• Everything new at Summer Game Fest 2025: Marvel Tōkon, Resident Evil Requiem and more

    It's early June, which means it's time for a ton of video game events! Rising from the ashes of E3, Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest is now the premium gaming event of the year, just inching ahead of… Geoff Keighley's Game Awards in December. Unlike the show it replaced, Summer Game Fest is an egalitarian affair, spotlighting games from AAA developers and small indies across a diverse set of livestreams. SGF 2025 includes 15 individual events running from June 3-9 — you can find the full Summer Game Fest 2025 schedule here — and we're smack dab in the middle of that programming right now.
    We're covering SGF 2025 with a small team on the ground in LA and a far larger group of writers tuning in remotely to the various livestreams. Expect game previews, interviews and reactions to arrive over the coming days, and a boatload of new trailers and release date announcements in between.
    Through it all, we're collating the biggest announcements right here, with links out to more in-depth coverage where we have it, in chronological order.
    Tuesday, June 3
    State of Unreal: The Witcher IV and Fortnite AI
    Epic hitched its wagon to SGF this year, aligning its annual developer Unreal Fest conference, which last took place in the fall of 2024, with the consumer event. The conference was held in Orlando, Florida, from June 2-5, with well over a hundred developer sessions focused on Unreal Engine. The highlight was State of Unreal, which was the first event on the official Summer Game Fest schedule. Amid a bunch of very cool tech demos and announcements, we got some meaningful updates on Epic's own Fortnite and CD PROJEKT RED's upcoming The Witcher IV.

    The Witcher IV was first unveiled at The Game Awards last year, and we've heard very little about it since. At State of Unreal, we got a tech demo for Unreal Engine 5.6, played in real time on a base PS5. The roughly 10-minute slot featured a mix of gameplay and cinematics, and showed off a detailed, bustling world. Perhaps the technical highlight was Nanite Foliage, an extension of UE5's Nanite system for geometry that renders foliage without the level of detail pop-in that is perhaps the most widespread graphical aberration still plaguing games today. On the game side, we saw a town filled with hundreds of NPCs going about their business. The town itself wasn't quite on the scale of The Witcher III's Novigrad City, but nonetheless felt alive in a way beyond anything the last game achieved.
    It's fair to say that Fortnite's moment in the spotlight was… less impressive. Hot on the heels of smooshing a profane Darth Vader AI into the game, Epic announced that creators will be able to roll their own AI NPCs into the game later this year.
    Wednesday, June 4
    PlayStation State of Play: Marvel Tōkon, Silent Hill f and the return of Lumines
    Another company getting a headstart on proceedings was Sony, who threw its third State of Play of the year onto the Summer Game Fest schedule a couple days ahead of the opening night event. It was a packed stream by Sony's standards, with over 20 games and even a surprise hardware announcement.

    The most time was given to Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a new PlayStation Studios tag fighter that fuses Marvel Superheroes with anime visuals. It's also 4 versus 4, which is wild. It's being developed by Arc System Works, the team perhaps best known for the Guilty Gear series. It's coming to PS5 and PC in 2026. Not-so-coincidentally, Sony also announced Project Defiant, a wireless fight stick that'll support PS5 and PC and arrive in… 2026.
    Elsewhere, we got a parade of release dates, with concrete dates for Sword of the Sea Baby Steps and Silent Hill f. We also got confirmation of that Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, an an all-new... let's call it aspirational "2026" date for Pragmata, which, if you're keeping score, was advertised alongside the launch of the PS5. Great going, Capcom!

    Rounding out the show was a bunch of smaller announcements. We heard about a new Nioh game, Nioh 3, coming in 2026; Suda51's new weirdness Romeo is a Dead Man; and Lumines Arise, a long-awaited return to the Lumines series from the developer behind Tetris Effect.
    Thursday, June 5
    Diddly squat
    There were absolutely no Summer Game Fest events scheduled on Thursday. We assume that's out of respect for antipodean trees, as June 5 was Arbor Day in New Zealand.Friday, June 6
    Summer Game Fest Live: Resident Evil Requiem, Stranger Than Heaven and sequels abound
    It's fair to say that previous Summer Game Fest opening night streams have been… whelming at best. This year's showing was certainly an improvement, not least because there were exponentially fewer mobile game and MMO ads littering the presentation. Yes, folks tracking Gabe Newell's yacht were disappointed that Half-Life 3 didn't show up, and the Silksong crowd remains sad, alone and unloved, but there were nonetheless some huge announcements.

    Perhaps the biggest of all was the "ninth"Resident Evil game. Resident Evil Requiem is said to be a tonal shift compared to the last game, Resident Evil Village. Here's hoping it reinvigorates the series in the same way Resident Evil VII did following the disappointing 6.
    We also heard more from Sega studio Ryu Ga Gotoku about Project Century, which seems to be a 1943 take on the Yakuza series. It's now called Stranger Than Heaven, and there's ajazzy new trailer for your consideration.

    Outside of those big swings, there were sequels to a bunch of mid-sized games, like Atomic Heart, Code Vein and Mortal Shell, and a spiritual sequel of sorts: Scott Pilgrim EX, a beat-em-up that takes the baton from the 2010 Ubisoft brawler Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game.
    There were countless other announcements at the show, including:

    Troy Baker is the big cheese in Mouse: P.I. for Hire
    Here's a silly puppet boxing game you never knew you needed
    Killer Inn turns Werewolf into a multiplayer action game
    Out of Words is a cozy stop-motion co-op adventure from Epic Games
    Lego Voyagers is a co-op puzzle game from the studio behind Builder's Journey
    Mina the Hollower, from the makers of Shovel Knight, arrives on Halloween
    Wu-Tang Clan's new game blends anime with Afro-surrealism

    Day of the Devs: Blighted, Snap & Grab, Blighted and Escape Academy II
    As always, the kickoff show was followed by a Day of the Devs stream, which focused on smaller projects and indie games. You can watch the full stream here.
    Escape Academy has been firmly on our best couch co-op games list for some time, and now it's got a sequel on the way. Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School takes the same basic co-op escape room fun and expands on it, moving away from a level-select map screen and towards a fully 3D school campus for players to explore. So long as the puzzles themselves are as fun as the original, it seems like a winner. 

    Semblance studio Nyamakop is back with new jam called Relooted, a heist game with a unique twist. As in the real world, museums in the West are full of items plundered from African nations under colonialism. Unlike the real world, in Relooted the colonial powers have signed a treaty to return these items to their places of origin, but things aren't going to plan, as many artifacts are finding their way into private collections. It's your job to steal them back. The British Museum is quaking in its boots.

    Here are some of the other games that caught our eye:

    Snap & Grab is No Goblin's campy, photography-based heist game
    Please, Watch the Artwork is a puzzle game with eerie paintings and a sad clown
    Bask in the grotesque pixel-art beauty of Neverway
    Pocket Boss turns corporate data manipulation into a puzzle game
    Tire Boy is a wacky open-world adventure game you can tread all over

    The rest: Ball x Pit, Hitman and 007 First Light

    After Day of the Devs came Devolver. Its Summer Game Fest show was a little more muted than usual, focusing on a single game: Ball x Pit. It's the next game from Kenny Sun, an indie developer who previously made the sleeper hit Mr. Sun's Hatbox. Ball x Pit is being made by a team of more than half a dozen devs, in contrast to Sun's mostly solo prior works. It looks like an interesting mashup of Breakout and base-building mechanics, and there's a demo on Steam available right now.

