youve laid down your cards, its time to dive into the dungeon and see how your creation holds up. The games auto-battle system allows you to focus on positioning and strategic decisions while your character automatically attacks enemies. But dont get too comfortableeach night introduces new challenges and enemies as you try to reach the Wardens lair.Track Your Progress with the CompendiumAs you explore the ruins, the Compendium will keep track of everything youve discoveredcards, enemies, relics, and more. Its not just a record; its a strategic tool that helps you plan better for future runs.For example, if you unlock the Portal Gate card, youll gain the ability to place teleporters in the dungeoncritical for quick escapes or navigating large layouts. The Compendium also reveals how to unlock new cards and upgrades, helping you refine your strategy with each run.Friendly Faces in the RuinsNot everyone in the ruins is hostile. Characters from Scottish folklore, like the Hen Wife, can help you on your journey. The Hen Wife allows you to trade relics to upgrade your cards, which can make all the difference when things get tough.Youll also meet the Wulver, a helpful werewolf who trades boost cards for relics. Boost cards offer strategic advantages, such as increasing your attack damage, reducing torch burn rate, or boosting your health regen. Making the right upgrades at the right time could be the difference between success and failure.Push Your Limits with CantripsIf you want to challenge yourself, you can apply Cantripsspecial modifiers that make the game harder but increase your score multiplier.Here are a few examples:Infinite Build No limit on build points each turnbut enemies spawn faster.Sudden Darkness Torchlight burns out twice as fast, shortening your time in the dungeon.Blood Price Boosts your attack power but reduces health gained from relics.Chaos Draw You draw your entire deck each turnbut all cards have Purge, meaning they vanish after use.Stacking Cantrips allows you to create a custom challenge, with bigger risks leading to greater rewards.Soundtrack by Russell NashThe games Scottish roots extend to the soundtrack, composed by Scottish synthwave artist Russell Nash. The music creates a mysterious and tense atmosphere, perfectly complementing the dungeon-building and auto-battle action. The full soundtrack will be available alongside the game at launch.Full Release Coming SoonThe demo is just a taste of whats to come. The full release of Into the Restless Ruins launches on Xbox on May 15 and includes:116 cards across seven categories (Rooms, Corridors, Curses, Boons, Herbs, Trinkets, and Injuries).Six twisted ruins to master.62 creatures, including 6 bosses.40 passive charms to shape your strategy.38 Cantrips to customize your challenge level.12 weapons to discover and upgrade.22 echoes of the past and future to uncover.So, if you think youve got what it takes to build and survive your own dungeon, give the demo a go today! Be sure to follow us on Bluesky // X/Twitter // TikTok // Instagram // Reddit // Website for the latest updates and announcements.Into the Restless Ruins DemoWales Interactive8Get it nowInto the Restless Ruins is a roguelike deckbuilder. Use your deck of cards, representing rooms and corridors, to grow the labyrinth of the ruins. Then auto-battle your way through them, harvesting as much Glimour as you can from the cursed residents before darkness overcomes your torch. Earn favours from the Harvest Maiden, find Relics to trade with the Hen Wife, Wulver and other characters from Scottish folk lore to upgrade and curate your deck, and hope you are strong enough to face The Warden when you can finally reach it. Features Dynamic Deck and Dungeon Building: Create your dungeon as you play, using a variety of cards to place rooms, corridors, and more. Modify your deck by earning the Maidens favour or interacting with characters within the ruins.Strategic Room Synergies: Place rooms like campfires, libraries, and portals strategically to unlock powerful effects and adapt your approach to every challenge.Endless Replayability: Each run offers a new dungeon layout, fresh challenges, and evolving strategies. Unlock rule-changing modifiers, discover hidden echoes, and expand your card pool with every victory.Rooted in Scottish Folklore: Explore a world inspired by Celtic legends, from witches and faeries to the eerie Maiden and her connection to the Harvests, with the option to immerse yourself in the experience by playing in Scottish Gaelic.Evolving Challenges: Confront new dangers with every attempt, from procedurally generated ruins to powerful enemies and artifacts that redefine your strategy.Unlock Hidden Treasures: Discover rare charms, weapons, and lore fragments to shape your journey and uncover the secrets of the Restless Ruins.

In our mission to constantly improve the Xbox platform, March is bringing several updates for players to enjoy. This month were introducing more ways to access games, offering new ways to be rewarded for gaming, and launching additional in-game benefits for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members.Additionally, title activation is now available while playing via Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), allowing for a seamless transition between games. Stream your own game adds more titles for Game Pass Ultimate members to enjoy. And in case you missed it, we also released the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, Rewards points balances are now easier to find Rewards members can now get a $3 Candy Crush gift card, and there are new dynamic backgrounds on console to choose from.Check out the full details for every update below:Unlock more in-game benefits for free-to-play games with Game PassStarting this week, were rolling out even more value to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members with new in-game benefits for free-to-play games. Members will be able to unlock cosmetics, characters, in-game currency, and more for additional games, including Heroes of the Storm, Naraka: Bladepoint, and The Finals. Plus, were adding even more benefits starting in April 2025, like Call of Duty: Warzone and Enlisted. With seasonal content drops, members always have new benefits to look forward to.To find available benefits, launch Xbox on PC:Navigate to the Game Pass tab and click More Benefits to see all in-game benefits.Or explore Home or Game Pass tabs for the in-game benefits section. Click More Games to explore all in-game benefits.Or navigate to a participating games page to see available in-game benefits.Find out the full of list of new benefits available here and keep an eye out for more benefits for additional games in the future.PC GamingA new look for Game Bar on PCPlayers may have noticed that Game Bar has a fresh new look. This marks the beginning of several visual enhancements that will be rolling out this week. The update includes a refreshed design for Game Bar and various utility widgets, including Home Bar, Capture widget, Performance widget, Resource widget, and Widget Store.Additionally, weve made improvements to controller navigation within the Widget Store, ensuring a smoother experience when using Compact Mode on PCs and Windows Handhelds.These visual updates and navigation improvements make Game Bar easier to use, improving the overall gaming experience.Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)Seamlessly shift between games on Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)Were making changes to how players shift between games on Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta), starting with Assassins Creed Shadows this month. Previously, players would need to return to the Xbox.com/play page to switch between games. Now, when playing Assassins Creed Shadows from xbox.com/play, players can directly launch other Assassins Creed games without needing to return to the Home page. For example, Assassins Creed Shadows players can directly launch any of the following four Assassins Creed games: Assassins Creed Origins, Assassins Creed Valhalla, Assassins Creed Odyssey, and Assassins Creed Mirage.This new capability allows for a more immersive and frictionless experience when switching between games.When launching Assassins Creed Shadows, players can select other Assassins Creed games from an in-game hub and see a pop-up with information about each game. They can then directly launch the available Assassins Creed games with one-click from within Assassins Creed Shadows. If the game is not owned or isnt available on the cloud, players will receive a notification. This feature is currently only available with Assassins Creed Shadows and will be extended to additional cloud playable games soon.Stream your own game More cloud playable games are availableThis month, were adding more games to the Stream Your Own Game collection. Game Pass Ultimate members can stream over 50+ cloud playable games on supported devices if they own them.Recently added:Assassins Creed ShadowsGotham KnightsParty AnimalsSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueThe Lord of the Rings: Return to MoriaThe Texas Chain Saw MassacreWobbly LifeComing soon:Planet Coaster 2Planet Zoo: Console EditionRaftShreddersThe Thing: RemasteredAnd moreCheck out the full list of cloud-playable games available to stream on supported devices here. For more information, learn more here.In Case You Missed ItXbox Adaptive JoystickRecently announced, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is available for purchase exclusively at the Microsoft Store. Developed in collaboration with the Gaming and Disability Community, this singular, wired controller is primarily designed to meet the needs of players with limited mobility. Its versatility allows players to seamlessly incorporate the controller into their existing gaming setups. Read more about the Xbox Adaptive Joystick here.Rewards update and $3 Candy Crush gift cardRedeeming Rewards points just got a lot easier: play, claim, redeem, repeat. Navigate to the Microsoft Store on console and find Rewards points and account balance on the left navigation menu. Redeem points for an Xbox gift card straight from the Store to get your next favorite game. This update rolled out to all Rewards eligible regions this month.Besides Xbox gift cards, Rewards points can also be used for a $3 Candy Crush gift card. This comes with 48 hours of unlimited lives so players can continue to solve tasty puzzles while getting rewarded with in-game combos. Go to the Rewards hub on the Xbox profile across devices and look for the Candy Crush gift card in the Rewards catalog. Once redeemed, an email with the gift card code and instructions on how to redeem will be sent to the King account on file (wherever Candy Crush Saga or Candy Crush Soda Saga is played). This is a limited offer, so terms apply.Xbox Consoles More Dynamic BackgroundsThere are now several new dynamic backgrounds to choose from for Xbox Series X|S consoles. Within the last month, weve added dynamic backgrounds for:Microsoft 50th AnniversaryMonster Hunter WildsSea of Thieves: MegalodonSea of Thieves: SunsetSplit FictionTowerborneWWE 2K25Learn how to customize the Xbox console by choosing a dynamic background on this Xbox Support page.Help Shape the Future of XboxStay tuned to Xbox Wire for future updates and the latest and greatest Xbox news. For support related to Xbox updates, visit the official Xbox Support site.We love hearing from the community, whether you have a suggestion for a new feature that youd like to see added, or you want to give feedback on existing features that could use some improvement. Were always looking for ways to improve Xbox experiences for players around the world. If youd like to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Xbox Insider ProgramXbox Series X|S & Xbox OneWindows PC.Happy gaming!