    Then came IOI, the makers of Hitman, who put together a classic E3-style cringefest, full of awkward pauses, ill-paced demos and repetitive trailers. Honestly, as someone who's been watching game company presentations for two decades or so, it was a nice moment of nostalgia. 
    Away from the marvel of a presenter trying to cope with everything going wrong, the show did have some actual content, with an extended demo of the new James Bond-themed Hitman mission, an announcement that Hitman is coming to iOS and table tops, and a presentation on MindsEye, a game from former GTA producer Leslie Benzies that IOI is publishing. 
    Saturday-Sunday: Xbox and much, much more
    Now you're all caught up. We're expecting a lot of news this weekend, mostly from Xbox on Sunday. We'll be updating this article through the weekend and beyond, but you can find the latest announcements from Summer Game Fest 2025 on our front page.This article originally appeared on Engadget at
    #everything #new #summer #game #fest
    Everything new at Summer Game Fest 2025: Marvel Tōkon, Resident Evil Requiem and more
    It's early June, which means it's time for a ton of video game events! Rising from the ashes of E3, Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest is now the premium gaming event of the year, just inching ahead of… Geoff Keighley's Game Awards in December. Unlike the show it replaced, Summer Game Fest is an egalitarian affair, spotlighting games from AAA developers and small indies across a diverse set of livestreams. SGF 2025 includes 15 individual events running from June 3-9 — you can find the full Summer Game Fest 2025 schedule here — and we're smack dab in the middle of that programming right now. We're covering SGF 2025 with a small team on the ground in LA and a far larger group of writers tuning in remotely to the various livestreams. Expect game previews, interviews and reactions to arrive over the coming days, and a boatload of new trailers and release date announcements in between. Through it all, we're collating the biggest announcements right here, with links out to more in-depth coverage where we have it, in chronological order. Tuesday, June 3 State of Unreal: The Witcher IV and Fortnite AI Epic hitched its wagon to SGF this year, aligning its annual developer Unreal Fest conference, which last took place in the fall of 2024, with the consumer event. The conference was held in Orlando, Florida, from June 2-5, with well over a hundred developer sessions focused on Unreal Engine. The highlight was State of Unreal, which was the first event on the official Summer Game Fest schedule. Amid a bunch of very cool tech demos and announcements, we got some meaningful updates on Epic's own Fortnite and CD PROJEKT RED's upcoming The Witcher IV. The Witcher IV was first unveiled at The Game Awards last year, and we've heard very little about it since. At State of Unreal, we got a tech demo for Unreal Engine 5.6, played in real time on a base PS5. The roughly 10-minute slot featured a mix of gameplay and cinematics, and showed off a detailed, bustling world. Perhaps the technical highlight was Nanite Foliage, an extension of UE5's Nanite system for geometry that renders foliage without the level of detail pop-in that is perhaps the most widespread graphical aberration still plaguing games today. On the game side, we saw a town filled with hundreds of NPCs going about their business. The town itself wasn't quite on the scale of The Witcher III's Novigrad City, but nonetheless felt alive in a way beyond anything the last game achieved. It's fair to say that Fortnite's moment in the spotlight was… less impressive. Hot on the heels of smooshing a profane Darth Vader AI into the game, Epic announced that creators will be able to roll their own AI NPCs into the game later this year. Wednesday, June 4 PlayStation State of Play: Marvel Tōkon, Silent Hill f and the return of Lumines Another company getting a headstart on proceedings was Sony, who threw its third State of Play of the year onto the Summer Game Fest schedule a couple days ahead of the opening night event. It was a packed stream by Sony's standards, with over 20 games and even a surprise hardware announcement. The most time was given to Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a new PlayStation Studios tag fighter that fuses Marvel Superheroes with anime visuals. It's also 4 versus 4, which is wild. It's being developed by Arc System Works, the team perhaps best known for the Guilty Gear series. It's coming to PS5 and PC in 2026. Not-so-coincidentally, Sony also announced Project Defiant, a wireless fight stick that'll support PS5 and PC and arrive in… 2026. Elsewhere, we got a parade of release dates, with concrete dates for Sword of the Sea Baby Steps and Silent Hill f. We also got confirmation of that Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, an an all-new... let's call it aspirational "2026" date for Pragmata, which, if you're keeping score, was advertised alongside the launch of the PS5. Great going, Capcom! Rounding out the show was a bunch of smaller announcements. We heard about a new Nioh game, Nioh 3, coming in 2026; Suda51's new weirdness Romeo is a Dead Man; and Lumines Arise, a long-awaited return to the Lumines series from the developer behind Tetris Effect. Thursday, June 5 Diddly squat There were absolutely no Summer Game Fest events scheduled on Thursday. We assume that's out of respect for antipodean trees, as June 5 was Arbor Day in New Zealand.Friday, June 6 Summer Game Fest Live: Resident Evil Requiem, Stranger Than Heaven and sequels abound It's fair to say that previous Summer Game Fest opening night streams have been… whelming at best. This year's showing was certainly an improvement, not least because there were exponentially fewer mobile game and MMO ads littering the presentation. Yes, folks tracking Gabe Newell's yacht were disappointed that Half-Life 3 didn't show up, and the Silksong crowd remains sad, alone and unloved, but there were nonetheless some huge announcements. Perhaps the biggest of all was the "ninth"Resident Evil game. Resident Evil Requiem is said to be a tonal shift compared to the last game, Resident Evil Village. Here's hoping it reinvigorates the series in the same way Resident Evil VII did following the disappointing 6. We also heard more from Sega studio Ryu Ga Gotoku about Project Century, which seems to be a 1943 take on the Yakuza series. It's now called Stranger Than Heaven, and there's ajazzy new trailer for your consideration. Outside of those big swings, there were sequels to a bunch of mid-sized games, like Atomic Heart, Code Vein and Mortal Shell, and a spiritual sequel of sorts: Scott Pilgrim EX, a beat-em-up that takes the baton from the 2010 Ubisoft brawler Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game. There were countless other announcements at the show, including: Troy Baker is the big cheese in Mouse: P.I. for Hire Here's a silly puppet boxing game you never knew you needed Killer Inn turns Werewolf into a multiplayer action game Out of Words is a cozy stop-motion co-op adventure from Epic Games Lego Voyagers is a co-op puzzle game from the studio behind Builder's Journey Mina the Hollower, from the makers of Shovel Knight, arrives on Halloween Wu-Tang Clan's new game blends anime with Afro-surrealism Day of the Devs: Blighted, Snap & Grab, Blighted and Escape Academy II As always, the kickoff show was followed by a Day of the Devs stream, which focused on smaller projects and indie games. You can watch the full stream here. Escape Academy has been firmly on our best couch co-op games list for some time, and now it's got a sequel on the way. Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School takes the same basic co-op escape room fun and expands on it, moving away from a level-select map screen and towards a fully 3D school campus for players to explore. So long as the puzzles themselves are as fun as the original, it seems like a winner.  Semblance studio Nyamakop is back with new jam called Relooted, a heist game with a unique twist. As in the real world, museums in the West are full of items plundered from African nations under colonialism. Unlike the real world, in Relooted the colonial powers have signed a treaty to return these items to their places of origin, but things aren't going to plan, as many artifacts are finding their way into private collections. It's your job to steal them back. The British Museum is quaking in its boots. Here are some of the other games that caught our eye: Snap & Grab is No Goblin's campy, photography-based heist game Please, Watch the Artwork is a puzzle game with eerie paintings and a sad clown Bask in the grotesque pixel-art beauty of Neverway Pocket Boss turns corporate data manipulation into a puzzle game Tire Boy is a wacky open-world adventure game you can tread all over The rest: Ball x Pit, Hitman and 007 First Light After Day of the Devs came Devolver. Its Summer Game Fest show was a little more muted than usual, focusing on a single game: Ball x Pit. It's the next game from Kenny Sun, an indie developer who previously made the sleeper hit Mr. Sun's Hatbox. Ball x Pit is being made by a team of more than half a dozen devs, in contrast to Sun's mostly solo prior works. It looks like an interesting mashup of Breakout and base-building mechanics, and there's a demo on Steam available right now. Then came IOI, the makers of Hitman, who put together a classic E3-style cringefest, full of awkward pauses, ill-paced demos and repetitive trailers. Honestly, as someone who's been watching game company presentations for two decades or so, it was a nice moment of nostalgia.  Away from the marvel of a presenter trying to cope with everything going wrong, the show did have some actual content, with an extended demo of the new James Bond-themed Hitman mission, an announcement that Hitman is coming to iOS and table tops, and a presentation on MindsEye, a game from former GTA producer Leslie Benzies that IOI is publishing.  Saturday-Sunday: Xbox and much, much more Now you're all caught up. We're expecting a lot of news this weekend, mostly from Xbox on Sunday. We'll be updating this article through the weekend and beyond, but you can find the latest announcements from Summer Game Fest 2025 on our front page.This article originally appeared on Engadget at #everything #new #summer #game #fest
    WWW.ENGADGET.COM
    Everything new at Summer Game Fest 2025: Marvel Tōkon, Resident Evil Requiem and more
    It's early June, which means it's time for a ton of video game events! Rising from the ashes of E3, Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest is now the premium gaming event of the year, just inching ahead of… Geoff Keighley's Game Awards in December. Unlike the show it replaced, Summer Game Fest is an egalitarian affair, spotlighting games from AAA developers and small indies across a diverse set of livestreams. SGF 2025 includes 15 individual events running from June 3-9 — you can find the full Summer Game Fest 2025 schedule here — and we're smack dab in the middle of that programming right now. We're covering SGF 2025 with a small team on the ground in LA and a far larger group of writers tuning in remotely to the various livestreams. Expect game previews, interviews and reactions to arrive over the coming days (the show's in-person component runs from Saturday-Monday), and a boatload of new trailers and release date announcements in between. Through it all, we're collating the biggest announcements right here, with links out to more in-depth coverage where we have it, in chronological order. Tuesday, June 3 State of Unreal: The Witcher IV and Fortnite AI Epic hitched its wagon to SGF this year, aligning its annual developer Unreal Fest conference, which last took place in the fall of 2024, with the consumer event. The conference was held in Orlando, Florida, from June 2-5, with well over a hundred developer sessions focused on Unreal Engine. The highlight was State of Unreal, which was the first event on the official Summer Game Fest schedule. Amid a bunch of very cool tech demos and announcements, we got some meaningful updates on Epic's own Fortnite and CD PROJEKT RED's upcoming The Witcher IV. The Witcher IV was first unveiled at The Game Awards last year, and we've heard very little about it since. At State of Unreal, we got a tech demo for Unreal Engine 5.6, played in real time on a base PS5. The roughly 10-minute slot featured a mix of gameplay and cinematics, and showed off a detailed, bustling world. Perhaps the technical highlight was Nanite Foliage, an extension of UE5's Nanite system for geometry that renders foliage without the level of detail pop-in that is perhaps the most widespread graphical aberration still plaguing games today. On the game side, we saw a town filled with hundreds of NPCs going about their business. The town itself wasn't quite on the scale of The Witcher III's Novigrad City, but nonetheless felt alive in a way beyond anything the last game achieved. It's fair to say that Fortnite's moment in the spotlight was… less impressive. Hot on the heels of smooshing a profane Darth Vader AI into the game, Epic announced that creators will be able to roll their own AI NPCs into the game later this year. Wednesday, June 4 PlayStation State of Play: Marvel Tōkon, Silent Hill f and the return of Lumines Another company getting a headstart on proceedings was Sony, who threw its third State of Play of the year onto the Summer Game Fest schedule a couple days ahead of the opening night event. It was a packed stream by Sony's standards, with over 20 games and even a surprise hardware announcement. The most time was given to Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a new PlayStation Studios tag fighter that fuses Marvel Superheroes with anime visuals. It's also 4 versus 4, which is wild. It's being developed by Arc System Works, the team perhaps best known for the Guilty Gear series. It's coming to PS5 and PC in 2026. Not-so-coincidentally, Sony also announced Project Defiant, a wireless fight stick that'll support PS5 and PC and arrive in… 2026. Elsewhere, we got a parade of release dates, with concrete dates for Sword of the Sea (August 19) Baby Steps (September 8) and Silent Hill f (September 25). We also got confirmation of that Final Fantasy Tactics remaster (coming September 30), an an all-new... let's call it aspirational "2026" date for Pragmata, which, if you're keeping score, was advertised alongside the launch of the PS5. Great going, Capcom! Rounding out the show was a bunch of smaller announcements. We heard about a new Nioh game, Nioh 3, coming in 2026; Suda51's new weirdness Romeo is a Dead Man; and Lumines Arise, a long-awaited return to the Lumines series from the developer behind Tetris Effect. Thursday, June 5 Diddly squat There were absolutely no Summer Game Fest events scheduled on Thursday. We assume that's out of respect for antipodean trees, as June 5 was Arbor Day in New Zealand. (It's probably because everyone was playing Nintendo Switch 2.) Friday, June 6 Summer Game Fest Live: Resident Evil Requiem, Stranger Than Heaven and sequels abound It's fair to say that previous Summer Game Fest opening night streams have been… whelming at best. This year's showing was certainly an improvement, not least because there were exponentially fewer mobile game and MMO ads littering the presentation. Yes, folks tracking Gabe Newell's yacht were disappointed that Half-Life 3 didn't show up, and the Silksong crowd remains sad, alone and unloved, but there were nonetheless some huge announcements. Perhaps the biggest of all was the "ninth" (Zero and Code Veronica erasure is real) Resident Evil game. Resident Evil Requiem is said to be a tonal shift compared to the last game, Resident Evil Village. Here's hoping it reinvigorates the series in the same way Resident Evil VII did following the disappointing 6. We also heard more from Sega studio Ryu Ga Gotoku about Project Century, which seems to be a 1943 take on the Yakuza series. It's now called Stranger Than Heaven, and there's a (literally) jazzy new trailer for your consideration. Outside of those big swings, there were sequels to a bunch of mid-sized games, like Atomic Heart, Code Vein and Mortal Shell, and a spiritual sequel of sorts: Scott Pilgrim EX, a beat-em-up that takes the baton from the 2010 Ubisoft brawler Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game. There were countless other announcements at the show, including: Troy Baker is the big cheese in Mouse: P.I. for Hire Here's a silly puppet boxing game you never knew you needed Killer Inn turns Werewolf into a multiplayer action game Out of Words is a cozy stop-motion co-op adventure from Epic Games Lego Voyagers is a co-op puzzle game from the studio behind Builder's Journey Mina the Hollower, from the makers of Shovel Knight, arrives on Halloween Wu-Tang Clan's new game blends anime with Afro-surrealism Day of the Devs: Blighted, Snap & Grab, Blighted and Escape Academy II As always, the kickoff show was followed by a Day of the Devs stream, which focused on smaller projects and indie games. You can watch the full stream here. Escape Academy has been firmly on our best couch co-op games list for some time, and now it's got a sequel on the way. Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School takes the same basic co-op escape room fun and expands on it, moving away from a level-select map screen and towards a fully 3D school campus for players to explore. So long as the puzzles themselves are as fun as the original, it seems like a winner.  Semblance studio Nyamakop is back with new jam called Relooted, a heist game with a unique twist. As in the real world, museums in the West are full of items plundered from African nations under colonialism. Unlike the real world, in Relooted the colonial powers have signed a treaty to return these items to their places of origin, but things aren't going to plan, as many artifacts are finding their way into private collections. It's your job to steal them back. The British Museum is quaking in its boots. Here are some of the other games that caught our eye: Snap & Grab is No Goblin's campy, photography-based heist game Please, Watch the Artwork is a puzzle game with eerie paintings and a sad clown Bask in the grotesque pixel-art beauty of Neverway Pocket Boss turns corporate data manipulation into a puzzle game Tire Boy is a wacky open-world adventure game you can tread all over The rest: Ball x Pit, Hitman and 007 First Light After Day of the Devs came Devolver. Its Summer Game Fest show was a little more muted than usual, focusing on a single game: Ball x Pit. It's the next game from Kenny Sun, an indie developer who previously made the sleeper hit Mr. Sun's Hatbox. Ball x Pit is being made by a team of more than half a dozen devs, in contrast to Sun's mostly solo prior works. It looks like an interesting mashup of Breakout and base-building mechanics, and there's a demo on Steam available right now. Then came IOI, the makers of Hitman, who put together a classic E3-style cringefest, full of awkward pauses, ill-paced demos and repetitive trailers. Honestly, as someone who's been watching game company presentations for two decades or so, it was a nice moment of nostalgia.  Away from the marvel of a presenter trying to cope with everything going wrong, the show did have some actual content, with an extended demo of the new James Bond-themed Hitman mission, an announcement that Hitman is coming to iOS and table tops, and a presentation on MindsEye, a game from former GTA producer Leslie Benzies that IOI is publishing.  Saturday-Sunday: Xbox and much, much more Now you're all caught up. We're expecting a lot of news this weekend, mostly from Xbox on Sunday. We'll be updating this article through the weekend and beyond, but you can find the latest announcements from Summer Game Fest 2025 on our front page.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/everything-new-at-summer-game-fest-2025-marvel-tokon-resident-evil-requiem-and-more-185425995.html?src=rss
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  • Summer Game Fest 2025 predictions: Everything we expect from Switch 2 to Splinter Cell