SummaryWildgate was unveiled earlier this week as part of the Dreamhaven Showcase. Engage in crew-based PvP combat with epic shootouts and spaceship battles.Wildgate arrives on Xbox Series X|S later this year, with a community preview playtest coming in April.A few years ago, our studio began work on a brand new project set in a distant galaxy. Yesterday, we revealed Wildgate a team-based shooter featuring out-of-this-world spaceship battles and only three rules: Outsmart. Outrun. Outgun.In Wildgate, players team up in crews of four to venture into a hostile, unpredictable, and mysterious corner of the universe in search of an ancient relic known as the Artifact. While in pursuit of the Artifact, players need to work together to pilot their spacecraft, plunder wreckage, and discover forgotten loot. To win, crews must successfully reach the exit point with the Artifact or go for a domination victory by destroying all rival ships by whatever means necessary.Now, thats just what Wildgate is on paper. But how does it actually play? Lets dive in.Your adventures in Wildgate begin in the Lucky Docks, an old mining base on the edge of the infamous Typhon Reach (aka the Reach).The Lucky Docks serves as the games lobby, and from there, you can put together a pre-made crew or queue up solo. Each match of Wildgate will host five crews of up to four players, or 20 players total; once a full session is formed, youll all drop into the launching bay for final pre-launch checks before heading into the Reach.Dive Into The ReachThe Reach is your game map; its where every match of Wildgate takes place. The vast interstellar cloud formations and hazards of the Reach are procedurally-generated, which means its size, shape, layout, encounters, and moreas well as the location of the Artifact itselfis unknown when you first enter. No two matches of Wildgate are ever the same, and danger lurks around every corner.What kind of danger? Asteroids. Storms. Mines. Rogue turrets. Reach Leeches. (So many leeches) Some you can avoid. Others, you can protect yourself and your crew from with a few lucky upgrades. For the rest, wellthose youll just need to destroy outright, before they damage your ship.All Hands on DeckIn Wildgate, players are known as Prospectors. What brings each Prospector to the Reach might vary (fame, fortune, scientific advancement, the thrill of adventure), but theres one goal they all shareand thats to retrieve the Artifact.Your mission is simple: get in, get the Artifact, and get out. But you and your crew arent alone in the Reach! Four other crews of Prospectors are also searching for the Artifact and theyll do anything to get to it before you do. So, youll need to work together if you want to make it out in one piece. And to do that, you need a ship.For each and every match of Wildgate, your ship is your lifelineand the right ship could give you an edge. Some ships, like the Hunter and Scout, are smaller and faster, but they have fewer turret emplacements and hardpoints and their shields may not last as long. While others, like the Bastion, are larger and more durable; but dont expect to sneak up on any rival crews (theyll see you coming from a mile away).Whatever ship youre on, just remember one thing: As long as your ship is intact, so is your crew. Youll need to work together to pilot your ship into and out of combat, use its weapons to attack rival crews, fight fires, repair broken equipment, activate devices, and defend against enemy boarders.Fly Around and Find OutTheres plenty to do once youre in the Reach!While one crew member pilots, others can go offboard to collect important resources, or stay inside to use one of your ships probe stations. Probes are great to discover whats nearbylike rival ships, points of interest (POIs), and maybe even your exit point (the eponymous Wildgate). POIs are filled with PvE encounters and are scattered across the Reach, and completing them will unlock critical upgrades for ship, like better weapons, shields, and security devices to keep you and your crew safe.You may also find some personal itemsbe sure to bring these back to your ship so you can use them in later phases of the game.But the best loot of all? The Artifact, of course.Outrun or OutgunHidden somewhere within the Reach is the coveted Arifact, and if your crew is lucky enough to discover its location firstcongratulations! Now its up to you how you wish to proceed: grab it and make a mad dash for the exit, or lay in wait and set a trap for other Prospectors looking for the big score.If your crew chooses to make a run for it, youll need to fly the Artifact through an active Wildgate. Fair warning though: Grabbing the Artifact will alert rival Prospectors in the Reach (as well as reveal your location on their maps), and in most cases: battle will soon begin. Get ready to be attacked and/or boarded as other crews may attempt to steal the Artifact from youor outright destroy your ship to eliminate you from combat.Whatever you decide, the goal is to escape with the Artifact or be the last crew standing. And while not everything in the Reach may go as you plannedyoull always leave with one heck of a story.Wildgate is coming is to Xbox Series X|S later this year, but our first community preview playtest begins in just a few weeks! Sign up today to join us in the Reach on April 11-14 at playwildgate.com.

Starting this week, were rolling out even more value to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members with in-game benefits for free-to-play games.Members will get items like cosmetics, characters, in-game currency, and more for additional games, including Heroes of the Storm, Naraka: Bladepoint, and The Finals. Plus, were adding even more benefits starting in April 2025, like Call of Duty: Warzone and Enlisted. With seasonal content drops, members always have new benefits to look forward to.These new additions expand upon existing in-game benefits, including unlocking the full roster of champions in League of Legends, six skins in Overwatch 2, all Agents in Valorant, and more. Whether its customization, personalization, or progression, players get even more from Game Pass.To access all these in-game benefits, Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members just need to log in with their Xbox profile or link their Xbox profile with each games account. Then, simply launch the game with Xbox on PC or console and your extra benefits will be available in-game. For Game Pass Ultimate members, these benefits will be available when playing with Xbox across cloud, console and PC.New In-Game Benefits Coming to Game PassStarting this week, Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members will have access to in-game benefits for the following games:Heroes of the Storm (PC) Link your Battle.net accountIn this realm between realms, anything is possible play and unlock 30 Heroes from across Blizzard Entertainments universes as we welcome you to the Nexus!Naraka: Bladepoint (Cloud, Console, and PC) Use your Xbox profile to log inUnlock all heroes, exclusive Xbox headgear, and the Phoenix Princess Pack (Justina Gu).Smite 2 (Console and PC) Link your accountUnlock the exclusive High Velocity Hecate Skin, 5 gods (Ares, Anhur, Hecate, Hercules and Nemesis), the OP Title, and GG Emote with the Smite 2 Welcome Pack.The Finals (Xbox Series X|S and PC) Link your Embark IDUnlock the Stryker Grid Set, sponsored by Ivada, featuring a full outfit, three weapon skins, a charm, and a 25% boost to Match XP. Players also unlock 500 Multibucks when they claim their prize!Well be bringing even more in-game benefits for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members regularly. Starting in April 2025, players will get access to in-game benefits for the following titles:Asphalt Legends UniteCall of Duty: WarzoneEnlistedWar ThunderPlus, Dont Miss These Existing In-Game BenefitsGame Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can also take advantage of existing benefits for Overwatch 2, League of Legends, Valorant, and more when they link their Xbox account.Genshin Impact (Console) Link your HoYoverse accountTravelers who reach Adventure Rank 2 will unlock the Wings of Fates Course Intertwined as a gift in their in-game mailbox upon logging into Genshin Impact on Xbox. Plus, unlock Intertwined Fate 2, Northlander Billet Trove 1, Heros Wit 10, Mora 100,000, and Mystic Enhancement Ore 15.League of Legends (PC) Link your Riot accountUnlock all 160+ champions, get day one access to new champions, and enjoy a 20% XP Boost to account leveling.Legends of Runeterra (PC) Link your Riot accountUnlock all cards in the Foundations Set.Overwatch 2 (Console and PC) Link your Battle.net accountUnlock six skins, including Cardboard Reinhardt and Turtleship D.Va! Plus, youll get a one-time grant of 30 Mythic Prisms, and a 10% XP boost with access to Shop cosmetics from the past three seasons (excludes Battle Pass, Collab, Mythic, and other Promotional content).Teamfight Tactics (PC) Link your Riot accountUnlock 1-Star Rare Little Legend Tacticians and 1 skin on a monthly rotation.Valorant (Console and PC) Link your Riot accountUnlock all Agents, get day-one access to new Agents, and enjoy a 20% Match XP Boost to Battle Pass, Event Pass, and active Agent Contract progress.In-game Benefits Are Getting Easier to FindStarting this week, were making it even easier for players to discover the in-game benefits available with their Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass memberships.Launch Xbox on PC, navigate to the Game Pass tab and click More Benefits, or navigate to a participating games page to see available in-game benefits.Getting StartedStep 1: Become a Game Pass memberJoin Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass to get in-game benefits for some of the biggest free-to-play games.Step 2: Link your Xbox profileLaunch a participating game and sign in with your Xbox profile, or navigate to a participating games website and link your Xbox profile with your game account.Step 3: Claim your benefits with Xbox on PC or consoleLaunch the participating game with Xbox on PC or console and your benefits will be available in-game.We cant wait to see how you customize, personalize, and progress with Game Pass. Be the first to learn about future updates by looking for the Coming Soon to Game Pass announcements on Xbox Wire.To learn more about eligibility for these benefits, players can reference the table below:GameAccountHelp ArticleHeroes of the StormBattle.net accounthttps://us.battle.net/support/en/article/357105Overwatch 2Battle.net accounthttps://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24107758/The FinalsEmbark IDhttps://id.embark.games/the-finals/support/faq/70-account-faqEnlistedGaijin accountLog in with your Xbox profileWar ThunderGaijin accountLog in with your Xbox profileAsphalt Legends UniteGameloft Club accounthttps://gameloft.helpshift.com/hc/en/15-asphalt-legends-unite/faq/640-how-do-i-link-my-account-to-save-or-transfer-my-progress/Genshin ImpactHoyoverse accounthttps://genshin.hoyoverse.com/en/news/detail/126848Naraka: BladepointNaraka: Bladepoint accountLog in with your Xbox profileLeague of LegendsRiot accounthttps://www.riotgames.com/en/riot-game-pass-benefitsLegends of RuneterraRiot accounthttps://www.riotgames.com/en/riot-game-pass-benefitsTeamfight TacticsRiot accounthttps://www.riotgames.com/en/riot-game-pass-benefitsValorantRiot accounthttps://www.riotgames.com/en/riot-game-pass-benefitsSmite 2Smite 2 accounthttps://support.hirezstudios.com/en/articles/10366500-smite-2-account-linking-instructions-faq