    Geoff Keighley has promised a record-breaking number of publishers at Summer Game Fest this year, so we’ve rounded up what we think we’ll be playing in the coming monthsTech23:00, 05 Jun 2025We're so ready to step into Samus' boots againE3 might be long gone, but Summer Game Fest has replaced it. While Nintendo Switch 2 has just launched, and Sony has held its own State of Play event, tonight’s show is about as unpredictable as you can get. So, naturally, we’re trying to predict what we’ll be seeing.With everyone from PlayStation to SEGA, Xbox and even Nintendo making an appearance, we’re expecting big things from the showcase, which will be packed with titles for 2025 and beyond.‌While some are known quantities, like Borderlands 4, Little Nightmares 3, and the upcoming Bond game from Hitman developer IO Interactive, we’re still expecting plenty of surprises. Here’s everything we’re predicting for Summer Game Fest 2025.‌There are plenty of big namesWith Geoff Keighley’s events in both the Summer and December being key fixtures on the gaming events calendar, he’s able to pull off plenty of surprises. The Game Awards 2023 revealed Monster Hunter Wilds, while the following year showcased the first gameplay of Slay The Spire 2 and Split Fiction, as well as Elden Ring Nightreign and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.As for Summer Game Fest itself, the show last year featured Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 - all games which were released since then.Article continues belowWe’ve heard rumblings that Capcom’s Pragmata, revealed alongside the PS5 in June 2020, could be shown at the event following an indefinite delay in 2023. It’s just as well, since we have no idea what the game really is yet.We’re also very curious about what Nintendo could show. The Switch 2 is out, but only as of yesterday, so we’d expect a sizzle reel to show what the console is capable of, as well as another look at Donkey Kong Bananza.‌PlayStation is probably easier to predict since the company is launching Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On The Beach in just a few short weeks, and Geoff Keighley will likely find some way of getting the man himself on stage.SEGA has plenty to show, too. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is still due this year, while the company has an ambitious plan to resurrect classic titles starting with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and leading into Streets of Rage and Crazy Taxi.We tipped a Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 announcement for Sony’s State of Play, but we’re still waiting for more news on Kingdom Hearts 4.‌Pearl Abyss is still aiming to launch Crimson Desert this year, but we’re without a release date as yet, while the company is also working on its colourful DokeV which has been MIA for years at this point.While Microsoft is expected to appear, the company has its own showcase just two days later with a big focus on The Outer Worlds 2. As a result, we might just get a sneak peek at this year’s Call of Duty with more to come on Sunday.With Bungie’s Marathon hit by plagiarism accusations, Embark Studios has a great chance to get players onto Arc Raiders as an alternative. Speaking of Bungie, expect a gameplay trailer for Destiny 2: Edge of Fate.‌Elden Ring is coming to Switch 2Call us crazy, but we want a bunch of Switch 2 news. We want to see From Software’s Duskbloods, get a release date for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and maybe even a Metroid Prime 4 release date from Nintendo itself.Given the history of Monster Hunter on portable consoles, we’ve got everything crossed for the series to come to Switch 2, but coming off of the excellent Wilds, it’s perhaps unlikely.‌Naturally, we’ve always got our fingers crossed that we’ll see Silksong, but rumours have suggested that Team Cherry’s long-awaited Hollow Knight follow-up would be announced at Microsoft’s event if at all.As we said in our State of Play predictions, we’re also expecting to hear more about Resident Evil 9 by the end of this week, in some way, shape, or form.With The Division 2 getting what’s likely its final DLC recently, here’s hoping for The Division 3, which has been rumoured for a while. Or, maybe Ubisoft will finally share something about the Splinter Cell title it has in development.Article continues belowDid we get any correct? Find out with us, with the show kicking off at 10PM BST on Friday night.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌
    #summer #game #fest #predictions #everything
    Summer Game Fest 2025 predictions: Everything we expect from Switch 2 to Splinter Cell
    Geoff Keighley has promised a record-breaking number of publishers at Summer Game Fest this year, so we’ve rounded up what we think we’ll be playing in the coming monthsTech23:00, 05 Jun 2025We're so ready to step into Samus' boots againE3 might be long gone, but Summer Game Fest has replaced it. While Nintendo Switch 2 has just launched, and Sony has held its own State of Play event, tonight’s show is about as unpredictable as you can get. So, naturally, we’re trying to predict what we’ll be seeing.With everyone from PlayStation to SEGA, Xbox and even Nintendo making an appearance, we’re expecting big things from the showcase, which will be packed with titles for 2025 and beyond.‌While some are known quantities, like Borderlands 4, Little Nightmares 3, and the upcoming Bond game from Hitman developer IO Interactive, we’re still expecting plenty of surprises. Here’s everything we’re predicting for Summer Game Fest 2025.‌There are plenty of big namesWith Geoff Keighley’s events in both the Summer and December being key fixtures on the gaming events calendar, he’s able to pull off plenty of surprises. The Game Awards 2023 revealed Monster Hunter Wilds, while the following year showcased the first gameplay of Slay The Spire 2 and Split Fiction, as well as Elden Ring Nightreign and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.As for Summer Game Fest itself, the show last year featured Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 - all games which were released since then.Article continues belowWe’ve heard rumblings that Capcom’s Pragmata, revealed alongside the PS5 in June 2020, could be shown at the event following an indefinite delay in 2023. It’s just as well, since we have no idea what the game really is yet.We’re also very curious about what Nintendo could show. The Switch 2 is out, but only as of yesterday, so we’d expect a sizzle reel to show what the console is capable of, as well as another look at Donkey Kong Bananza.‌PlayStation is probably easier to predict since the company is launching Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On The Beach in just a few short weeks, and Geoff Keighley will likely find some way of getting the man himself on stage.SEGA has plenty to show, too. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is still due this year, while the company has an ambitious plan to resurrect classic titles starting with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and leading into Streets of Rage and Crazy Taxi.We tipped a Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 announcement for Sony’s State of Play, but we’re still waiting for more news on Kingdom Hearts 4.‌Pearl Abyss is still aiming to launch Crimson Desert this year, but we’re without a release date as yet, while the company is also working on its colourful DokeV which has been MIA for years at this point.While Microsoft is expected to appear, the company has its own showcase just two days later with a big focus on The Outer Worlds 2. As a result, we might just get a sneak peek at this year’s Call of Duty with more to come on Sunday.With Bungie’s Marathon hit by plagiarism accusations, Embark Studios has a great chance to get players onto Arc Raiders as an alternative. Speaking of Bungie, expect a gameplay trailer for Destiny 2: Edge of Fate.‌Elden Ring is coming to Switch 2Call us crazy, but we want a bunch of Switch 2 news. We want to see From Software’s Duskbloods, get a release date for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and maybe even a Metroid Prime 4 release date from Nintendo itself.Given the history of Monster Hunter on portable consoles, we’ve got everything crossed for the series to come to Switch 2, but coming off of the excellent Wilds, it’s perhaps unlikely.‌Naturally, we’ve always got our fingers crossed that we’ll see Silksong, but rumours have suggested that Team Cherry’s long-awaited Hollow Knight follow-up would be announced at Microsoft’s event if at all.As we said in our State of Play predictions, we’re also expecting to hear more about Resident Evil 9 by the end of this week, in some way, shape, or form.With The Division 2 getting what’s likely its final DLC recently, here’s hoping for The Division 3, which has been rumoured for a while. Or, maybe Ubisoft will finally share something about the Splinter Cell title it has in development.Article continues belowDid we get any correct? Find out with us, with the show kicking off at 10PM BST on Friday night.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌ #summer #game #fest #predictions #everything
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    Summer Game Fest 2025 predictions: Everything we expect from Switch 2 to Splinter Cell
    Geoff Keighley has promised a record-breaking number of publishers at Summer Game Fest this year, so we’ve rounded up what we think we’ll be playing in the coming monthsTech23:00, 05 Jun 2025We're so ready to step into Samus' boots againE3 might be long gone, but Summer Game Fest has replaced it. While Nintendo Switch 2 has just launched, and Sony has held its own State of Play event, tonight’s show is about as unpredictable as you can get. So, naturally, we’re trying to predict what we’ll be seeing.With everyone from PlayStation to SEGA, Xbox and even Nintendo making an appearance, we’re expecting big things from the showcase, which will be packed with titles for 2025 and beyond.‌While some are known quantities, like Borderlands 4, Little Nightmares 3, and the upcoming Bond game from Hitman developer IO Interactive, we’re still expecting plenty of surprises. Here’s everything we’re predicting for Summer Game Fest 2025.‌There are plenty of big namesWith Geoff Keighley’s events in both the Summer and December being key fixtures on the gaming events calendar, he’s able to pull off plenty of surprises. The Game Awards 2023 revealed Monster Hunter Wilds, while the following year showcased the first gameplay of Slay The Spire 2 and Split Fiction, as well as Elden Ring Nightreign and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.As for Summer Game Fest itself, the show last year featured Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 - all games which were released since then.Article continues belowWe’ve heard rumblings that Capcom’s Pragmata, revealed alongside the PS5 in June 2020, could be shown at the event following an indefinite delay in 2023. It’s just as well, since we have no idea what the game really is yet.We’re also very curious about what Nintendo could show. The Switch 2 is out, but only as of yesterday, so we’d expect a sizzle reel to show what the console is capable of, as well as another look at Donkey Kong Bananza.‌PlayStation is probably easier to predict since the company is launching Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On The Beach in just a few short weeks, and Geoff Keighley will likely find some way of getting the man himself on stage.SEGA has plenty to show, too. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is still due this year, while the company has an ambitious plan to resurrect classic titles starting with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and leading into Streets of Rage and Crazy Taxi.We tipped a Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 announcement for Sony’s State of Play, but we’re still waiting for more news on Kingdom Hearts 4.‌Pearl Abyss is still aiming to launch Crimson Desert this year (supposedly), but we’re without a release date as yet, while the company is also working on its colourful DokeV which has been MIA for years at this point.While Microsoft is expected to appear, the company has its own showcase just two days later with a big focus on The Outer Worlds 2. As a result, we might just get a sneak peek at this year’s Call of Duty with more to come on Sunday.With Bungie’s Marathon hit by plagiarism accusations, Embark Studios has a great chance to get players onto Arc Raiders as an alternative. Speaking of Bungie, expect a gameplay trailer for Destiny 2: Edge of Fate.‌Elden Ring is coming to Switch 2(Image: FromSoftware, Inc.)Call us crazy, but we want a bunch of Switch 2 news. We want to see From Software’s Duskbloods, get a release date for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and maybe even a Metroid Prime 4 release date from Nintendo itself.Given the history of Monster Hunter on portable consoles, we’ve got everything crossed for the series to come to Switch 2, but coming off of the excellent Wilds, it’s perhaps unlikely.‌Naturally, we’ve always got our fingers crossed that we’ll see Silksong, but rumours have suggested that Team Cherry’s long-awaited Hollow Knight follow-up would be announced at Microsoft’s event if at all.As we said in our State of Play predictions, we’re also expecting to hear more about Resident Evil 9 by the end of this week, in some way, shape, or form.With The Division 2 getting what’s likely its final DLC recently, here’s hoping for The Division 3, which has been rumoured for a while. Or, maybe Ubisoft will finally share something about the Splinter Cell title it has in development.Article continues belowDid we get any correct? Find out with us, with the show kicking off at 10PM BST on Friday night.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌
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  • Hollow Knight: Silksong Fans Should Mark June 6 on Their Calendars