The year is flying by, and March came through with the heavy hitters and inevitably that means youre hit with decision paralysis. Believe me, weve all been there. Theres a lot of great games out there and it can be hard to hear the call to adventure amongst all the chatter. Dont you worry, the ID@Xbox team have handpicked six Indie Selects that will kickstart your next big adventure.Be warned: some of these daring escapades are more than meets the eye. You may uncover a demon world or two, find heroism in a little slimeball, or you might find that diving into personal grief and trauma could be its own harrowing, cathartic and surprisingly melodic adventure. Dont ask questions, just take a leap of faith and raid some tombs with us, because March Selects are calling! Heres what weve got for you this month (in no particular order):Lost Records: Bloom & RageDont Nod, the creators of the OG Life is Strange, return to the narrative adventure genre to deliver a tale of four young girls who experience an unforgettable summer filled with coming-of-age hijinks and something more inexplicable. That mystery thread of what happened? kickstarts a current day reunion of friends piecing together their adolescence to resolve what exactly transpired during thatfateful summer an experience still affecting them now. This is the first chapter, with a second installment arriving in mid-April.I loved the original Life is Strange series with its young adult angst, ennui, and sci-fi reality bending. It made those classic, outsized teenage the world is ending! dilemmas 100% literal in the case of protags Max and Chloe. Dont Nod revisit that vibe but find a way to ratchet up the stakes and vagaries that surround the journey of Swann and her childhood friends by taking the teens in trouble trope and toeing the line in urgency between the feel-goodness of an all-girls Gooniesand the not-so-feel-goodness of Showtimes Yellowjackets.The nerdy, always camcorder-ing Swann navigates shyness and her pending move out of small-town America via narrative, choice-based relationship building in a way that punched a familiar knot of dread in my tummy, no matter whether it was the threats of bullies or otherworldly situations. But throughout, the script, VO, and attention to circa-1995 details do wonders in grounding the experience of pre-social media adolescence. Im now very excited for the second chapter to drop, not least for the amazing, period-perfect soundtrack (a Dont Nod specialty). One serious Cocteau Twins needle drop may just have 80s and 90s shoegaze kids digging deep into their 4AD record label era a throwback Im still luxuriating in.Lost Records: Bloom & RageDON'T NOD156$39.99Get it nowRewind back to the 90s and live the defining summer of four high school girls as they forge bonds through their growing friendship, their punk band, and an unexplained event that will forever change their lives. Experience the story in two thrilling parts! Tape 1, "Bloom", launches February 18 and Tape 2, "Rage", launches April 15. Rage will become available as a free downloadable update when it is released.A 27-YEAR PROMISE Navigate between dual timelines and shape both narratives in 1995 and 2022 with each offering a piece of the larger puzzle: the life-changing secrets they uncovered back then and why theyre reuniting now, after all these years. Together, in this place, theyre forced to try and remember clearly the fateful memories that have eluded them for the past 27 years. CAPTURE & CONNECT Connect with your newfound sisterhood through lifelike interactions and conversations that feel real: engage in immersive dialogue that changes based on where you look and what you say; where you can do things like interrupt and ignore. Grab your camcorder and explore, filming Velvet Cove and capturing the essence of its people, places, and lush nature. Film just for the fun of it or try to find the dark secrets tucked away. GIRLS TO THE FRONT Play as Swann and get to know your new friends, each with their own lives and battles. Come out of your shell and embrace rebellion over the summer as you form friendships with Nora, Autumn, and Kat. Through your actions and words, youll shape your relationships with each of them on your journey to self-discovery. Will your bond wither over the years or will it feel like you were barely separated at all? A NOSTALGIC DREAMSCAPEIn a picturesque corner of Michigan in 1995 lies the seemingly sleepy little town of Velvet Cove. Between dense woodlands and serene lakes, its a place where beauty meets the bizarre. Cloaked in a carefully crafted dreampop soundtrack that blends nostalgia and ethereal vibes, youll definitely find it all nice and relaxingSorry Were ClosedA celestial mystery filled with demonic delights and heavenly bodies; Sorry Were Closed is an absolute treat. You play as Michelle, a lonely shopkeeper working in an odd London neighborhood with a bizarre and colorful cast of characters. Her reality cracks after a harrowing visit from a sleep-paralysis demon who is infatuated with Michelles heartache. And from there, all hell breaks loose (Im sorry, I couldnt resist).This retro-style survival horror is inspired by the halcyon days of the genre and utilizes its classic fixed camera angle. For the uninitiated, this can take some getting used to. While this design choice can initially seem limiting, it offers a more cinematic and thoughtfully paced experience, which is crucial for quality mystery storytelling. But its not all old-school, as the developers at La Mode Games have added a twist in the form of first-person combat. Youll need to switch into first-person mode on the fly, while using your demonic third eye to stun demons and exploit their weak hearts. This becomes a delicate balance while youre in first-person mode, Michelle is unable to move, adding a layer of tension and strategy to the combat that kept it feeling engaging.Where things really start cooking are the incredible art style and stellar soundtrack. The combination of classic graphics and painterly character art make this a beautiful blend of old and new, while the soundtrack features catchy hip-hop and hauntingly chill beats, with a menu theme that I left on in the background for hours while I was working. Seriously, its on right now.If you find yourself in the mood for some retro-horror and quality storytelling, Sorry Were Closed is an absolute must play.Sorry We're ClosedAkupara Games45$24.99Get it nowFree TrialSorry We're Closed is an eccentric story-driven survival horror game about angels and demons that mixes fixed-camera exploration and arcade-style shooting. Michelle must use her Third Eye to see between worlds and uncover secrets.Follow the final days of Michelle as she battles to break the curse placed on her by a powerful archdemon looking for love. Help (or hinder!) the lives of curious residents in Michelles bustling London borough as she pursues freedom from her own untimely demise.Sorry We're Closed is a fusion of nostalgic survival horror with a new perspective on combat, combining atmospheric environments with fixed-camera angles and the thrill of arcade-style first person shooting. Collect items and manage resources to help Michelle survive. Optional tank controls are available for those who enjoy the classic survival horror experience.Michelles time is split between the perilous demon world and mingling with the locals on her residential street. Everyones battling their own inner demons and through Michelle you can help guide them. Multiple endings are available through RPG-style dialogue interactions with the extravagant cast.Afterlove EPHave you ever played a game that felt like it was speaking directly to your soul? Afterlove EP is one of those gems. Its a unique blend of visual novel, narrative adventure, and rhythm game set in the bustling city of Jakarta, Indonesia. You step into the shoes of Rama, an indie band frontman whos grieving the loss of his girlfriend, Cinta. From the moment you start, youre drawn into his world of sorrow and hope.The game kicks off a year after Cintas death, and Rama has pretty much isolated himself from his bandmates and life in general. Your mission? Help Rama navigate his grief, reconnect with his bandmates, and prepare for a comeback show that could change everything. Sounds intense, right?Over the course of 28 in-game days, you guide Rama through various activities. Each day brings new opportunities to mend neglected relationships, form new ones, pick up your guitar, and get ready for that critical gig! The choices you make will shape Ramas journey, leading to branching storylines and multiple endings. And who likes rhythm game elements? This guy! They add a real interactive layer to the narrative, letting you immerse yourself in the music and emotions that drive Ramas story (fair warning: you may want to bring tissues).The games art style is a splendid recreation of 21st Century Jakarta, with vibrant hand-drawn visuals that bring the city to life. As you explore the streets, youll encounter bustling markets, serene parks, and lively cafes, each contributing to the immersive experience. The soundtrack, composed by Indonesian musicians, enhances the emotional impact of the game. The melodies resonate with Ramas feelings, creating a powerful connection between you and the character.Playing Afterlove EP was a profoundly personal experience. As I joined Rama through his emotional journey, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with loss and recovery. The games deep narrative and rhythm elements work together to create a captivating and emotionally resonant experience. If, like me, you enjoy games like Florence, which also combines narrative and rhythm elements, youll find Afterlove EP equally compelling. Its a testament to the raw power of indie games to tell deeply personal and emotionally impactful stories. If you havent played it yet, now is the perfect time to dive into the melodic world of Afterlove EP and experience this emotional journey for yourself.Afterlove EPFellow Traveller5$19.99Get it nowTaking place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, Afterlove EP is a blend of visual novel, narrative adventure and rhythm game from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.Step into the shoes of Rama, a young musician struggling to move on with life after the death of their girlfriend, Cinta.Whilst his close friends and bandmates are all determined to help him move on, Rama has been stuck for more than a year. Hes neglecting his music, his mental health and his relationships. Making things harder, hes hearing Cintas voice inside his head, unsure if she is a spirit or part of his imagination.Now he has just one month to get it together! Ramas band has a critical gig in one months time. Either he gets serious about his music and delivers the new songs he has been promising or the band will move on without him.KEY FEATURES An emotional new story from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After. Set in a vibrant and authentic recreation of modern day Jakarta, Indonesia A blend of narrative adventure, visual novel and rhythm game elements explore, talk, jam out! Multiple endings and story paths over 28 days and nights, it will be your choices that determine the path Rama takes. Featuring the distinctive art of renowned Indonesian indie-manga artist, Soyatu. Featuring an original soundtrack from popular Indonesian band, Lalphalpha.Tomb Raider IV-VI RemasteredIf youre a fan of action-adventure games, the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection has got to be on your list. This collection brings together three classic titles from the iconic series, beautifully remastered for modern platforms by indie publisher and developer Aspyr. These games follow the adventures of Lara Croft, the fearless archaeologist, as she explores ancient tombs, solves intricate puzzles, and battles formidable foes. The genre is a perfect blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving, offering a rich and immersive experience.I remember the first time I played Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (Tomb Raider IV). The sense of wonder and excitement as I guided Lara through the ancient ruins of Egypt was unparalleled. The remastered version has only enhanced that experience, with graphics that would have stunned me back then, and improved controls that make the gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. Its like revisiting an old friend, but with a fresh new look.Tomb Raider Chronicles (Tomb Raider V) and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (Tomb Raider VI) continue Laras adventures, each with its unique storyline and challenges. Chronicles offers a series of flashback missions that delve into Laras past adventures, while The Angel of Darkness introduces a more mature narrative. Both games have been given a new lease on life with the remastered collection, making them accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.If you enjoy games like Assassins Creed, the new Indiana Jones, or Prince of Persia, youll find a lot to love here. The gameplay mechanics and storytelling are reminiscent of these titles, but with Lara Crofts unique flair that made her an iconic character in the first place.Ive spent countless hours exploring every nook and cranny of these games, and I can confidently say that they are worth every minute. The learning curve is there, but its part of what makes the experience so rewarding. Whether youre a seasoned Tomb Raider fan or new to the series, this collection offers a fantastic journey through time and adventure.Tomb Raider IV-VI RemasteredAspyr55$29.99Get it nowHer legacy lives on!Play the next series of Tomb Raider adventures in this remastered collection of the Darkness Trilogy.Included Game Titles-Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation Lara Croft discovers the lost tomb of the Egyptian God Set, unwittingly unleashing him and fulfilling an ancient prophecyone that plunges mankind into darkness.-Tomb Raider: Chronicles Following the events of The Last Revelation, Lara Croft is buried in an Egyptian tomb and is presumed dead. At her memorial, those closest to her reminisce about secrets from her past.-Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness Accused of murder, Lara becomes a fugitive on the run, while uncovering a sinister conspiracy involving alchemical experiments and the search for ancient artifacts.Key FeaturesSee the Classic & Remastered Visuals: Play with the original polygonal models or swap to the remastered graphics at any timeTravel the Globe: Follow Lara Croft around iconic locales including Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many moreExperience Laras Darkest Adventures: Uncover the secrets of Lara Crofts past and shed light on the mystery of her disappearanceUltrosLooking for a familiar genre with an unexpected twist? Then you need to check out Ultros. This game is a vibrant, psychedelic journey through a cosmic landscape known as The Sarcophagus. Its a unique blend of Metroidvania and roguelite genres, offering a fresh and captivating experience.During my first run through I was struck by the visuals, which were both immediately captivating and almost hallucinogenic. The art style was unlike anything Id seen before. Navigating through The Sarcophagus felt like I was on a trippy space ride, uncovering secrets and battling bizarre creatures. Ultros isnt just about its stunning visuals, though. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The world is easy to get lost in, but thats part of the charm. The games big differentiator is a time-loop mechanic, which adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay, making each run feel fresh and challenging. The learning curve is there, but its what makes the game so rewarding.If you enjoy Xbox games like Ori and the Blind Forest or Hollow Knight, youll find a lot to love in Ultros. The gameplay mechanics and storytelling are reminiscent of these titles, but with a unique psychedelic flair. This game just grabs you and wont let go, as I am still exploring every corner of this game, and believe me, its worth every minute. Whether youre a seasoned Metroidvania fan or new to the genre, Ultros offers a fantastic and visually stunning adventure that just feels right.UltrosKepler Interactive13$24.99Get it nowYou wake up stranded, after seemingly crashing your ship on The Sarcophagus a giant, space-drifting, cosmic uterus holding an ancient demonic being known as ULTROS. Trapped in the eternal loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play. Are you the gruesome breaker of this cycle, or can you become a link from destruction to rebirth? A PSYCHEDELIC SCI-FI JOURNEY ULTROS is set in a multifaceted realm a vast alien landscape teeming with life. Grounded in science fiction, ULTROS comes wrapped in both an eccentric art style from the visionary El Huervo, renowned for his work on Hotline Miami, and a mystical soundtrack composed and performed by Ratvader Oscar Rydelius. ULTROS explores meta-themes of mental health, life, death, and karmic cycles through deep lore and environmental storytelling. A WORLD OF CONTRAST Experience brutal, intimate, close-quarter combat with cosmic lifeforms, driven by a sense of urgency where precision is paramount and every cut of your blade counts. Yet this intense combat is juxtaposed with cultivating the greenery and tending to plant life in The Sarcophagus, providing precious moments of contemplation and peace. In turn, this grants deeper access to obscured paths. A MYSTERIOUS, LAYERED LOOP The rich world of ULTROS holds many secrets for those curious enough and fearless enough to seek them out. A unique loop-based mechanic will allow you to start over at key moments in the story, providing opportunities to unfold such secrets, unlock different areas of the world and new abilities on a branching skill tree. Experiment with and master your own specific fighting style as you explore the world of ULTROS. Each loop brings you closer to the truthSlime HeroesSet in a world where slimes are the heroes, not the villains (for once), Slime Heroes is a delightful 3D action-adventure debut from indie studio Pancake Games. This whimsical game combines elements of RPG and puzzle-solving, seeing you take control of an adorable, customizable slime on a grand adventure to save the Slime Kingdom from impending doom.I was hooked. It felt like reconnecting with an old friend, reminiscent of the classic games from a bygone era. The vibrant, colorful graphics and whimsical soundtrack immediately drew me in. The gameplay is a perfect blend of open-world exploration and deceptively formidable combatthink of it as a cute version of Dark Souls. Theres an abundance of challenges and fun to be found here. You must think on your feet to survive and make it to the checkpoints, all while enjoying the lighthearted, gooey antics of your slime kingdom, which has been overtaken by mysterious corruption.One of the things I personally love about this game is the sense of progression. As you advance through the game, youll encounter a variety of enemies, and upon defeating them, youll unlock their unique skills and special powers. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, as youre constantly discovering new ways to tackle challenges. Plus, the game has a charming storyline that keeps you invested throughout your adventure.If youre a fan of games like Dark Souls or the Zelda series, youll feel right at home with Slime Heroes. The game strikes a perfect balance between being accessible to newcomers and offering depth for seasoned gamers. Its easy to pick up, but mastering the various slime abilities and strategies will keep you coming back for more. Whether youre a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this game has some gooey-ness for everyone.Slime HeroesWhitethorn Games4$29.99Get it nowJourney with your fellow slimes to save the ancient guardians from a mysterious corruption taking over the land. Explore a whimsical world filled with secret passageways, challenging puzzle dungeons, and forgotten treasures. Consume special gems and dynamically combine them to create unique magical skills. Level up and fight back against the corrupted minions to restore the land.Dynamic Abilities-Collect an arsenal of skill gems consumed from defeated corrupted creatures.-Dynamically mix skill gems to craft unique skill sets at any time.-Discover all the different types of enemies to complete your gem collection.Co-Op-Jump into your friends' game at any time and drop right into the action.-The entire game can be played with a friend.-All loot is shared; no fighting over that one pretty gem.-Create different magical abilities that complement each other when playing with a friend.Expansive World-Discover secret passageways and challenging puzzle dungeons in a whimsical open world.-Find the six gods of the realm and defeat the corrupted version of each. Once freed they will aid you on your quest!

The battle for Midport Village begins on March 25 at 2:30pm PT (10:30pm CET) and ends April 7 at 2 pm PT (11pm CET). If you dont see the live event, you might need to update your game to the latest version. Upon spawning, Steve will be waiting for you in the village square for a quick battle briefing. Then, its up to you to do your part in three fun (but high stakes!) mini-games:Mining with HenryEvery settlement under siege requires defenses and weapons, but someone needs to gather the resources to make them first! Could that someone be you? If you're up to the task, meet up with Henry and head into the mineshaft. But dont forget that mining is hard work, and you need to keep an eye out for any approaching hostile mobs as you collect the resources... As long as you keep your wits about you and your head on a swivel, youll be fine!Protecting the payloads with Natalie and DawnIn a crisis, resources must be moved to where theyre needed most, and the cunning piglins know that intercepting these payloads is a great way to sabotage the village! In this mini-game, you need to escort the transport carriages (plus the adorable llamas pulling them) and fight off the waves of piglins charging at them. Meet up with Natalie and Dawn for detailed instructions!Defending the walls with GarrettWhere are all these piglins coming from, anyway? Turns out that three huge Nether portals have opened on the outskirts of the village, and vicious piglins are just pouring out of them, ready to tear down your defenses. Help Garrett tackle the piglin problem head-on by grabbing your bow and fighting back from the safety of the defensive wall. Uh-oh, turns out theyre shooting projectiles as well... Maybe try to not stand in one spot for too long, okay?Its a tough battle but as we all know, everything is much easier (and more fun!) with a fellow adventurer by your side. This live event is open to all Bedrock players, and you can bring some friends along or make some new ones in the village square.Plus, theres more to do than battle! Despite its current piglin predicament, Midport Village is a bustling settlement filled with shops, unique structures, adorable mobs, and hidden items! Some of them might even help you fight off the piglins...The Yearn capeDuring the battle for Midport Village, youll receive a total of six challenges. Complete them (and perform heroic acts in your fight against the piglins!) and you'll be rewarded with the Yearn cape, featuring stunning art of a mineshaft inspired by Steves longing for the mines. Youll be able to claim your reward once the event is over, and itll be available in Bedrock and Java Edition as well, provided you use the same account for both games. Youll be able to earn the Yearn cape until the live event concludes on April 7.The Home and Menace capeComplete your movie-themed wardrobe with the Home and Menace capes, inspired by Steves love for the mines and the Nether portals aura of danger. You can get them by watching a Minecraft creator for at least 3 minutes on Twitch and TikTok, respectively. After that, youll receive a 5x5 redemption code that you can use to claim your cape. And yes, once redeemed, theyll be available for your Java Edition avatars too, just like the Yearn cape! The deadline to claim the Home and Menace capes is April 6.Are you ready to enter Midport Village and push back against the Nethers relentless forces with the heroes of A MINECRAFT MOVIE? Launch Bedrock Edition and join the live event between March 25 and April 7 and save the village before the piglins win!*This promotion requires Internet, a valid Microsoft account, and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (sold separately) (excludes Minecraft Java Edition). Geography limitations, country and balance restrictions, taxes, and Internet connection fees may apply. Microsoft Services Agreement (aka.ms/MSA) applies. Live events and multiplayer functionality shown require platform-specific online subscriptions (sold separately). Once challenges are achieved, your Minecraft cape will appear on your account for both Bedrock and Java. WBEI and Legendary (s25).Players must update to the latest Bedrock client (1.21.70) to play the live event.

SummaryDreamhaven founder Mike Morhaime revealed the publishers full slate of games in todays showcase presented by The Game Awards.Wildgate, developer Moonshot Games edge-of-the-galaxy multiplayer shooter with ship-on-ship combat, was unveiled for the first time.Also revealed were release dates for Sunderfolk and the 1.0 release of Lynked from the publishers line-up.In todays showcase presented by The Game Awards, our founder Mike Morhaime shared the most in-depth look yet at Dreamhavens upcoming slate of games. Sitting down with Geoff Keighley, Morhaime unveiled Wildgate, a brand-new crew-based PvP shooter set in the far reaches of space, alongside official release dates for Sunderfolk and Lynked: Banner of the Sparkand much more.Commit Space Crimes in Wildgate, Unveiled TodayWe were thrilled to debut Wildgate with not one, but two full-length trailers, showcasing the high-stakes action of this spacefaring PvP shooter from Moonshot Games. In Wildgate, four-player crews must navigate a vast, procedurally generated map, outmaneuvering rival ships, claiming valuable loot, and upgrading their vessels to survive the dangers of deep space.Wildgate is set to launch later this year on Xbox Series X|S, and players eager to test their skills and explore the Reach early can sign up for the playtest happening next month at playwildgate.com.Sunderfolk Launch Date RevealedWere excited to confirm that Sunderfolk, our innovative couch co-op tactical RPG, launches on April 23! Designed to capture the magic of game night, Sunderfolk brings players together with a fresh approach to turn-based combat and exploration. With up to four players controlling the action using a free app on their smartphone or tablet, Sunderfolk makes it easy for adventurers of all experience levels to jump in and play.Developed by Secret Door, Sunderfolk will be available on Xbox Series X|S.Lynked: Banner of the Spark Gets an Official Release DateLynked: Banner of the Sparka colorful rogue-life RPG blending cozy town-building with challenging roguelite combatis officially launching on May 22 for Xbox Series X|S!In the year 30XX, an evil robot force has overrun the world, but hope isnt lost. With your trusty Wyre grapple and a growing crew of Unibot allies, youll take on swarms of mechanical foes, scavenge their parts, and build a thriving community from the wreckage. Battle solo or in co-op, wield an arsenal of customizable weapons, and personalize your home and hero with deep customization options. Whether youre rebuilding or battling, every spark countswill you light the way?A Haven for All PlayersA passion for every kind of play is at the heart of Dreamhavens mission statement, and from the deep-space multiplayer chaos of Wildgate to the lively couch co-op adventures of Sunderfolk, their slate of upcoming games has something for every kind of player. Be sure to stay tuned for even more updates and announcements coming soon!

At Minecraft Live, we got a glimpse of the future of Minecraft in the form of Vibrant Visuals an upgrade that will transform the way players experience the game. Coming later this year to Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on selected platforms, Vibrant Visuals will give the game a huge visual boost, adding improved graphical elements such as directional lighting, volumetric fog, and much more and will be available as a simple menu toggle, letting you switch between old and new looks at will.The team at Mojang has a perfect way of summing up their intentions Vibrant Visuals is designed to evoke how Minecraft looks in your head. This isnt a total conversion, or a handbrake turn into a new visual style, but a deepening of Minecrafts iconic look.Art Director Jasper Boerstra spearheaded the project, and explained that it all began by seeing how the community approached Minecraft: Vibrant Visuals was inspired by the streamers. When I was thinking about this project, I watched streamers build to see how people play with shaders and how they react to them. One thing I noticed is that players often turn off shaders when doing specific tasks, like building, because they want to see things more clearly. That inspired me to think about how we could create graphics that you dont have to turn offgraphics that are comfortable to build with. Thats exactly what we aimed for: simple and impactful for players.I was lucky enough to visit Mojang Studios in Stockholm to see Vibrant Visuals in action, and that overriding philosophy is clear from the moment I drop into one of two maps created specially to show off the huge amount of work thats gone into creating Vibrant Visuals. Its one thing to see it in screenshots or trailers, but you truly cant understand the effect of Vibrant Visuals without playing the game yourself.On the first of these maps, I load into a cave, looking up a flight of stairs to a sunset sky. Light pours in from the outside, pooling down the edges of the stone walls, vines cutting twisting shadows through it, as hovering fireflies cast lazily dancing pools of light over water blocks around me. As I leave the cave, Im presented with a mountainous desert, the low sun casting long shadows across the landscape. Its an atmosphere that vanilla Minecraft has never had before.Switching to the second map, Im suddenly in a verdant valley at the height of the afternoon. Sunshine plays through the gaps in cherry blossom trees, and falling petals (added as part of the Spring to Life game drop) cast their own fluttering shadows around me. I dive into a nearby pool, and realize that light even plays a part down here, gold rays of sunshine spearing their way through the water. Every single block is touched by the change you can see how light interacts on everything, even across the backs of scuttling wildlife living here.Boerstra explained more about how Vibrant Visuals isnt just a graphical overhaul, but a distinctly Minecraft-themed take on a modern look: When you play, youll notice that the shadows in the game are pixelated. All the reflections are pixelated, too. When you drop an item and the sun casts a shadow on it, its also pixelated. We wanted to keep it Minecraft-y, and Vibrant Visuals is a great way to bridge familiar elements with new features. Its about adding something to the world that feels immersive while staying true to the essence of the game.But perhaps the biggest testament to how successfully these enhanced visuals have been implemented is that, very quickly, I forget all about them. Its not such an overwhelming shift that Im constantly reminded that this is an all-new look it feels perfectly pitched, retaining everything you know of Minecraft. In fact, the most incredible part of the demonstration was when I started using a single hotkey to shift back and forth between the old look and the new Id continuously find amazing looking vistas, then toggle back to the original visuals, and realise, all over again, quite how much has changed.In the original look, mountain ranges surrounded me like the enormous chunks of blocks they are but with Vibrant Visuals, volumetric fog effects mean that they disappear into a haze, offering a sense of depth to the map. Its not just that it looks better, it feels bigger, adding a newfound sense of scale and mystery to the world around you.And this is only the beginning for Vibrant Visuals. This isnt a one-and-done moment for Mojang, but the beginning of an ongoing effort to improve what Minecraft can look like, without abandoning its signature vibe.Vibrant Visuals is not the end; its the beginning of our journey, explains Executive Producer Ingela Garneij. We want to keep working to add more visual updates, as our goal is to reach players across platforms with approachable graphics. Well continue to build on these features while staying true to what makes Minecrafts art style so special and beloved by our community. Its also presented as an option for players and not just in the fact that you can switch back to the original look at any time. Vibrant Visuals is planned for Minecraft: Java Edition in the future, but this doesnt spell an end to community-created visual mods, or RTX-enabled maps. Vibrant Visuals is presented as a new way for a whole new swathe of players to upgrade the look of the game, without the more in-depth work that can take.The benefit to us, the players, is clear for longtime fans, this represents Minecraft evolving to match their imaginations. For new players, it helps modernize the game without ever losing what made it special in the first place. And for all of those players, accessing Vibrant Visuals is as simple as downloading the update.Were so used to Minecraft increasing its scope through content new blocks, new mobs, new mechanics that its fascinating to see the team take a totally different approach here. Vibrant Visuals doesnt just feel like a new look for the game it feels like a new dawn.Vibrant Visuals will arrive for free in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition later this year.MinecraftMicrosoft Studios2008$19.99$15.99Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedXbox Game PassCREATE Build whatever you can imagine in your own infinite world thats unique in every playthrough. EXPLORE Discover biomes, resources and mobs, and craft your way through a world filled with surprises in the ultimate sandbox game. SURVIVE Experience unforgettable adventures as you face mysterious foes, traverse exciting landscapes, and travel to perilous dimensions. PLAY TOGETHER Have a blast with friends, whether youre sitting on the same couch in split screen or miles apart in cross-platform play for console, mobile and PC. Connect with millions of players on community servers or subscribe to Realms Plus to play with up to 10 friends on your own private server. EXPERIENCE MORE Get creator-made add-ons, thrilling worlds, and stylish cosmetics on Minecraft Marketplace. Subscribe to Marketplace Pass (or Realms Plus) to access 150+ worlds, skin & textures packs, and more refreshed monthly.