    Six years in, the wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong is still going. The second metroidvania from Australian indie developer Team Cherry has had a couple of trailers since its reveal in February 2019, but news has run dry for a while. Hollow Knight: Silksong was last seen on the April 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct for a scant few seconds, proclaiming that 2025 would be the year it finally released. This doesn't excuse the frustrations and false positives that plagued the Hollow Knight fanbase during Silksong’s absence, but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
    #hollow #knight #silksong #fans #should
    Hollow Knight: Silksong Fans Should Mark June 6 on Their Calendars
    Six years in, the wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong is still going. The second metroidvania from Australian indie developer Team Cherry has had a couple of trailers since its reveal in February 2019, but news has run dry for a while. Hollow Knight: Silksong was last seen on the April 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct for a scant few seconds, proclaiming that 2025 would be the year it finally released. This doesn't excuse the frustrations and false positives that plagued the Hollow Knight fanbase during Silksong’s absence, but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel. #hollow #knight #silksong #fans #should
    GAMERANT.COM
    Hollow Knight: Silksong Fans Should Mark June 6 on Their Calendars
    Six years in, the wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong is still going. The second metroidvania from Australian indie developer Team Cherry has had a couple of trailers since its reveal in February 2019, but news has run dry for a while. Hollow Knight: Silksong was last seen on the April 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct for a scant few seconds, proclaiming that 2025 would be the year it finally released. This doesn't excuse the frustrations and false positives that plagued the Hollow Knight fanbase during Silksong’s absence, but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
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  • Hollow Knight: Silksong Not Rewriting the Book on Metroidvanias Has to Be Okay, If True

    The April 2 Nintendo Direct presentation revealed that Hollow Knight: Silksong is launching in 2025, and that it will come to the Switch 2, and fans are now eagerly awaiting more news from indie developer Team Cherry. After years of scarce details on the follow-up to 2017's acclaimed Hollow Knight, the game's appearance at the Direct was a welcome sign for fans who've been waiting patiently for a release window. Notably, while Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally broken its silence, it did so quietly, and aside from confirming a 2025 release window, little else about the game was shared.
    #hollow #knight #silksong #not #rewriting
    Hollow Knight: Silksong Not Rewriting the Book on Metroidvanias Has to Be Okay, If True
    The April 2 Nintendo Direct presentation revealed that Hollow Knight: Silksong is launching in 2025, and that it will come to the Switch 2, and fans are now eagerly awaiting more news from indie developer Team Cherry. After years of scarce details on the follow-up to 2017's acclaimed Hollow Knight, the game's appearance at the Direct was a welcome sign for fans who've been waiting patiently for a release window. Notably, while Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally broken its silence, it did so quietly, and aside from confirming a 2025 release window, little else about the game was shared. #hollow #knight #silksong #not #rewriting
    GAMERANT.COM
    Hollow Knight: Silksong Not Rewriting the Book on Metroidvanias Has to Be Okay, If True
    The April 2 Nintendo Direct presentation revealed that Hollow Knight: Silksong is launching in 2025, and that it will come to the Switch 2, and fans are now eagerly awaiting more news from indie developer Team Cherry. After years of scarce details on the follow-up to 2017's acclaimed Hollow Knight, the game's appearance at the Direct was a welcome sign for fans who've been waiting patiently for a release window. Notably, while Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally broken its silence, it did so quietly, and aside from confirming a 2025 release window, little else about the game was shared.
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  • A New 3D Metroidvania Has Been Confirmed For Switch 2

    Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube814k
    Maseylia: Echoes of the Past, a new 3D metroidvania from French duo Sol brothers, has been confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2 and will launch at some point in 2026.
    We suspect the Switch 2 will be absolutely flooded with metroidvanias after a few years or so, so it's nice to highlight one of the early contenders here. As for what it entails, well, it looks like a 3D action-adventure game! The visuals looks really nice; very unique and interesting, but we're a little concerned about the action at the moment.
    All of the screenshots we've seen so far are a little bit too similar to one another for our liking, as you'll no doubt see in the four we've collated below. Still, it's a game that's very much still in development, so we'll withhold our full judgement for the time being – it could wind up being an absolute banger, and we'd be thrilled if that's the case.
    Here's a look at the key features:

    - Open-Ended Exploration – Carve your own route through a richly interconnected world, discovering secrets, forgotten ruins, and untamed creatures.
    - Dynamic Platforming Abilities – Wield unique powers like the 360° dash, phasic transformation to pass through solid matter, and control over water levels to access hidden areas.
    - Immersive Science-Fiction Atmosphere – Experience a world where nature and technology intertwine, shaping a mysterious and ever-changing environment.

    Images: Sol Brothers
    Maseylia: Echoes of the Past will be joining another metroidvania on the Switch 2, and we suspect you know what we're talking about... yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong. We're very confident that this will launch at some point in our lifetime – maybe.

    But what about the rest of us?!

    Dashing

    What do you make of Maseylia: Echoes of the Past from this early look? Leave a comment down below and let us know.

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    Nintendo Life’s resident horror fanatic, when he’s not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry.

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    #new #metroidvania #has #been #confirmed
    A New 3D Metroidvania Has Been Confirmed For Switch 2
    Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube814k Maseylia: Echoes of the Past, a new 3D metroidvania from French duo Sol brothers, has been confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2 and will launch at some point in 2026. We suspect the Switch 2 will be absolutely flooded with metroidvanias after a few years or so, so it's nice to highlight one of the early contenders here. As for what it entails, well, it looks like a 3D action-adventure game! The visuals looks really nice; very unique and interesting, but we're a little concerned about the action at the moment. All of the screenshots we've seen so far are a little bit too similar to one another for our liking, as you'll no doubt see in the four we've collated below. Still, it's a game that's very much still in development, so we'll withhold our full judgement for the time being – it could wind up being an absolute banger, and we'd be thrilled if that's the case. Here's a look at the key features: - Open-Ended Exploration – Carve your own route through a richly interconnected world, discovering secrets, forgotten ruins, and untamed creatures. - Dynamic Platforming Abilities – Wield unique powers like the 360° dash, phasic transformation to pass through solid matter, and control over water levels to access hidden areas. - Immersive Science-Fiction Atmosphere – Experience a world where nature and technology intertwine, shaping a mysterious and ever-changing environment. Images: Sol Brothers Maseylia: Echoes of the Past will be joining another metroidvania on the Switch 2, and we suspect you know what we're talking about... yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong. We're very confident that this will launch at some point in our lifetime – maybe. But what about the rest of us?! Dashing What do you make of Maseylia: Echoes of the Past from this early look? Leave a comment down below and let us know. Related Games See Also Share:5 1 Nintendo Life’s resident horror fanatic, when he’s not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Switch 2 And Switch 1 Prices Have Been Revealed And we're pleasantly surprised Nintendo Updates Switch 2 Backwards Compatibility List Doom Eternal, NBA 2K25, and more to get an update Fantasy Life i Is Proving So Popular That Level-5 Has Already Announced Free DLC "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone" US Retailers Are Reportedly Starting To Receive Switch 2 Stock Update: Another photo spotted Fantasy Life i Gets Switch 2 Release Date With Paid Upgrade Path For Switch 1 Players And it's coming launch day #new #metroidvania #has #been #confirmed
    WWW.NINTENDOLIFE.COM
    A New 3D Metroidvania Has Been Confirmed For Switch 2
    Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube814k Maseylia: Echoes of the Past, a new 3D metroidvania from French duo Sol brothers, has been confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2 and will launch at some point in 2026. We suspect the Switch 2 will be absolutely flooded with metroidvanias after a few years or so, so it's nice to highlight one of the early contenders here. As for what it entails, well, it looks like a 3D action-adventure game! The visuals looks really nice; very unique and interesting, but we're a little concerned about the action at the moment (or lack thereof, to be honest). All of the screenshots we've seen so far are a little bit too similar to one another for our liking, as you'll no doubt see in the four we've collated below. Still, it's a game that's very much still in development, so we'll withhold our full judgement for the time being – it could wind up being an absolute banger, and we'd be thrilled if that's the case. Here's a look at the key features: - Open-Ended Exploration – Carve your own route through a richly interconnected world, discovering secrets, forgotten ruins, and untamed creatures. - Dynamic Platforming Abilities – Wield unique powers like the 360° dash, phasic transformation to pass through solid matter, and control over water levels to access hidden areas. - Immersive Science-Fiction Atmosphere – Experience a world where nature and technology intertwine, shaping a mysterious and ever-changing environment. Images: Sol Brothers Maseylia: Echoes of the Past will be joining another metroidvania on the Switch 2, and we suspect you know what we're talking about... yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong. We're very confident that this will launch at some point in our lifetime – maybe. But what about the rest of us?! Dashing What do you make of Maseylia: Echoes of the Past from this early look? Leave a comment down below and let us know. Related Games See Also Share:5 1 Nintendo Life’s resident horror fanatic, when he’s not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Switch 2 And Switch 1 Prices Have Been Revealed And we're pleasantly surprised Nintendo Updates Switch 2 Backwards Compatibility List Doom Eternal, NBA 2K25, and more to get an update Fantasy Life i Is Proving So Popular That Level-5 Has Already Announced Free DLC "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone" US Retailers Are Reportedly Starting To Receive Switch 2 Stock Update: Another photo spotted Fantasy Life i Gets Switch 2 Release Date With Paid Upgrade Path For Switch 1 Players And it's coming launch day
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  • [Alinea Analytics] Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours

    Angie
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    Elden Ring's player engagement is through the roof: Over 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours

    Click to expand...
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    Steam accounts for 15.7 million players – 43% of the game's audience – meaning Steam is Elden Ring's biggest platform. PlayStation comes in second with 13.2 million, while Xbox accounts for the remaining 7.4 million:

    Click to expand...
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    Elden Ring – and especially its DLC – is hard. While it abandons the linear structure of FromSoftware's previous games, giving players more choice when they're stuck, Elden Ring's bosses are some of the most challenging out there.

    I'm looking at you, Malenia and Promised Consort Radahn.
    Click to expand...
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    Despite the game's mercilessness, 10.9% of Elden Ring players on PlayStation and 10.2% on Steam have unlocked every trophy/achievement in the game. However, just 3.7% of Xbox players managed this feat.