Do you think theres a villain cooler than the T-1000? Get out of here, no you dont. The T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day stands right on the intersection of early 90s cool, late 20th century technological advancements, visionary storytelling, and a perfect match of performer to role. One of the guiding lights we use to decide on which guest characters to incorporate in Mortal Kombat 1 is simply whos the coolest fit that we havent included yet? Enter the T-1000.In contrast to the tank or trucklike brute-force-instrument qualities of the T-800, the T-1000 is a sportscar. Instead of the T-800s towering, aloof, biker-jacketed demeanor, you get Robert Patricks gracile and intense police officer impersonator. The T-1000 fights, shoots, and sprints without wincing, blinking, or heaving for air. He walks and scans in a hawklike, inhuman way. But when needed, hes a better social chameleon than his predecessor. Patricks T-1000 can plausibly question civilians as a friendly cop and demonstrates emotions like frustration and arrogance in places the T-800 would not. Surprisingly, extreme moments are when Patricks T-1000 seems most human (realizing you have a live grenade round implanted in your midsection qualifies as extreme).Thats just talking expressions and demeanor. The kicker here is what the T-1000 is made of. While the T-800 is a solid cyborgmachine endoskeleton surrounded by living fleshthe T-1000 is an experimental android composed of a cloud of liquid metal material, described in the movie as a prototype mimetic polyalloy. With a chrome flicker that resets its surface to a reflective silver blank slate, it can reshape itself to mimic humanoids, objects, and simple weapons. It can pour through small openings or around obstacles like an evil molasses, it can flatten and extend its mass to blend into the floor or run along it like a live oil slick, and it can extrude and then harden portions of itself to act as improvised blades, bludgeons, or prybars depending on what the situation requires. The rule in the fiction is, if the T-1000 has touched something or someone, it has scanned for information and is now capable of impersonating appearances.The upshot for us as developers is a faster, more flexible, and cunning infiltrator than the classic T-800 Terminator (itself a guest character in Mortal Kombat 11), with an abundance of reference material to draw from, and seemingly unlimited gameplay, special effect, and cinema potential. Spoiled for choice is the expression.But flavor-wise, its lack of blood needed addressing. A T-1000 getting slashed up by Baraka wouldnt send red matter everywhere. At best it would be small chrome drops of the goop its made of getting flung away from the main mass. And that stuff wouldnt just sit wherever it splatted, either. After the initial shock of being scattered, pieces would dust themselves off and go looking for the main entity.An even bigger issue: Mortal Kombat 1 is filled with dozens upon dozens of signature Fatalities, Animalities, Brutalities, Fatal Blows, etc., and each one of these finishing moves is a bone crushing cinematic moment with various unpleasant things happening in detailed X-ray and cross-sectioned ultra-HD views. Well, the T-1000 is a liquid metal android so you can imagine how pulling or slicing the machine apart might be sort of like ballistics tests through dense fluids. Dedicated attention was paid to every cinema to convey the T-1000s unique viscous characteristics when meeting grisly ends as a losing kombatant.Then theres the limb and form morphing. It was decided early on gameplay-wise what the T-1000 would be about, broadlyas not just a Terminator but the most advanced Terminator, he should seem implacable, always steadily forward moving, and feature an arsenal brimming with every direct movie reference we can cram in, alongside fun extrapolations we can add.Direct film references include numerous attacks where some or all of the T-1000 reforms. For example, forearms reshaping into large blades or hooks and fingers extending into thin needles, which youll see throughout most of the characters arsenal of moves. And as a police officer imposter, its clear the T-1000 has acquired service pistols that provide a kinetic way to stand off at range or to slowly advance. A particularly strong enhanced special move combines the two, with the T-1000 sprinting while shooting, before lunging with extended spear-arms, just like in the hospital corridor scene in the 1991 movie. A couple normal combo chains feature bladed finger extensions that skewer like little spears or the T-1000 extending a portion of itself to use as a rebar-like bludgeon mid-combo, both callbacks to the iconic steel mill setting towards the end of the film.Some moves take creative license, embellishing to open new gameplay avenues and display more of the T-1000s capabilities. Taking inspiration from the character dropping through the ceiling of a ruined elevator in a poured-liquid form, it can quickly reform in midair and fall to the ground as a dense fluid droplet. And like after being frozen, shattered and thawed, the T-1000 can dive into a surging blob form low to the ground, closing distance before emerging with bladed attacks. For a move thats in between a mid-range poke and a long-range projectile attack, it can melt halfway into the floor to send out a spiny tendril of liquid metal, quickly forming the base for a rising stalagmite-like spear. The most whimsy is displayed within the T-1000s moveset that clues eagle-eyed fans it has faced familiar Outworld kombatants before, picking up a duplication trick or two along the way.Implementing a character design isnt always straightforward, depending on the nature of the fighter. Of course, most characters are complicated with different moves, animations, and FX, and T-1000 has just about every complication possible. Throw animationsanything where a grappler and their victim need to be synced upare trickier to design, motion-capture, animate, and implement than typical strikes. Moving, warping, and morphing options set up all kinds of potential variables to account for. FX themselves can be complex, involving cross-discipline efforts to solve lighting, physics, and model issues that get in the way of coordinating the intended look and feel.Doing justice to the T-1000 was a full-team effort, and we couldnt be more excited to add this amazing guest fighter to the Mortal Kombat 1 roster. The T-1000 Terminator is available today on Xbox Series X|S as part of the Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns KollectionWarner Bros. Games582$89.99$29.69Get 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 availableMK1: T-1000Warner Bros. GamesGet it nowThe T-1000 embodies the ultimate evolution of assassination technology. This pack includes playable character the T-1000, including all new move-sets based on Terminator 2

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Fujimi Kaido makes its long-awaited return to Forza Motorsport this May in celebration of our 20-year anniversary.Where Dreams Are DrivenIts almost 20 years since the release of the first Forza Motorsport game. This moment was the beginning of a multi-decade journey to turn car lovers into gamers, and gamers into car lovers, one that would eventually lead us to the vibrant community we have today a community driven by car passion, racing skills, competition and creativity. Over the years that followed our debut game in 2005, we continued exploring our vision of creating innovative and immersive automotive experiences with the release of Forza Motorsport 2, 3, and 4 on Xbox 360; Forza Motorsport 5, 6, and 7 on Xbox One, and most recently, Forza Motorsport on Xbox Series X|S and PC. With less than two months until the 20th anniversary, today we are excited to share with you a preview of the content that will be available in Forza Motorsport as part of our May update, which includes the eagerly awaited return of a track considered truly legendary in the Forza community.Since the release of Forza Motorsport in October 2023, our team has been fully recreating Fujimi Kaido to modern standards in our biggest track project ever! Race and drift on the Full Circuit or Full Circuit Reverse that stretches 10.24 miles in length featuring 144 extreme turns and a 2,711-foot summit. Our goal is to recapture the magic of drifting with your friends on the massive stretches of serpentine Japanese mountain roads at Fujimi Kaido, and we cant wait for you to slide sideways once again as we now work to refine and polish this Forza original track for integration into the game this May. Fujimi Kaido is only the start of our upcoming anniversary content in Forza Motorsport. There are also some highly requested cars coming to the game, in addition to unlockable driver suits, special events in both Career and Featured Multiplayer, new themed Rivals challenges, and more. We will have more to share about the Forza Motorsport 20th anniversary as we approach the release of the update in May. Stay tuned to our @ForzaMotorsport social channels on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Discord, and X (formerly Twitter) for those details, where you can also let us know your favorite Forza Motorsport memories by using #ForzaMotorsport20. Plus, subscribe to the Forza Newsletter to be informed about everything thats happening both in the game and our community you will also receive the bonus Otherworld Driver Suit in Forza Motorsport just for signing up. It's been an incredible 20 years of racing and drifting. We look forward to sharing this anniversary with you, our players lets celebrate this milestone together on the track in Forza Motorsport.