    Click to expand...
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    The trophy/achievement data clearly shows that Elden Ring players are dedicated – especially on Steam and Xbox. But looking deeper at Alinea's playtime distribution data reveals just how dedicated they really are:

    Click to expand...
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    The results are striking:

    64% of Elden Ring players on Steam have played for over 50 hoursPlayStation players have triple the share of under-5-hours players, signalling that Elden Ring didn't click for everyone on the platform – perhaps due to the difficulty
    Seven million Steam players – 44.7% of Elden Ring's Steam audience – have played for over 100 hours. That share is 36.7%But perhaps most remarkably of all, almost 700K players across PlayStationand Steamhave played Elden Ring for over 500 hours. Talk about dedication!

    Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours

    Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: Over 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours Elden Ring is one of the most successful premium games of all time.

    alineaanalytics.com

     

    OP

    OP

    Angie
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    Despite the game's mercilessness, 10.9% of Elden Ring players on PlayStation and 10.2% on Steam have unlocked every trophy/achievement in the game. However, just 3.7% of Xbox players managed this feat.

    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    I think this is the craziest stat for me.
    A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. 

    Last edited: Today at 5:32 AM

    Kalentan
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    50,699

    2.5 million is still a big gap, but for some reason I thought the gap between PC and PS4/5 sales of the game was like... monstrously bigger, like 6 - 8 million range.
     

    ResetGreyWolf
    Member

    Oct 27, 2017

    6,768

    That's impressive, but also, is this company genuinely calling Silksong a soulslike or am I reading that wrong? What, just because you have to reclaim your money if you die?
     

    dusan
    Member

    Aug 2, 2020

    6,763

    Nightreign trainings begins.

     

    Jolkien
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    Oct 25, 2017

    4,310

    Anchorage/Alaska

    Angie said:

    I think this is the craziest stat for me.

    A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. And that includes the DLC
    Click to expand...
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    I mean most game is way under that percentage, that it's close to 10% makes it fairly common. My rarest trophy is the Diablo 2 Platinum at 1.27% rarity. Both Divinity Original Sin 1 and 2 are under 2.50% as well 

    OP

    OP

    Angie
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    Jolkien said:

    I mean most game is way under that percentage, that it's close to 10% makes it fairly common. My rarest trophy is the Diablo 2 Platinum at 1.27% rarity. Both Divinity Original Sin 1 and 2 are under 2.50% as wellClick to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    That is why is crazy to me

    Minecraft Platinum

    The game not even hard 

    PlayBee
    One Winged Slayer
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    Nov 8, 2017

    6,738

    Angie said:

    I think this is the craziest stat for me.

    A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. And that includes the DLC
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    There are no DLC trophies
     

    EvilBoris
    Prophet of Truth - HDTVtest
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    Oct 29, 2017

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    Does steam make this available or is this estimations from sites that look at user activity?
     

    OP

    OP

    Angie
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    PlayBee said:

    There are no DLC trophies

    Click to expand...
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    The expansion didn't had any Trophy?
     

    PlayBee
    One Winged Slayer
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    Angie said:

    The expansion didn't had any Trophy?

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    Nope, same with Dark Souls. Bloodborne is the only one that added trophies with DLC
     

    OP

    OP

    Angie
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    PlayBee said:

    Nope, same with Dark Souls. Bloodborne is the only one that added trophies with DLC

    Click to expand...
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    I was not aware of that. I will edit it out.

    Always assumed that expansions had Trophies. But I never played them. 

    southwest
    Member

    Sep 15, 2022

    2,759

    Heh I have it on both Steam and PlayStation. About 95 hours on Steam and 4 on PlayStation.
     

    antitrop
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    14,949

    There are only three games I've topped 100 hours on a single playthrough: Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
     

    Necron
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    Oct 25, 2017

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    10% got all the trophies/achievements?!I did it for both PC and PS5.  

    Mung
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    Nov 2, 2017

    4,454

    PS sales much closer to PC than I expected.
     

    Last edited: Today at 6:00 AM

    Dyno
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    Angie said:

    I think this is the craziest stat for me.

    A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess.
     

    ArjanN
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    11,493

    Dyno said:

    If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess.

    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Angie said:

    That is why is crazy to me

    Minecraft Platinum

    The game not even hard
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox.

    I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty. 

    Last edited: Today at 5:59 AM

    Menome
    "This guy are sick"
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    7,133

    I've got 280 hours on Steam, about 200 hours on PS5 and I'm likely to start a new full playthrough once the Tarnished Edition contents are available on Steam.

    Yeah, I kinda like this game. 

    Creamium
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    10,466

    Belgium

    The high 100% achievement stat is crazy. People really went in on ER.

    I have 100+ hours on PS5 and once I get a new pc it's pretty likely that I replay this at some point. 

    Shahadan
    Member

    Oct 27, 2017

    5,591

    I should have been an analyst
     

    Nateo
    Member

    Oct 27, 2017

    8,987

    Because hard games don't just instantly hand you solutions. Games with friction and the need to actually put time in a learn for a majority of people will have high engagement especially if its a good game.
     

    Mr.Deadshot
    Member

    Oct 27, 2017

    23,203

    I put 110h into it and it would have been a lot better if it was half that time. Too much bloat and repetition.
     

    FF Seraphim
    Member

    Oct 26, 2017

    16,615

    Tokyo

    Holy fuck over 10% of players on both PC and PS5 got 100%? That is a fucking high percentage.

    God damn.
    Let me check my stats:
    Yep 100%, 215 hours as well.
    Love the game but I didn't expect it to resonate with so many people that that many would get the 100% achievement. 

    Dyno
    AVALANCHE
    The Fallen

    Oct 25, 2017

    16,830

    ArjanN said:

    Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox.

    I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Makes sense tbh. I suppose to a degree that's the pull for some. For example I bought Furi for that OST and what looked like fun combat. By the end I was playing on the hardest difficulty for the thrill of pulling it off to that OST despite no plans to push that deep into the game.

    I do think the souls series has a certain pull with that kind of audience though, and I suspect half the reason it takes so well is because all the fights are, well in all honesty far from the worst out there. They're mostly fair with the occasional 'cheap' move and beyond learning to work around the few attacks a boss will throw your way that you don't instantly gel with, they're pretty chill. I'd happily argue in favor of something like NG2 being multiple times harder etc. And I think that's why souls games work. They feel hard, but they're pretty lax to overcome too 

    Redis
    Member

    Mar 1, 2025

    222

    I have 520h+ on PS4/5.

    Also played around 25h on my brother 's Series X.
    Will definitely replay it on Switch 2 this year.
    Game is generational. 

    Last edited: Today at 6:34 AM

    Z'ard
    "This guy are sick"
    Member

    Mar 5, 2019

    1,550

    Ukraine

    Yeah i have over 500 hours as well and i'll definitely play it again at one point.
     

    thezboson
    Member

    Oct 27, 2017

    1,380

    I have over 1000 hours in ER. I tried runs where I played "traditionally" by not using summons and AoW etc and played it like a Dark Souls game basically. And have to say, for those of us that like to play Fromsoft games that way, ER is by far the hardest game I have ever played. Much harder than Sekiro.

    Yet, the game is easy enough that 10% can grab the Platinum. A real triumph in game design and my favorite game of all time. I still think of the lore from time to time. 

    Bede-x
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    12,058

    To think there was a time where Steam wasn't included at launch for Souls games and now it's outperforming not just PS5, but two generations of Playstations. So much have changed in the last decade or so and Steam is such a juggernaut now.

    Seems to have done well everywhere though. 

    jaymzi
    Member

    Jul 22, 2019

    7,202

    First I thought how is this possible as 45% is more than the amount of people that finished the game.

    Then I realised Elden Ring can easily take over 100 hours to finish. 

    onibirdo
    Member

    Dec 9, 2020

    3,590

    GOAT
     

    raketenrolf
    Member

    Oct 28, 2017

    5,919

    Germany

    Yeah, it's already one of the best games of all time, easily.

    I need to start Shadow of the Erdtree. But holding off because the Switch 2 is launching soon. 

    Mephissto
    Member

    Mar 8, 2024

    1,231

    Pretty insane. Considering how much it sold especially.
     

    Rud
    Member

    Mar 3, 2025

    140

    United States

    Dyno said:

    If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess.

    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    You don't have to play in that mode though so it doesn't matter how hard it is. With Elden Ring everyone has to play under the same conditions so when you brag to someone else they know what it is that you are talking about.
     

    Gelf
    Member

    Oct 27, 2017

    6,156

    I remember when I finally beat the game for the first time after about a month of solid playing since launch I was impressed by the overall percentage stats of people who had already got the late game achievements. It was higher than many games I've seen that are vastly easier and are over in less than 20 hours.

    I'm nowhere close to getting 100% though. 

    Oliver James
    Avenger

    Oct 25, 2017

    9,838

    Is it really that good? I finished De - Da123 Bb, should I play it as a lapsed Souls player?
     

    Dyno
    AVALANCHE
    The Fallen

    Oct 25, 2017

    16,830

    Rud said:

    You don't have to play in that mode though so it doesn't matter how hard it is. With Elden Ring everyone has to play under the same conditions so when you brag to someone else they know what it is that you are talking about.

    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Oh for sure, I just think that as harder games go ER and the souls games are pretty chill. There's a fair push and pull to them and in most cases, reasonable room to recover. It may just be a personal thing but I find in the harder hack n slash game modes losing your rhythm is a death sentence, but the souls games have that bit more time to recover and rethink I suppose and just feel fairly mellow despite the challenge.

    You're right that the challenge is universal but tbh even that can kinda be defined by the build. My first run of demons was tragic to say the least, then I tried magic on run 2 and had a very different experience 

    hydrophilic attack
    went to hypogean jail
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    23,622

    Sweden

    wow that's a big difference in completion percentage between platforms
     

    Western Yokai
    Member

    Feb 14, 2025

    175

    The game is harder than average, the game is better than average, the game let's you play how you find it's better, while puts everyone in the same level of accomplisment in regards of difficulty.

    Of course people will be engaged to do 100% when they feel they're progressing, and not just beating everything first time, watching a cutscene, hence and repeat. 

    Rud
    Member

    Mar 3, 2025

    140

    United States

    Dyno said:

    Oh for sure, I just think that as harder games go ER and the souls games are pretty chill. There's a fair push and pull to them and in most cases, reasonable room to recover. It may just be a personal thing but I find in the harder hack n slash game modes losing your rhythm is a death sentence, but the souls games have that bit more time to recover and rethink I suppose and just feel fairly mellow despite the challenge.

    You're right that the challenge is universal but tbh even that can kinda be defined by the build. My first run of demons was tragic to say the least, then I tried magic on run 2 and had a very different experience
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Shared experiences are a big difference makers with these games i think.

    In Elden Ring i never beat that Scarlet Rot Breath Dragon in Caelid despite trying many many times with different strategies and even with the help of online guides, could never beat that thing. If one of my friend told me they beat that guy that would be impressive to me simply because I could not do it but my friend could.

    Conversely if Elden Ring had diffulty settings and my friend told me he beat that Scarlet Rot Breath Dragon in easy mode than that would mean absolutely nothing to me.... because we're not even playing the same game. Hell if my friend beat that thing in Ultra Hard mode while I could not even beat it in Normal mode I like would have no context of that even means, the difference is unimaginable at that point.... I might be tempted to accuse my friend of trying to flex on me or something 

    Last edited: Today at 7:17 AM

    Flying Caterpillar
    Member

    Aug 14, 2024

    202

    I just checked my play time and I was surprised to see it past 500 hours. I still want to do another playthrough of the DLC. 

    mrmickfran
    The Fallen

    Oct 27, 2017

    33,239

    Gongaga

    I keep meaning to go for my last trophies too, I just got to do the other ending trophies.
     