With the Deluxe Edition of Atomfall launching today, and the regular game releasing with Xbox Game Pass this Thursday, March 27, I thought it would be an opportune moment to give you a few choice tips for how to survive life inside the Quarantine Zone.For those of you new to the game, Atomfall is an action-survival mystery set in the UK. The story takes place five years after the real-life events of the 1957 Windscale Disaster in the North of England. In the world of Atomfall, a quarantine zone has been established around the Windscale Atom Plant and no one has been allowed in or out for five years. Life and society have changed and adapted under these trying circumstances, and gangs of strange folk now wander the countryside.You wake up in a bunker with no idea who you are or how you got there. Given the circumstances, you have little choice but to set out on a journey to discover what really happened at Windscale and maybe try to find out who you are in the process.The world of Atomfall is essentially a large sandbox where you are free to explore and investigate at your own pace and in your own style. The way you approach every encounter and each scenario is completely up to you, but here are a few bits of advice to get you started.1) Pick your PlaystyleBefore you start the actual game, youll be prompted to set your playstyle. There are five pre-sets to cater for different approaches, as well as the option to customise this further should you wish. They adjust the challenge of combat, survival and exploration in the game.Sightseer a low-pressure mode for those who want to enjoy the narrative and exploration of Atomfall.Investigator for players who enjoy unguided exploration but prefer lighter survival and combat.Brawler you enjoy combat but prefer lighter survival and guided exploration.Survivor the classic Atomfall experience. A balance between combat and survival.Veteran harsh combat and consequences, a gritty battle for survival.Survivor offers the recommended Atomfall experience but pick whichever best suits you and the way you want to play. And dont worry, if you get into the game, and feel youve made a mistake, these settings can be adjusted at any time in the Options menu.2) Following LeadsAtomfall doesnt have a traditional quest or mission system. Instead, we have Leads snippets of information that you will uncover as you explore the world. There are numerous ways you can discover Leads, such as through conversations, tape recordings or by finding letters and items as you investigate the areas in the game. Discovering a new Lead will help you piece together the puzzle of what happened inside the Quarantine Zone, but how you use that information is up to you.In Survivor difficulty, the game does not add waypoints to your map or compass by default, but you can manually place markers on the map, which will then be shown on the in-game compass during play. If you do prefer a more guided experience, you can also adjust the Exploration settings in the Options menu.3) Where to StartSo, where is a good place to gather some Leads at the start of the game? When you leave the bunker, you are greeted by the lush open countryside of Slatten Dale. Directly in front of you is a ringing phone box that is just begging to be answered.Head down the hill to the left and youll come across Nat. Hes a talkative fellow and provided you dont offend him might be convinced to give you directions to find the nearby Molly, a trader who happens to indulge in lots of juicy gossip. Once youve have had a chat with Molly and maybe done a deal or two, why not visit the nearby village of Wyndham, where there is plenty to explore? We heartily recommend taking in the sights. Maybe visit the church or frequent the village shops, bakery and, of course, the village pub, to discover some Leads.Wyndham is under the control of Protocol a military force who was sent in when quarantine was put into effect to keep the peace. You can find their leader, Captain Sims at the band stand in the centre of the village, where he regularly harangues the populace.4) Pick your FightsAs you explore the various areas in the game you will encounter all sorts of colourful characters and gangs, some friendly, some less so. Remember that, when confronted, force is not always the best course of action many folks youll meet are just trying to make their way, same as you. Knowing when to back down and head for safety can be a great survival tool.Before charging into any fight, our suggestion is observe, plan, execute. Think about who youre fighting. Are they armed and, if so, with what? Can you take them out silently or should you just slip past and hope they dont notice you? Any course of action is open to you. It is, in fact, entirely possible to complete the game without killing anyone (although it is extremely challenging).5) Listen CarefullyYou will meet a host of weird and wonderful folk as you explore Atomfall. Some of these will want to trade but remember that money is useless in the Quarantine Zone, so bartering will be key. Others may have Leads that could help you understand what really happened at the Windscale Atom Plant. Some may have both. Others will simply push their own selfish agendas.You need to listen carefully and give real thought to the way you reply in order to gain an understanding of who you want to trust and who you dont. Some characters will play you off against another and may even want you to kill for them. Choosing the path you take, which Leads to follow, and who to trust will ultimately determine the end of the game, so choose wisely!6) Search and Scavenge Whenever You CanResources are scarce in the Quarantine Zone. Guns and ammunition are particularly hard to come by, so waste them at your peril. Take every opportunity you can to search areas for resources be that food, weapons or other items.As you explore you will also uncover Manuals that teach you new skills and unlock them by finding Training Stimulants. You can then choose which skills will be most beneficial to you and your playstyle.You will also acquire the ability to craft various resource and tonics that will help you fight, survive and heal. There is limited space in your backpack, so make sure to craft what you need as you go in order to have the best weapons and tools at your disposal.You can also make use of pneumatic dispatch tubes that you find in various places around the game world, a still-functioning relic of the military and science facilities. These are extremely useful for storing items that you dont immediately need access to. For example, you might find a great shotgun but have no bullets so you can choose to store it and then grab it back once you have enough shells to make the best use of it.Hopefully that little lot should give a little bit of a head start in the world of Atomfall. I hope you enjoy playing the game as much as we have enjoyed building such a unique and mysterious experience.See you in the Quarantine Zone!Atomfall Deluxe EditionRebellion$79.99Get it nowDeluxe Edition includes:The entire Atomfall game3 days Early AccessStory Expansion Pack (*not available Day 1):Basic Supply Bundle PackEnhanced Supply Bundle PackA survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England.Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.From Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall will challenge you to solve the dark mystery of what really happened.Player Driven Mystery: Unravel a tapestry of interwoven narratives through exploration, conversation, investigation, and combat, where every choice you make has consequences.Explore this Green and Unpleasant Land: The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you.Search, Scavage, Survive: Youll need to scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and items, and fight desperately to make it out alive! AtomfallRebellion2$59.99Pre-orderPre-order the Atomfall Standard Edition to receive:Basic Supply Bundle Supplies are scarce in the quarantine zone. Improve your chances for survival with additional items to find, including an exclusive melee weapon to help you in those brutal close-quarters engagements.Exclusive Melee Weapon VariantAdditional Loot CacheItem RecipeA survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England.Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.From Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall will challenge you to solve the dark mystery of what really happened.Player Driven Mystery: Unravel a tapestry of interwoven narratives through exploration, conversation, investigation, and combat, where every choice you make has consequences.Explore this Green and Unpleasant Land: The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you.Search, Scavage, Survive: Youll need to scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and items, and fight desperately to make it out alive!

I didnt have riding a fixed-gear bike possessed by an entity named Skully on my list of games to play this year, but thats part of the fun of attending events like the ID@Xbox Showcase at GDC you never know what new game is going to catch your eye. Wheel World, with its mix of open-world exploration, loot scouring, and surprisingly fun and competitive racing has put this radical take on bike racing on my radar as it speeds its way to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support for release later this year.In Wheel World you play Kat, a bike rider fated to save this unique realm thats full of rival riders, spare parts, and portal potties outhouses that work as a fast-travel option. That hits on another aspect I enjoyed about my time with the game: its humor. It never seems to take itself too seriously, as one should expect when it features a bike possessed by an entity in charge of marshaling spirits to and from the Moon. Helping Skully gather these spirits is your central goal during your time in Wheel World, but to do that you need to assemble the best ride possible.Traversing the realm of Wheel World and looking for loot (spare parts) is a big part of the fun, as you can uncover these items that contain a variety of pieces to customize your bike everything from its frame, to wheels, to handlebars, and more are all swappable which affect stats like speed and handling. These parts can also come in Legendary status and can give unique powers like increasing your boost meter to help during races.Another rule of this world is Reputation, needed to unlock higher-leveled zones, which you can gain by facing down other riders you encounter on the road, or when you take down a rival bike gang by you guessed it racing. Which is great, because it feels so fun to ride throughout Wheel World.All the competitions I tried out, whether they were up against a single rider or a pack, were very fun and lightly challenging with a nice pumping soundtrack running in the background (courtesy of Italians Do It Better). As I would glide through a pack of rivals, I found that both drafting (thats moving behind the rider to reduce wind resistance), and utilizing boost at the opportune times, were keys to success. Winning races can also net you coupons that you can use at bike shops found within the world, giving you access to even more spare parts for your bike.The physics for the handling of the bike also felt very natural, as you would have to factor in things like speed around turns, heavy peddling up hills, or just gliding downhill, it all felt very refined which is great because the game relies so much on this aspect. In addition, its cell-shaded world itself is beautiful to ride through, reminiscent of games like Sable or Dungeons of Hinterberg.Independent developer Messhof describes Wheel World as about the joy and freedom of living around bikes and that feels like the case here. From racing, to tinkering, to exploring or even just going out for a cruise through the hills, it captures that spirit of riding a bike and the freedom of exploration that comes with it. Look for Wheel World to come to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with support for Xbox Play Anywhere, later this year.Wheel WorldAnnapurna InteractiveGet it nowWelcome to Wheel World, where the fate of the universe rests on your handlebars.You are Kat, a young cyclist with one mission: save Wheel World from total collapse. Explore a stunning open world filled with impressive vistas, hidden secrets, and races that will test your skills. Customize your bike with an endless array of parts, from sleek speedsters to off-road beaststhere's no limit to how you can ride.Wheel World is packed with things to do:Race and Dominate: Take on elite cycling teams and quirky rivals in high-stakes races where every second counts.Upgrade Your Ride: Scour the world for rare parts to build the ultimate bike, perfectly tailored to your style.Carry Out Your Destiny: Recover your stolen Legendary parts to ultimately perform The Great Shift ritual and save the world. No big deal.All of this is backed by an original soundtrack from Italians Do It Better, pumping energy into every race and moments of breathtaking semi-open world exploration.It's time to pedal your way to glory, save the spirits of Wheel World, and keep the universe on track. Hop on, ride fast, and don't look back.

Detective Dotson is far and away one of the most charming games Ive played this year. Its as if you were to throw Ace Attorney and classic Monkey Island games together, wrap it up in a Bollywood film, and then set it in modern-day India. That should give you an idea of what independent developer Masala Games is trying to achieve, as Detective Dotson is fast approaching its April 24, 2025, release date for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with support for Xbox Play Anywhere.The developer, which houses talent that has worked at studios like Pixar, Electronic Arts, and Prana, was one of the featured teams at this years ID@Xbox Showcase during GDC and it was a standout experience for me at the show I also had a chance to speak with Director Sharlin Shodhan separately about the games support for Xbox Play Anywhere.In Detective Dotson, you take on the role of the title character, an aspiring actor turned amateur detective who is trying to track down who killed his father. Thats the high-level pitch. But the fun of the game are the wild adventures hell embark on as he becomes a more honed gumshoe, taking on unexpectedly riveting cases like who shunned someone from attending a prominent tea party, or whos responsible for stealing someones lunch to ruin a film production.These lighthearted quests play out in a traditional adventure game style, where you guide Dotson across a 2D plane with a brightly colored, Indian-influenced 3D backdrop, talking with other characters for clues, picking up objects for your inventory, scanning the environments for hints, and taking down notes to later piece all your evidence together.Once all your notes and clues are assembled, youll then head to an evidence board to solve the active case. Here youll effectively move sticky notes with clues on them like, Broke Up With, Trained by, and Hides in, to then draw lines between all your suspects to solve the mystery at hand.What I enjoyed the most during my time with the game is that it taps into classic adventure gaming, a genre I love. Its not quite point-and-click, but its similar enough in its functions that it scratches that adventure game itch. It also feels like an incredibly accessible, cozy experience that gamers of all skill levels will be able to enjoy.It also looks like nothing Ive seen before, with its brightly colored world, diverse characters, and dance-offs. Im not proficient in the realm of Indian customs, but the game does a good job of easing you into the experience with its terminology, presentation of characters, as well as the cases youre given. Theres a reason why being shunned from a tea party can have a dramatic impact on someones social standing, which makes it the kind of thing Dotson would want to solve for who seems to not only be a better detective than advertised, but also a standup dude who is just trying to do right in his community.Even though my demo was short, its clear there are many more layers to explore within Detective Dotson, ones that Im eager to uncover. This lighthearted story of a reluctant hero has already moved to the top of my Cant Wait to Play More of This list which thankfully isnt a long wait: Detective Dotson is set to launch April 24, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with support for Xbox Play Anywhere.