    Last edited: Today at 7:19 AM

    Menchin
    Member

    Apr 1, 2019

    6,012

    Oliver James said:

    Is it really that good? I finished De - Da123 Bb, should I play it as a lapsed Souls player?

    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    If you liked those games then you'll probably like this too so go for it 

    Rainer516
    Member

    Oct 29, 2017

    1,491

    I have it on both Steam and PlayStation. Around 400 hours on playstation and 150ish on Steam. It is my "comfort food" game. I bought it 9n Steam so I could play it on my steamdeck when I travel for work and need to unwind.
     

    RPGam3r
    Member

    Oct 27, 2017

    16,450

    ArjanN said:

    Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox.

    I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Yeah in games like Skyrim I don't even try for completion on trophies whatsoever. I have 1000s hours in Skyrim and do not have 100% in achievements/platinum trophy. Same for Minecraft. 

    jotun?
    Member

    Oct 28, 2017

    5,167

    I have 1041h on PS, but I certainly haven't actually played for that much. I have a habit of leaving it on while doing chores and stuff. Also lots of time just waiting for summons/invasions while doing other things. I actually have it up on my second monitor on my desk right now
     

    Altima VII
    Member

    Mar 2, 2025

    177

    To be honest my biggest takeaway from these stats is wondering what ludicrous business decisions are keeping Sony from releasing Demons Souls on Steam.
     

    Kill3r7
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    29,077

    202 hours on Xbox but that includes the DLC.
     

    CladInShadows
    Member

    May 2, 2024

    292

    The overall completion statistics make a level of sense - it's a game where the main appeal is the gameplay, overcoming challenges, etc. If you are enjoying that, why wouldn't you want to experience every challenge the game has for you? The achievement list essentially just becomes a checklist for everything there is to get out of the game.

    It's a contrast to most modern games where such a big part of the audience is just there for a story, with no intention to fully engage with any mechanics and who'd get upset and give up upon encountering anything they weren't able to beat first try. They're not going to hang around after beating the main story to do any optional side content or challenges that are often tied to achievements. These people probably didn't pick up Elden Ring in the first place. 

    Sumio Mondo
    Member

    Oct 25, 2017

    10,753

    United Kingdom

    I don't think it's really sunk in how much of an event this game actually was in the mainstream. So much bigger than their other games.
     
    #alinea #analytics #elden #rings #player
    [Alinea Analytics] Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours
    Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona Elden Ring's player engagement is through the roof: Over 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours Click to expand... Click to shrink... Steam accounts for 15.7 million players – 43% of the game's audience – meaning Steam is Elden Ring's biggest platform. PlayStation comes in second with 13.2 million, while Xbox accounts for the remaining 7.4 million: Click to expand... Click to shrink... Elden Ring – and especially its DLC – is hard. While it abandons the linear structure of FromSoftware's previous games, giving players more choice when they're stuck, Elden Ring's bosses are some of the most challenging out there. I'm looking at you, Malenia and Promised Consort Radahn. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Despite the game's mercilessness, 10.9% of Elden Ring players on PlayStation and 10.2% on Steam have unlocked every trophy/achievement in the game. However, just 3.7% of Xbox players managed this feat. Click to expand... Click to shrink... The trophy/achievement data clearly shows that Elden Ring players are dedicated – especially on Steam and Xbox. But looking deeper at Alinea's playtime distribution data reveals just how dedicated they really are: Click to expand... Click to shrink... The results are striking: 64% of Elden Ring players on Steam have played for over 50 hoursPlayStation players have triple the share of under-5-hours players, signalling that Elden Ring didn't click for everyone on the platform – perhaps due to the difficulty Seven million Steam players – 44.7% of Elden Ring's Steam audience – have played for over 100 hours. That share is 36.7%But perhaps most remarkably of all, almost 700K players across PlayStationand Steamhave played Elden Ring for over 500 hours. Talk about dedication! Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: Over 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours Elden Ring is one of the most successful premium games of all time. alineaanalytics.com   OP OP Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona Despite the game's mercilessness, 10.9% of Elden Ring players on PlayStation and 10.2% on Steam have unlocked every trophy/achievement in the game. However, just 3.7% of Xbox players managed this feat. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I think this is the craziest stat for me. A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies.  Last edited: Today at 5:32 AM Kalentan Member Oct 25, 2017 50,699 2.5 million is still a big gap, but for some reason I thought the gap between PC and PS4/5 sales of the game was like... monstrously bigger, like 6 - 8 million range.   ResetGreyWolf Member Oct 27, 2017 6,768 That's impressive, but also, is this company genuinely calling Silksong a soulslike or am I reading that wrong? What, just because you have to reclaim your money if you die?   dusan Member Aug 2, 2020 6,763 Nightreign trainings begins.   Jolkien Member Oct 25, 2017 4,310 Anchorage/Alaska Angie said: I think this is the craziest stat for me. A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. And that includes the DLC Click to expand... Click to shrink... I mean most game is way under that percentage, that it's close to 10% makes it fairly common. My rarest trophy is the Diablo 2 Platinum at 1.27% rarity. Both Divinity Original Sin 1 and 2 are under 2.50% as well  OP OP Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona Jolkien said: I mean most game is way under that percentage, that it's close to 10% makes it fairly common. My rarest trophy is the Diablo 2 Platinum at 1.27% rarity. Both Divinity Original Sin 1 and 2 are under 2.50% as wellClick to expand... Click to shrink... That is why is crazy to me Minecraft Platinum The game not even hard  PlayBee One Winged Slayer Member Nov 8, 2017 6,738 Angie said: I think this is the craziest stat for me. A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. And that includes the DLC Click to expand... Click to shrink... There are no DLC trophies   EvilBoris Prophet of Truth - HDTVtest Verified Oct 29, 2017 18,087 Does steam make this available or is this estimations from sites that look at user activity?   OP OP Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona PlayBee said: There are no DLC trophies Click to expand... Click to shrink... The expansion didn't had any Trophy?   PlayBee One Winged Slayer Member Nov 8, 2017 6,738 Angie said: The expansion didn't had any Trophy? Click to expand... Click to shrink... Nope, same with Dark Souls. Bloodborne is the only one that added trophies with DLC   OP OP Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona PlayBee said: Nope, same with Dark Souls. Bloodborne is the only one that added trophies with DLC Click to expand... Click to shrink... I was not aware of that. I will edit it out. Always assumed that expansions had Trophies. But I never played them.  southwest Member Sep 15, 2022 2,759 Heh I have it on both Steam and PlayStation. About 95 hours on Steam and 4 on PlayStation.   antitrop Member Oct 25, 2017 14,949 There are only three games I've topped 100 hours on a single playthrough: Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.   Necron ▲ Legend ▲ Member Oct 25, 2017 9,850 Switzerland 10% got all the trophies/achievements?!I did it for both PC and PS5. 👁️   Mung Member Nov 2, 2017 4,454 PS sales much closer to PC than I expected.   Last edited: Today at 6:00 AM Dyno AVALANCHE The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 16,830 Angie said: I think this is the craziest stat for me. A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. Click to expand... Click to shrink... If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess.   ArjanN Member Oct 25, 2017 11,493 Dyno said: If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Angie said: That is why is crazy to me Minecraft Platinum The game not even hard Click to expand... Click to shrink... Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox. I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty.  Last edited: Today at 5:59 AM Menome "This guy are sick" Member Oct 25, 2017 7,133 I've got 280 hours on Steam, about 200 hours on PS5 and I'm likely to start a new full playthrough once the Tarnished Edition contents are available on Steam. Yeah, I kinda like this game.  Creamium Member Oct 25, 2017 10,466 Belgium The high 100% achievement stat is crazy. People really went in on ER. I have 100+ hours on PS5 and once I get a new pc it's pretty likely that I replay this at some point.  Shahadan Member Oct 27, 2017 5,591 I should have been an analyst   Nateo Member Oct 27, 2017 8,987 Because hard games don't just instantly hand you solutions. Games with friction and the need to actually put time in a learn for a majority of people will have high engagement especially if its a good game.   Mr.Deadshot Member Oct 27, 2017 23,203 I put 110h into it and it would have been a lot better if it was half that time. Too much bloat and repetition.   FF Seraphim Member Oct 26, 2017 16,615 Tokyo Holy fuck over 10% of players on both PC and PS5 got 100%? That is a fucking high percentage. God damn. Let me check my stats: Yep 100%, 215 hours as well. Love the game but I didn't expect it to resonate with so many people that that many would get the 100% achievement.  Dyno AVALANCHE The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 16,830 ArjanN said: Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox. I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Makes sense tbh. I suppose to a degree that's the pull for some. For example I bought Furi for that OST and what looked like fun combat. By the end I was playing on the hardest difficulty for the thrill of pulling it off to that OST despite no plans to push that deep into the game. I do think the souls series has a certain pull with that kind of audience though, and I suspect half the reason it takes so well is because all the fights are, well in all honesty far from the worst out there. They're mostly fair with the occasional 'cheap' move and beyond learning to work around the few attacks a boss will throw your way that you don't instantly gel with, they're pretty chill. I'd happily argue in favor of something like NG2 being multiple times harder etc. And I think that's why souls games work. They feel hard, but they're pretty lax to overcome too  Redis Member Mar 1, 2025 222 I have 520h+ on PS4/5. Also played around 25h on my brother 's Series X. Will definitely replay it on Switch 2 this year. Game is generational.  Last edited: Today at 6:34 AM Z'ard "This guy are sick" Member Mar 5, 2019 1,550 Ukraine Yeah i have over 500 hours as well and i'll definitely play it again at one point.   thezboson Member Oct 27, 2017 1,380 I have over 1000 hours in ER. I tried runs where I played "traditionally" by not using summons and AoW etc and played it like a Dark Souls game basically. And have to say, for those of us that like to play Fromsoft games that way, ER is by far the hardest game I have ever played. Much harder than Sekiro. Yet, the game is easy enough that 10% can grab the Platinum. A real triumph in game design and my favorite game of all time. I still think of the lore from time to time.  Bede-x Member Oct 25, 2017 12,058 To think there was a time where Steam wasn't included at launch for Souls games and now it's outperforming not just PS5, but two generations of Playstations. So much have changed in the last decade or so and Steam is such a juggernaut now. Seems to have done well everywhere though.  jaymzi Member Jul 22, 2019 7,202 First I thought how is this possible as 45% is more than the amount of people that finished the game. Then I realised Elden Ring can easily take over 100 hours to finish.  onibirdo Member Dec 9, 2020 3,590 GOAT   raketenrolf Member Oct 28, 2017 5,919 Germany Yeah, it's already one of the best games of all time, easily. I need to start Shadow of the Erdtree. But holding off because the Switch 2 is launching soon.  Mephissto Member Mar 8, 2024 1,231 Pretty insane. Considering how much it sold especially.   Rud Member Mar 3, 2025 140 United States Dyno said: If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess. Click to expand... Click to shrink... You don't have to play in that mode though so it doesn't matter how hard it is. With Elden Ring everyone has to play under the same conditions so when you brag to someone else they know what it is that you are talking about.   Gelf Member Oct 27, 2017 6,156 I remember when I finally beat the game for the first time after about a month of solid playing since launch I was impressed by the overall percentage stats of people who had already got the late game achievements. It was higher than many games I've seen that are vastly easier and are over in less than 20 hours. I'm nowhere close to getting 100% though.  Oliver James Avenger Oct 25, 2017 9,838 Is it really that good? I finished De - Da123 Bb, should I play it as a lapsed Souls player?   Dyno AVALANCHE The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 16,830 Rud said: You don't have to play in that mode though so it doesn't matter how hard it is. With Elden Ring everyone has to play under the same conditions so when you brag to someone else they know what it is that you are talking about. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Oh for sure, I just think that as harder games go ER and the souls games are pretty chill. There's a fair push and pull to them and in most cases, reasonable room to recover. It may just be a personal thing but I find in the harder hack n slash game modes losing your rhythm is a death sentence, but the souls games have that bit more time to recover and rethink I suppose and just feel fairly mellow despite the challenge. You're right that the challenge is universal but tbh even that can kinda be defined by the build. My first run of demons was tragic to say the least, then I tried magic on run 2 and had a very different experience  hydrophilic attack went to hypogean jail Member Oct 25, 2017 23,622 Sweden wow that's a big difference in completion percentage between platforms   Western Yokai Member Feb 14, 2025 175 The game is harder than average, the game is better than average, the game let's you play how you find it's better, while puts everyone in the same level of accomplisment in regards of difficulty. Of course people will be engaged to do 100% when they feel they're progressing, and not just beating everything first time, watching a cutscene, hence and repeat.  Rud Member Mar 3, 2025 140 United States Dyno said: Oh for sure, I just think that as harder games go ER and the souls games are pretty chill. There's a fair push and pull to them and in most cases, reasonable room to recover. It may just be a personal thing but I find in the harder hack n slash game modes losing your rhythm is a death sentence, but the souls games have that bit more time to recover and rethink I suppose and just feel fairly mellow despite the challenge. You're right that the challenge is universal but tbh even that can kinda be defined by the build. My first run of demons was tragic to say the least, then I tried magic on run 2 and had a very different experience Click to expand... Click to shrink... Shared experiences are a big difference makers with these games i think. In Elden Ring i never beat that Scarlet Rot Breath Dragon in Caelid despite trying many many times with different strategies and even with the help of online guides, could never beat that thing. If one of my friend told me they beat that guy that would be impressive to me simply because I could not do it but my friend could. Conversely if Elden Ring had diffulty settings and my friend told me he beat that Scarlet Rot Breath Dragon in easy mode than that would mean absolutely nothing to me.... because we're not even playing the same game. Hell if my friend beat that thing in Ultra Hard mode while I could not even beat it in Normal mode I like would have no context of that even means, the difference is unimaginable at that point.... I might be tempted to accuse my friend of trying to flex on me or something  Last edited: Today at 7:17 AM Flying Caterpillar Member Aug 14, 2024 202 I just checked my play time and I was surprised to see it past 500 hours. I still want to do another playthrough of the DLC.  mrmickfran The Fallen Oct 27, 2017 33,239 Gongaga I keep meaning to go for my last trophies too, I just got to do the other ending trophies.   Last edited: Today at 7:19 AM Menchin Member Apr 1, 2019 6,012 Oliver James said: Is it really that good? I finished De - Da123 Bb, should I play it as a lapsed Souls player? Click to expand... Click to shrink... If you liked those games then you'll probably like this too so go for it  Rainer516 Member Oct 29, 2017 1,491 I have it on both Steam and PlayStation. Around 400 hours on playstation and 150ish on Steam. It is my "comfort food" game. I bought it 9n Steam so I could play it on my steamdeck when I travel for work and need to unwind.   RPGam3r Member Oct 27, 2017 16,450 ArjanN said: Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox. I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Yeah in games like Skyrim I don't even try for completion on trophies whatsoever. I have 1000s hours in Skyrim and do not have 100% in achievements/platinum trophy. Same for Minecraft.  jotun? Member Oct 28, 2017 5,167 I have 1041h on PS, but I certainly haven't actually played for that much. I have a habit of leaving it on while doing chores and stuff. Also lots of time just waiting for summons/invasions while doing other things. I actually have it up on my second monitor on my desk right now   Altima VII Member Mar 2, 2025 177 To be honest my biggest takeaway from these stats is wondering what ludicrous business decisions are keeping Sony from releasing Demons Souls on Steam.   Kill3r7 Member Oct 25, 2017 29,077 202 hours on Xbox but that includes the DLC.   CladInShadows Member May 2, 2024 292 The overall completion statistics make a level of sense - it's a game where the main appeal is the gameplay, overcoming challenges, etc. If you are enjoying that, why wouldn't you want to experience every challenge the game has for you? The achievement list essentially just becomes a checklist for everything there is to get out of the game. It's a contrast to most modern games where such a big part of the audience is just there for a story, with no intention to fully engage with any mechanics and who'd get upset and give up upon encountering anything they weren't able to beat first try. They're not going to hang around after beating the main story to do any optional side content or challenges that are often tied to achievements. These people probably didn't pick up Elden Ring in the first place.  Sumio Mondo Member Oct 25, 2017 10,753 United Kingdom I don't think it's really sunk in how much of an event this game actually was in the mainstream. So much bigger than their other games.   #alinea #analytics #elden #rings #player
    WWW.RESETERA.COM
    [Alinea Analytics] Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours
    Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona Elden Ring's player engagement is through the roof: Over 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours Click to expand... Click to shrink... Steam accounts for 15.7 million players – 43% of the game's audience – meaning Steam is Elden Ring's biggest platform. PlayStation comes in second with 13.2 million, while Xbox accounts for the remaining 7.4 million: Click to expand... Click to shrink... Elden Ring – and especially its DLC – is hard. While it abandons the linear structure of FromSoftware's previous games, giving players more choice when they're stuck, Elden Ring's bosses are some of the most challenging out there. I'm looking at you, Malenia and Promised Consort Radahn. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Despite the game's mercilessness, 10.9% of Elden Ring players on PlayStation and 10.2% on Steam have unlocked every trophy/achievement in the game. However, just 3.7% of Xbox players managed this feat. Click to expand... Click to shrink... The trophy/achievement data clearly shows that Elden Ring players are dedicated – especially on Steam and Xbox. But looking deeper at Alinea's playtime distribution data reveals just how dedicated they really are: Click to expand... Click to shrink... The results are striking: 64% of Elden Ring players on Steam have played for over 50 hours (versus 49% for PlayStation players) PlayStation players have triple the share of under-5-hours players, signalling that Elden Ring didn't click for everyone on the platform – perhaps due to the difficulty Seven million Steam players – 44.7% of Elden Ring's Steam audience – have played for over 100 hours. That share is 36.7% (almost 5 million players for PlayStation) But perhaps most remarkably of all, almost 700K players across PlayStation (2.7%) and Steam (2.1%) have played Elden Ring for over 500 hours. Talk about dedication! Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours Elden Ring’s player engagement is through the roof: Over 45% of its Steam players have played for 100+ hours Elden Ring is one of the most successful premium games of all time. alineaanalytics.com   OP OP Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona Despite the game's mercilessness, 10.9% of Elden Ring players on PlayStation and 10.2% on Steam have unlocked every trophy/achievement in the game. However, just 3.7% of Xbox players managed this feat. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I think this is the craziest stat for me. A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies.  Last edited: Today at 5:32 AM Kalentan Member Oct 25, 2017 50,699 2.5 million is still a big gap, but for some reason I thought the gap between PC and PS4/5 sales of the game was like... monstrously bigger, like 6 - 8 million range.   ResetGreyWolf Member Oct 27, 2017 6,768 That's impressive, but also, is this company genuinely calling Silksong a soulslike or am I reading that wrong? What, just because you have to reclaim your money if you die?   dusan Member Aug 2, 2020 6,763 Nightreign trainings begins.   Jolkien Member Oct 25, 2017 4,310 Anchorage/Alaska Angie said: I think this is the craziest stat for me. A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. And that includes the DLC Click to expand... Click to shrink... I mean most game is way under that percentage, that it's close to 10% makes it fairly common. My rarest trophy is the Diablo 2 Platinum at 1.27% rarity. Both Divinity Original Sin 1 and 2 are under 2.50% as well (on PlayStation)  OP OP Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona Jolkien said: I mean most game is way under that percentage, that it's close to 10% makes it fairly common. My rarest trophy is the Diablo 2 Platinum at 1.27% rarity. Both Divinity Original Sin 1 and 2 are under 2.50% as well (on PlayStation) Click to expand... Click to shrink... That is why is crazy to me Minecraft Platinum The game not even hard  PlayBee One Winged Slayer Member Nov 8, 2017 6,738 Angie said: I think this is the craziest stat for me. A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. And that includes the DLC Click to expand... Click to shrink... There are no DLC trophies   EvilBoris Prophet of Truth - HDTVtest Verified Oct 29, 2017 18,087 Does steam make this available or is this estimations from sites that look at user activity?   OP OP Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona PlayBee said: There are no DLC trophies Click to expand... Click to shrink... The expansion didn't had any Trophy?   PlayBee One Winged Slayer Member Nov 8, 2017 6,738 Angie said: The expansion didn't had any Trophy? Click to expand... Click to shrink... Nope, same with Dark Souls. Bloodborne is the only one that added trophies with DLC   OP OP Angie Best Avatar Thread Ever! Member Nov 20, 2017 49,860 Kingdom of Corona PlayBee said: Nope, same with Dark Souls. Bloodborne is the only one that added trophies with DLC Click to expand... Click to shrink... I was not aware of that. I will edit it out. Always assumed that expansions had Trophies. But I never played them.  southwest Member Sep 15, 2022 2,759 Heh I have it on both Steam and PlayStation. About 95 hours on Steam and 4 on PlayStation.   antitrop Member Oct 25, 2017 14,949 There are only three games I've topped 100 hours on a single playthrough: Elden Ring (110), Baldur's Gate 3 (130), and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (120).   Necron ▲ Legend ▲ Member Oct 25, 2017 9,850 Switzerland 10% got all the trophies/achievements?! [Insanity] I did it for both PC and PS5. 👁️   Mung Member Nov 2, 2017 4,454 PS sales much closer to PC than I expected.   Last edited: Today at 6:00 AM Dyno AVALANCHE The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 16,830 Angie said: I think this is the craziest stat for me. A game so hard having 10% of the players to unlock all trophies. Click to expand... Click to shrink... If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess.   ArjanN Member Oct 25, 2017 11,493 Dyno said: If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Angie said: That is why is crazy to me Minecraft Platinum The game not even hard Click to expand... Click to shrink... Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox. I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty.  Last edited: Today at 5:59 AM Menome "This guy are sick" Member Oct 25, 2017 7,133 I've got 280 hours on Steam, about 200 hours on PS5 and I'm likely to start a new full playthrough once the Tarnished Edition contents are available on Steam. Yeah, I kinda like this game.  Creamium Member Oct 25, 2017 10,466 Belgium The high 100% achievement stat is crazy. People really went in on ER. I have 100+ hours on PS5 and once I get a new pc it's pretty likely that I replay this at some point.  Shahadan Member Oct 27, 2017 5,591 I should have been an analyst   Nateo Member Oct 27, 2017 8,987 Because hard games don't just instantly hand you solutions. Games with friction and the need to actually put time in a learn for a majority of people will have high engagement especially if its a good game.   Mr.Deadshot Member Oct 27, 2017 23,203 I put 110h into it and it would have been a lot better if it was half that time. Too much bloat and repetition.   FF Seraphim Member Oct 26, 2017 16,615 Tokyo Holy fuck over 10% of players on both PC and PS5 got 100%? That is a fucking high percentage. God damn. Let me check my stats: Yep 100%, 215 hours as well. Love the game but I didn't expect it to resonate with so many people that that many would get the 100% achievement.  Dyno AVALANCHE The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 16,830 ArjanN said: Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox. I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Makes sense tbh. I suppose to a degree that's the pull for some. For example I bought Furi for that OST and what looked like fun combat. By the end I was playing on the hardest difficulty for the thrill of pulling it off to that OST despite no plans to push that deep into the game. I do think the souls series has a certain pull with that kind of audience though, and I suspect half the reason it takes so well is because all the fights are, well in all honesty far from the worst out there. They're mostly fair with the occasional 'cheap' move and beyond learning to work around the few attacks a boss will throw your way that you don't instantly gel with, they're pretty chill. I'd happily argue in favor of something like NG2 being multiple times harder etc. And I think that's why souls games work. They feel hard, but they're pretty lax to overcome too  Redis Member Mar 1, 2025 222 I have 520h+ on PS4/5 (two Platinum trophies, around 8 full playthroughs and two SotE playthroughs+ one rune level 1 run). Also played around 25h on my brother 's Series X. Will definitely replay it on Switch 2 this year. Game is generational.  Last edited: Today at 6:34 AM Z'ard "This guy are sick" Member Mar 5, 2019 1,550 Ukraine Yeah i have over 500 hours as well and i'll definitely play it again at one point.   thezboson Member Oct 27, 2017 1,380 I have over 1000 hours in ER. I tried runs where I played "traditionally" by not using summons and AoW etc and played it like a Dark Souls game basically. And have to say, for those of us that like to play Fromsoft games that way, ER is by far the hardest game I have ever played. Much harder than Sekiro. Yet, the game is easy enough that 10% can grab the Platinum. A real triumph in game design and my favorite game of all time. I still think of the lore from time to time.  Bede-x Member Oct 25, 2017 12,058 To think there was a time where Steam wasn't included at launch for Souls games and now it's outperforming not just PS5, but two generations of Playstations. So much have changed in the last decade or so and Steam is such a juggernaut now. Seems to have done well everywhere though.  jaymzi Member Jul 22, 2019 7,202 First I thought how is this possible as 45% is more than the amount of people that finished the game. Then I realised Elden Ring can easily take over 100 hours to finish.  onibirdo Member Dec 9, 2020 3,590 GOAT   raketenrolf Member Oct 28, 2017 5,919 Germany Yeah, it's already one of the best games of all time, easily. I need to start Shadow of the Erdtree. But holding off because the Switch 2 is launching soon.  Mephissto Member Mar 8, 2024 1,231 Pretty insane. Considering how much it sold especially.   Rud Member Mar 3, 2025 140 United States Dyno said: If anything it says a lot more about how overstated the difficulty is to me. People do it for the bragging rights because it's perceived as hard, but DMC DMD mode etc are far far harder, just they dont have the same hype cycle and rep so people don't try for it as much I guess. Click to expand... Click to shrink... You don't have to play in that mode though so it doesn't matter how hard it is. With Elden Ring everyone has to play under the same conditions so when you brag to someone else they know what it is that you are talking about.   Gelf Member Oct 27, 2017 6,156 I remember when I finally beat the game for the first time after about a month of solid playing since launch I was impressed by the overall percentage stats of people who had already got the late game achievements. It was higher than many games I've seen that are vastly easier and are over in less than 20 hours. I'm nowhere close to getting 100% though.  Oliver James Avenger Oct 25, 2017 9,838 Is it really that good? I finished De - Da123 Bb, should I play it as a lapsed Souls player?   Dyno AVALANCHE The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 16,830 Rud said: You don't have to play in that mode though so it doesn't matter how hard it is. With Elden Ring everyone has to play under the same conditions so when you brag to someone else they know what it is that you are talking about. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Oh for sure, I just think that as harder games go ER and the souls games are pretty chill. There's a fair push and pull to them and in most cases, reasonable room to recover. It may just be a personal thing but I find in the harder hack n slash game modes losing your rhythm is a death sentence, but the souls games have that bit more time to recover and rethink I suppose and just feel fairly mellow despite the challenge. You're right that the challenge is universal but tbh even that can kinda be defined by the build. My first run of demons was tragic to say the least, then I tried magic on run 2 and had a very different experience  hydrophilic attack went to hypogean jail Member Oct 25, 2017 23,622 Sweden wow that's a big difference in completion percentage between platforms   Western Yokai Member Feb 14, 2025 175 The game is harder than average, the game is better than average, the game let's you play how you find it's better, while puts everyone in the same level of accomplisment in regards of difficulty. Of course people will be engaged to do 100% when they feel they're progressing, and not just beating everything first time, watching a cutscene, hence and repeat.  Rud Member Mar 3, 2025 140 United States Dyno said: Oh for sure, I just think that as harder games go ER and the souls games are pretty chill. There's a fair push and pull to them and in most cases, reasonable room to recover. It may just be a personal thing but I find in the harder hack n slash game modes losing your rhythm is a death sentence, but the souls games have that bit more time to recover and rethink I suppose and just feel fairly mellow despite the challenge. You're right that the challenge is universal but tbh even that can kinda be defined by the build. My first run of demons was tragic to say the least, then I tried magic on run 2 and had a very different experience Click to expand... Click to shrink... Shared experiences are a big difference makers with these games i think. In Elden Ring i never beat that Scarlet Rot Breath Dragon in Caelid despite trying many many times with different strategies and even with the help of online guides, could never beat that thing. If one of my friend told me they beat that guy that would be impressive to me simply because I could not do it but my friend could. Conversely if Elden Ring had diffulty settings and my friend told me he beat that Scarlet Rot Breath Dragon in easy mode than that would mean absolutely nothing to me.... because we're not even playing the same game. Hell if my friend beat that thing in Ultra Hard mode while I could not even beat it in Normal mode I like would have no context of that even means, the difference is unimaginable at that point.... I might be tempted to accuse my friend of trying to flex on me or something ("nobody told you to play on Ultra hard don't try to flex on my like that makes you better" or something like that)  Last edited: Today at 7:17 AM Flying Caterpillar Member Aug 14, 2024 202 I just checked my play time and I was surprised to see it past 500 hours. I still want to do another playthrough of the DLC.  mrmickfran The Fallen Oct 27, 2017 33,239 Gongaga I keep meaning to go for my last trophies too, I just got to do the other ending trophies.   Last edited: Today at 7:19 AM Menchin Member Apr 1, 2019 6,012 Oliver James said: Is it really that good? I finished De - Da123 Bb, should I play it as a lapsed Souls player? Click to expand... Click to shrink... If you liked those games then you'll probably like this too so go for it  Rainer516 Member Oct 29, 2017 1,491 I have it on both Steam and PlayStation. Around 400 hours on playstation and 150ish on Steam. It is my "comfort food" game. I bought it 9n Steam so I could play it on my steamdeck when I travel for work and need to unwind.   RPGam3r Member Oct 27, 2017 16,450 ArjanN said: Minecraft has the GTA/Skyrim thing, where most of the audience is playing it as a sandbox. I've noticed harder games tend to have a decent amount of self-selection, where a really challenging roguelike or bullethell shmup has higher completion percentages on the harder achievements than a more mainstream game with much lower difficulty. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Yeah in games like Skyrim I don't even try for completion on trophies whatsoever. I have 1000s hours in Skyrim and do not have 100% in achievements/platinum trophy. Same for Minecraft.  jotun? Member Oct 28, 2017 5,167 I have 1041h on PS, but I certainly haven't actually played for that much. I have a habit of leaving it on while doing chores and stuff. Also lots of time just waiting for summons/invasions while doing other things. I actually have it up on my second monitor on my desk right now   Altima VII Member Mar 2, 2025 177 To be honest my biggest takeaway from these stats is wondering what ludicrous business decisions are keeping Sony from releasing Demons Souls on Steam.   Kill3r7 Member Oct 25, 2017 29,077 202 hours on Xbox but that includes the DLC.   CladInShadows Member May 2, 2024 292 The overall completion statistics make a level of sense - it's a game where the main appeal is the gameplay, overcoming challenges, etc. If you are enjoying that, why wouldn't you want to experience every challenge the game has for you? The achievement list essentially just becomes a checklist for everything there is to get out of the game. It's a contrast to most modern games where such a big part of the audience is just there for a story, with no intention to fully engage with any mechanics and who'd get upset and give up upon encountering anything they weren't able to beat first try. They're not going to hang around after beating the main story to do any optional side content or challenges that are often tied to achievements. These people probably didn't pick up Elden Ring in the first place.  Sumio Mondo Member Oct 25, 2017 10,753 United Kingdom I don't think it's really sunk in how much of an event this game actually was in the mainstream. So much bigger than their other games.  
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  • Xbox Game Pass: The Best Games to Play With Your Subscription (May 2025)