SummaryDiscover more about the world of Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, coming to Xbox Series X|S on April 17.Brian Mitsoda, who penned the story and its fantasy world, shares insights about development.Branching narrative, where choices you make define your characters fate and the fate of Faelduum.Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is an ambitious action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Developed by Primal Game Studio, it features challenging Soulslike combat and an expansive story that promises over 40 hours of gameplay.With six classes to master, an intricate Talent Tree system to progress, and a sprawling, interconnected world to discover, this is a world you can truly succumb to.Find out more about how Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree immerses you in its dark fantasy with insights from writer Brian Mitsoda.Defy Your Fate, InquisitorMandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is set in the world of Faelduum. Inspired by myths, folklore, and fairy tales, this is a land where magic is very real, but outlawed.City-states are governed by tyrannical archmages, and justice is done upon magic-using heretics by Inquisitors. You play one such Inquisitor, whose fateful decision at the start of the game sets them on a path of defiance that will lead them to the darkness festering in the heart of Faelduum.Personally, one of the things that drew me to the project was the strong Castlevania influence, as thats one of my favorite games series of all time, says writer Brian Mitsoda, who shaped the lore, characters, and worldbuilding in Mandragora together with the team at Primal Game Studio.The dark fantasy elements reminded me of Berserk, and there was also a bit of traditional folk tale and fairy tale influence.Some of that influence can be seen in the monsters. From wild wolves to bloodthirsty vampires and other creatures of the night, theres a veritable bestiary out for your blood. Blades (or spells) at the ready, then.Entropy Is ComingAt the beginning of your Inquisitors quest, they discover that monsters are bleeding into Faelduum through tears in reality created by the mysterious, parallel plane of Entropy. The path forward is clear: Entropy must be cut off if Faelduum is to survive. And to do that, youll have to contend with legions of beasts and even more challenging bosses.But even with world-ending stakes, Brian says its important to keep players focused on having a good time.The most important part of the game is the gameplay, so for me, I always ask how I can complement it without bringing it to a grinding halt, says Brian.For example, if youre fighting a bandit, I want you to know why theyre in your path aside from the fact that theyre called bandits and theyve got enemy HP bars over their heads. If you want to know more, you can get some information from the environments and bestiary. If you pay attention to background dialogue, youll learn more about the state of the area.Characters are vividly brought to life by a cast of incredible voice actorsincluding Aysha Selim (Overwatch 2, World of Warcraft)with many unique regional accents fleshing out the geographical scope and cultures of Faelduum.Ripples Through RealityIve been playing video games since I was old enough to hold a controller, but what made me want to write them is that, unlike traditional mediums, the player can have a more active role in deciding everythingfrom their relationship with a character to the way the world is changed by their actions. Theres an active element in game design that makes everything feel a lot more personal.With Brians background in branching narratives, its no surprise that players will be presented with choices at various points in the game.We let the player define who the Inquisitor is with their dialogue and story choices, so the main characters fate isnt set in stone, says Brian.And though the world is extremely dark and cynical, he believes there is hope for redemption for your Inquisitor. But that choice lies in your hands.Finally, Brian has one piece of advice for new Inquisitors set to begin their quests in Mandragora: Dont sleep on the Caravan character quests. You get to learn a lot more of their secrets if you do these. Really happy with the way they came out!What will you become at journeys end? Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is coming to Xbox Series X|S on April 17. Add it to your wishlist and discover the fate of Faelduum for yourself soon!Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch TreeKnights PeakGet it nowSlash, burn, and rage your way through Mandragora, a 2.5D side-scroller action-RPG with deep Metroidvania and Soulslike elements. Light your Witch Lantern, enter the dark realm of Entropy, and tear reality asunder.UNIQUE SIDESCROLLING SOULSLIKETraverse 2.5D side-scrolling levels with skill-driven combat that deals punishment and reward in equal brutal measure. From the leering Caretaker to the Vampires of Braer Island, face ruthless foes and uniquely horrifying bosses that will make or break you.FALL INTO A DARK FANTASY WORLDGet lost in a rich and atmospheric world brought to life by timeless painterly art direction and the epic, twisted music of Christos Antoniou. Discover every detail with Metroidvania exploration, tearing down crumbling walls, utilizing new skills such as ground strike, and scaling buildings with your grappling hook.A BRANCHING TALE OF LOST HUMANITYAcquire the legendary Witch Lantern and enter the otherworldly plane of Entropy through tears in the fabric of reality. Make devastating choices in a sinister and immersive story by acclaimed writer Brian Mitsoda.SLAY YOUR WAYFrom Vanguard to Spellbinder, master one of multiple unique classes and customize your skills and powers through a deep and satisfying character development system. Find Artisans to join your Caravan and unlock new upgrades, and craft powerful weapons, armor and trinkets to help you die less and deal death faster. And when all is said and done, restart stronger and wiser with new difficulty levels in New Game Plus.

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Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Lets jump in!Breakout BeyondAtari$14.99$13.49Pre-orderBreakout Beyond March 25Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart DeliveryBreakout is back! Choice Provisions (Bit.Trip) has flipped the legendary series on its head. Or rather side. In this neon-drenched take on the classic, youll need to literally break through each puzzle by clearing bricks to breach the final goal. Longer play will rack up a combo and increase the intensity of the effects creating a spectacular light show as a reward for the most skilled players.AtomfallRebellionGet it nowAtomfall March 27 (Deluxe Edition March 24) Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play AnywhereA survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England. Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies. From Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall will challenge you to solve the dark mystery of what really happened.Play from March 24 with an Atomfall Deluxe Edition purchase.Blue WednesdayForever Entertainment S. A.Get it nowBlue Wednesday March 27 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart DeliveryAn interactive game where the player can move through the city and chat with various NPCs, play the piano, and interact with lots of other items through the main character, Morris. The main parts of the game are mini games and adventures, and learning more about Morriss story through vivid cutscenes that pop up at key moments in the game.Sports RenovationsDear VillagersGet it nowSports: Renovations March 27 Optimized for Xbox Series X|SYour hometown basketball court is in danger once home to a top-tier league team fostering many new talents in the field, now covered in cobwebs and dust. And now a big developer is only waiting to get his grubby hands on the place, tear it down and build a new shopping mall instead. But you wont accept that. Give sports facilities a second life in this relaxing story-driven simulator. Restore the glory of old gyms, courts and pitches, and add a sprinkle of your own style.The First Berserker: Khazan Standard EditionNexon Korea Corporation52$59.99Pre-orderThe First Bezerker: Khazan March 27 Optimized for Xbox Series X|SThe First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action RPG based on the Dungeon Fighter Online (DnF) universe, Nexons flagship IP with more than 800 million players worldwide. Set 800 years before the events of DnF, the game unfolds on the continent of Arad and explores the untold story of Khazan, the first Berserker. Players will experience Khazans legendary journey firsthand as they master intricate and engaging combat mechanics and strategic battles that bring his epic tale to life.Dollhouse: Behind the Broken MirrorSOEDESCOGet it nowDollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror March 28Optimized for Xbox Series X|SDollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror is a terrifying first-person horror adventure game that tells a dark and mysterious story in a cinematic style. Enter the broken mind of Eliza de Moor, once a celebrated singer, now trapped in the labyrinth of her own forgotten memories. Since collapsing on stage during a performance, Eliza has been suffering from amnesia. The only hope for recovering her memories lies with Dr. Stern and his experimental medicine.

If Nightdive Studios were a home, it would be built upon the foundation of System Shock. As one of the studios formative projects, the Kickstarter campaign for its acclaimed System Shock remake put Nightdive on the map. But it wasnt System Shock that inspired Nightdives creation, rather its sequel, System Shock 2.With the recently announced June 26, 2024, release date for System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster fast approaching, some have wondered: why a remaster instead of a full remake?To answer this, lets look back at Nightdives origins, remasters as a form of preservation, and the many enhancements that make System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster a worthy tribute to a beloved classic!Where It All BeganLike many others, my first experience with System Shock was the sequel, begins Nightdive Founder and CEO Stephen Kick, who recounts being introduced to the game while eating lunch with his friends at school.After sharing how much he loved Half-Life, his friend Marshall suggested giving System Shock 2 a try. The next day, he came back to the table and handed me the Big Box. That night, I installed the game and was instantly captivated. Every aspect of it congealed into an unforgettably immersive experience that still gives me chills every time I think about it.Little did he know at the time, this pivotal moment would later contribute to Nightdives founding in 2012 when Kick had the nostalgic desire to replay System Shock 2. Unable to get his game to run, and unable to re-purchase it on digital platforms, Kick began reaching out to license holders and was ultimately rewarded with the rights to re-release System Shock 2 in 2013, followed by the original.After System Shock: Enhanced Edition introduced mouse look and other quality of life improvements, we knew we had the unique opportunity to re-introduce the gaming world at large to one of the most influential and overlooked experiences ever created. The decision was then made to assemble a team to remake System Shock to not only honor the original, but to celebrate the legacy it created, Kick explains.While wed already announced an enhanced edition of System Shock 2, the success of the remake caused us to pivot and re-evaluate our goals for System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition, ultimately leading to a remaster thats much grander in scope and ambition.So, why didnt this pivot with System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster (formerly System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition) lead to another remake?Remaster vs. RemakeWith System Shock 2, the game was already in a playable state, it just needed the same care and attention weve brought to other games weve worked on from that generation, Kick clarifies. Improved graphics, performance, and the ability to play on console so it was decided to remaster the game instead of completely remaking it.Nightdives mission extends beyond bringing lost and forgotten games back from the depths with its commitment to game preservation. As Nightdive developer Alex Lima points out, remasters and remakes are two very different approaches to game preservation.In a remake, we have the liberty of using modern engines, and we need to seek a specific type of talent when assembling a development team. In a remaster, were adapting legacy source code and doing lots of reverse engineering when that source code is lost.If you think of games as art, like Nightdive VP of Business Development Larry Kuperman does, a remaster is closer to restoration work done with old paintings while remakes are akin to creating a replica. Games are a form of interactive art and should be preserved as art deserves to be preserved, says Kuperman.Being able to leverage as much of a games original content as possible is not only valuable from a preservation standpoint, but from a modding one too.In a remaster, we adhere to the modding standards the original developers or community have already established. In a remake, were able to create the modding ecosystems with modern practices and standards. All in all, we do both with passion, and its up to the public to decide which one they favor, notes Lima.We decided to go with a remaster because we care a lot about the System Shock 2 fanbase, and we know a modding community has built around this game thatd benefit from the addition of advanced features. A remake would also be great, but it wouldnt affect the modding community in as positive a way as this remaster will.Bringing a Horror Classic to XboxModders arent the only ones wholl benefit from the enhancements of System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster. With a wealth of fixes and improvements, the games shaping up to be more approachable than ever.For example, as you explore the creepy corridors of the Von Braun, one of the first things youll notice is the games visual enhancements. Menus and in-game UI elements have been upgraded to high-resolution assets, providing enhanced clarity and readability, confirms Lima.The Xbox family of systems has the kind of hardware that PC players in the 90s could only dream of, and we make use of that extra muscle, adds developer Lexi Mayfield. The game runs natively at 4K resolution on the Xbox One X and Xbox Series X|S with 120Hz also supported on the Xbox Series X|S version.Its not just looks System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster plays better, too.The 3D renderer used by System Shock 2s Dark Engine has been modernized. You can expect to see high-resolution assets, modern materials and shaders, support for ambient occlusion, and many of the performance bottlenecks of the older renderer addressed, explains Mayfield.As expected for a game releasing on consoles, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster offers comprehensive controller support.Every interface in the game, from PDA screens to hacking tools, can now be quickly navigated with the directional pad and face buttons. Cycling between PDA interfaces is done with the triggers, and tabular interfaces in those screens are cycled with the bumpers.You can do more with the bumpers than cycle between screens, thanks to the games newly added quickbar system. Now, switching between weapons and psi powers is both faster and easier thanks to two quick-access bars bound by default to the Left and Right bumpers.You can also slow down your aim for the sake of accuracy, and instead of multiple lean buttons theres now a single lean toggle that uses the control stick for the lean direction.If the default setup doesnt work for you, nearly every control except looking and walking with the analog sticks can be remapped. You can even swap the sticks to a southpaw configuration if you prefer.And if youd rather stick to mouse and keyboard, Mayfield assures we have you covered there too. While the team cant delve too deep into either of these just yet, multiplayer and co-op are in development for System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster. Crossplay functionality is also supported, allowing players across different platforms to connect and play together, notes Lima.A Look to the FutureNightdives remaster of System Shock 2 isnt a highly-polished reimagining; its the same game you remember from 1999 but better. With visual enhancements, optimized performance, and full controller support, Xbox players are in for a real treat.Perhaps more than one. With several projects in active development, including some highly requested fan favorites, the Nightdive team shows no signs of slowing down. While a full remake of System Shock 2 isnt on the list (yet), its certainly not outside the realm of possibility.According to Stephen Kick:Our team has been working within the world of System Shock for the last 10 years and I couldnt think of a more qualified group of developers to tackle a project like that should we decide to take that on.So, whether youre a first-timer or a longtime fan, Nightdive looks forward to welcoming you aboard the Von Braun when System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster launches on June 26, 2024, for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S!System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary RemasterNightdive StudiosGet it nowHow can you challenge a perfect, immortal machine?System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster by Nightdive Studios brings to you the modernized remaster of the FPS/RPG classic.Its the year 2114 and as you awake from cryo sleep on the FTL ship Von Braun, you are unable to remember who or where you are and something has gone terribly wrong. Hybrid mutants and deadly robots roam the halls while the cries from the remaining crew reverberate through the cold hull of the ship. SHODAN, a rogue AI bent on the destruction of mankind has taken over and it's up to you to stop her.Delve through the corridors of the derelict ship Von Braun and immerse yourself in the story rich atmosphere and environments. Explore deck by deck and unravel the horrifying fate of the Von Braun and her crew.System ShockPrime Matter195$39.99Get it nowSystem Shock is the fully fledged remake of the ground breaking original from 1994, combining cult gameplay with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, an overhauled interface and all-new sounds & music; it even has the original voice actor of SHODAN, one of gamings most iconic villains. Witness the rebirth of one of the greatest and most influential games ever created.A first-person fight to the death in the depths of space!SHE IS SELF-AWARE AND AWARE OF YOUMeet SHODAN: The psychotic AI has taken control of Citadel Station and turned the crew into an army of cyborgs and mutants; She now plans to do the same to Earth. You must explore and battle your way through the depths of a space station gone to hell. Stop SHODAN and avert humanitys destruction.HER TERMINATION IS OUR SALVATION

Remedy comes back to a key point about FBC: Firebreak repeatedly this game isnt a second job. You wont need to check in every day. You wont need to frettingly finish a battle pass before a deadline. None of your friends are going to be locked out if they dont buy an expansion. Theres so much to be excited about here Remedys first full online multiplayer game, its wild addition to the Control mythos, and its gratifyingly bizarre touches but just the idea of being able to play an evolving, online game like this at my own pace is upping my anticipation all by itself.To bring you up to speed, FBC: Firebreak is a first-person, co-op PvE shooter that pulls us six years beyond the ending of Control. That game left us with The Oldest House the shifting, eldritch home of the Federal Bureau of Control under lockdown after a hostile force known as The Hiss attacked. This spin-off (very much a widening of that games story, rather than a sequel to it) sees the House still under lockdown, and those stuck inside stuck in increasingly desperate circumstances. Youll play as members of the titular Firebreak, a ragtag group of first responders drafted in to clean up strange threats, using cobbled-together technology to do so.In theory, its a familiar set-up three-player parties head out into missions that gradually escalate over time, throwing objectives and enemies at you with abandon. In practice, this is anything but familiar. For a start, those objectives are unusual. In the mission Im shown during a hands-off presentation, the team are sent out to complete a mission called Paper Chase, in which they not only need to deal with Hiss-afflicted enemies (many of which youll remember if you played Control) but to clean up an infestation of sticky notes.Yes, those little yellow squares of paper seem to have gained some measure of sentience, and are covering entire sections of The Oldest House. As you fight, youll need to clean them up not just because theyre causing issues for the dcor, but because they have a habit of spontaneously attacking you (literally covering your field of view with little bits of paper), and even coalescing to create elite enemies youll need to take down. At the end of this mission, we see a boss affectionately known as Sticky Ricky made up of literally millions of sticky notes (I know this, because an onscreen objective is counting down each note, one by one). It sounds like a comedy, but its presented with the deadpan sense of dread that defined Control its weird, even unsettling, and a perfect match for this kind of game.Firebreak is doing a lot beyond getting weird with its missions, however. Team composition appears to be everything to your success youll tool up your character not only with weapons and perks (of which there appear to be dozens), but a Crisis Kit, which provides some of the stranger tools youll have at your disposal. I see the Splash Kit (which fires pressurized water), the Jump Kit (offering electrical powers), and the Fix Kit (which, well, fixes things). Each of these provides both offensive and utilitarian abilities a Fix Kit user can repair broken systems in the House, but also has access to enhanced melee using their wrench, for example. Your teams mix of Crisis Kits will alter how you approach a level (and each other, given there are doubtless ways to combine these powers), with strategies sure to emerge from those who really dive deep into the systems.And your strategy around these levels will be paramount your in-game currency needs to be collected during the missions themselves, and youll only earn it by safely extracting from a level. But the longer you stick around, the more Hiss arrive, adding a constant risk-reward tug-of-war. On top of this, your potential rewards are affected by two separate choices youll make before you begin your mission the Threat Level (a basic choice of difficulty), and the Clearance Level. The latter is a truly interesting piece of design each mission is split into distinct zones, escalating in complexity, and your chosen Clearance Level designates how many of those Zones youll need to get through. In effect, youre gambling against your own teams skill.This ability to tailor how hard or long a mission will be all feeds into that point I made at the beginning Remedy isnt just trying to make a compelling online shooter, but a welcoming one. Only got time for a quick burst? Jump into a low Threat, low Clearance mission for a bit of instant gratification. Settling down for the long haul? Grab your friends and start upping that Clearance level.This kind of thinking is all over the game. As I mentioned previously, Firebreak is being made purposely without daily or limited-time events, to ensure you never feel like youre being forced to play. But alongside that, Remedy has worked to make it as fast as possible to boot the game and get into a mission; theyre thinking deeply about making co-operation truly meaningful, but without punishing your for being matched with a player of lower skill, or who might be trolling their team; and all post-launch content (and theres a lot planned) will be free, meaning youll never have to split up a party.Its a game aiming to balance uniqueness and replayability with a healthy dose of respect for its players, and their time. Honestly, that might be just as revolutionary as having a boss made of sticky notes.FBC: Firebreakwill arrive this Summer for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC and you can play it day one with Game Pass.FBC: FirebreakRemedy EntertainmentGet it nowFBC: Firebreak is a cooperative first-person shooter set within a mysterious federal agency under assault by otherworldly forces. As a years-long siege on the agencys headquarters reaches its boiling point, only Firebreakthe Bureaus most versatile unithas the gear and the guts to plunge into the buildings strangest crises, restore order, and blast their way back from the brink.

As we touched on earlier this week, there are now over 1,000 developers utilizing Xbox Play Anywhere (XPA) for their games, bringing their amazing experiences to players across a variety of devices they own.If youve never heard of XPA before, let us give you a refresher: when you buy a digital game that supports XPA through the Xbox Store or the Windows Store, its available to play on your Xbox console, Windows 10/11 PC, and supported handheld gaming devices at no additional cost. Even better, your progression comes with you across all platforms.While the benefits of XPA for players are clear, we wanted to show you how developers have embraced this feature for their games. At this years annual ID@Xbox Showcase event at GDC, we chatted with the teams behind upcoming XPA games Clair Obsur: Expedition 33, Detective Dotson, and Towerborne to learn more about what influenced their decision to implement this feature and what benefits it may hold for their gaming communities.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33I mean, I think for us its all about discovery, says Detective Dotson Director Sharlin Shodhan. Making a game is hard enough, but selling a game in 2025 is super hard. This just gives us all the surfaces that Xbox and Microsoft have as a common access point to sell our game.In chatting more with Shodhan, he cites that being able to connect with players across multiple platforms is a key benefit in supporting Xbox Play Anywhere. Having all types of players access their game, and know that it can be played on multiple owned devices, is important for them because it widens the surface where people can access it and thus share it.The upcoming Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, launching day one with Game Pass on April 24, will also support Xbox Play Anywhere at launch. Again, allowing a variety of gaming communities on different platforms to come together thanks to XPA was seen as a tremendous benefit, especially for a new studio.Forming new friendships with players who are discovering our game is really the most we can hope for, explains Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Producer and Studio Co-founder Franois Meurisse. Having players able to play our game on different devices they already have at home is ideal. This helps them discover the game and feel a link with the universe, to the characters, and maybe even follow-up [for] future games [we make].Detective DotsonOther teams I talked to had Xbox Play Anywhere on their mind from the get-go. In talking with Towerborne Game Director Daniel McLaren, whose game is focused heavily on co-op, implementing XPA was necessary so anyone could join their community, whether theyre on PC or Xbox.We have built a game structured around playing together. From couch co-op to online co-op, or even just sitting by yourself with someone next to you telling you how to play. We needed to implement Xbox Play Anywhere so that anyone could join our community, whether theyre on PC or Xbox, says McLaren. No matter how you access your Xbox, be it through Game Pass or direct purchase, it was important for us to make sure we had the maximum number of players able to sit down anywhere, anytime, and just be able to play together.And its not just about utilizing XPA to connect with their gaming communities. As players themselves, these developers are also huge fans of what it means to play games they own with their friends and family, then taking that learned experience to implement into their games. In chatting more with McLaren, having XPA as an option to play across platforms is a huge benefit both personally and professionally.Well, the fact that I dont have to segregate my audience [is what I like most about the Xbox Play Anywhere feature]. When trying to build an online game, It [would be]s absurd that I cant sit down at my PC on some games and play with my buddy, who is not a PC person at all, who only has an Xbox console, it just boggles my mind. So, being able to do this I dont understand why everybody wouldnt do it, McLaren says.TowerborneShodhan also looks at it from a player perspective. This is how it should be: If I own a game and several devices, the developer will want me to play their game on as many devices as possible without paying each time or having to go through different store procedures. So, I think thats the ideal player experience, and thats why Im happy to support this for our players and make it a great experience.As a player and a Game Pass member, I really enjoyed the experience, says Meurisse. I havent got a Steam Deck yet but being able to play games on my iPad (with Xbox Cloud Gaming) while in bed is fantastic. The bigger screen of the iPad, combined with a controller, makes for an enjoyable gaming experience.Xbox Play Anywhere offers incredible convenience to players and a strong benefit to developers in fostering a cross-platform community for their games. And only having to purchase a game once to play it on both Xbox and PC is a huge perk for playing on Xbox, wherever you are. When youre a developer, at the end of the day, you just want more people to play your game XPA is here to help make that happen.

At Xbox, our goal is to empower as many people as possible to play the games they want, with the people they want, anywhere they want, in a way that works for them. This includes the more than 429 million players with some form of disability, who may rely on a variety of accessibility hardware such as the recently launched Xbox Adaptive Joystick and features to get the most from their gaming.For many players, it can be a challenge not having a common and consistent language to describe the accessibility features within different video games. To help solve this, Xbox introduced its Game Accessibility Feature Tags back in November 2021.But we want to do more, and today at Game Developers Conference (GDC), Xbox proudly joined forces with Electronic Arts, Google, Nintendo of America, Ubisoft and other gaming companies to announce that it is a member of the new Accessible Games Initiative.This initiative, helmed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), strives to provide players with clear information about the accessibility features in video games through a set of tags that players can use to identify the features available in a specific game, before they make a purchase.To ensure there is no duplication between tags, and every tag adds unique value for players, Xbox will replace existing Xbox Game Accessibility Feature tags with their equivalent Accessible Games Initiative tags. Any Xbox Game Accessibility Feature tags that do not have equivalent Accessible Games Initiative tags will remain on our platform. This combination of tags will make it even easier for players with disabilities to find their next great game and understand the accessibility features available to play.We are excited to be part of the Accessible Games Initiative and happy to share our years of learnings from our Xbox Game Accessibility Feature Tags to help inform these new tags, alongside our partners. As with any advancements made that enable more people to play, we are thrilledto see more steps being taken in the name of inclusion and greater standardization of accessibility in games. We hope thiscollaborative effort across multiple gaming companies signals the power of accessibility to connect people, bring joy, and build community to the rest of the industry.In the same way, we hope the Accessible Games Initiative emboldens game developers to not only implement these tags in the name of inclusion, but inspires them to consider building more accessibility into their games as a result.Xbox is working with developers around the world to implement Accessible Games Initiative tags across participating titles. Once ready, players will be able to find both sets of tags in a variety of digital Xbox experiences.In the meantime, players can find the descriptions for each tag on the Accessible Games Initiative website. With the Accessible Games Initiative tags, players no longer need to worry about guessing what a tag means for each individual game, and you can know exactly what to expect before you buy a game.Stay tuned for more information. Visit www.accessiblegames.com to explore the tags and learn more.