    Xbox Game Pass is, without question, one of the best deals in gaming. Whether you want to play the biggest new Xbox games the day they launch or dive into thousands of hours of content for one monthly fee, it is a goldmine for players looking to keep up to date with the latest and greatest releases without having to worry about the price tags attached to them.That being said, Game Pass is a huge service. Across PC and console, there are hundreds of games currently available, with more titles added pretty much every single month. So, for new subscribers wondering where to start, we've put together a list of some of our personal recommendations, so you can get cracking on some fantastic games and make the most out of your first few months.Xbox Game Pass TiersThe first thing to note about Game Pass is that it has a selection of different tiers depending on what platform you're using and how many games you want to be able to access. Let's quickly run you through the price structure so you know what you're getting before you buy.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - As the name implies, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the premium subscription tier. When buying, you'll get access to online multiplayer, Xbox Game Pass Standard, Xbox Game Pass PC, and Xbox Game Pass' cloud streaming services. You'll also get an EA Play membership and bonuses, discounts and in-game perks only available to members. In essence, it's essentially a combination of Xbox Game Pass Standard and Xbox Game Pass PC, plus a few extra benefits. It costs per month.Xbox Game Pass Standard - Xbox Game Pass standard is the base subscription available exclusively on Console. You'll be able to access the full library of Game Pass games available on Xbox consoles, as well as play online multiplayer and access perks and discounts only available to members. It costs a month.Xbox Game Pass PC - Game Pass' PC-exclusive tier, Xbox Game Pass PC will provide access to the full PC Game Pass library. You'll also get an EA Play membership and perks and discounts only available for members. It costs a month.Xbox Game Pass Core - The other console exclusive Game Pass tier, Xbox Game Pass Core offers a lower monthly cost for a significantly smaller library of "core" games available on consoles. Members will also get access to online multiplayer, as well as deals and discounts in the Xbox store. It costs a month.Best New Games to Play on Xbox Game PassWant to get stuck into some brand new additions to the Xbox Game Pass catalog? The following titles are all recent additions that you should absolutely give a go.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33A symphonic blend of turn-based strategy and intense real-time combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already being lorded as a potential game of the year contender, and it's pretty easy to see why. Expedition 33 is an emotional, visually stunning odyssey. Top that off with a bold reimagining of classic JRPG combat systems, which melds fast-paced action game mechanics and the tactical turn-based battles of games like Persona and Final Fantasy, and you have one of 2025's first unmissable experiences. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can get stuck in right now on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredNineteen years after its original release, Bethesda surprised the world by announcing the return of one of its most beloved and widely revered games, unveiling The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and then releasing it that very same day. With stunning new graphics, various overhauls, major UI changes, a fresh character creator and much more, it's never felt better to be accosted by a heavily armored, teleporting Legion Guard who labels you "criminal scum" for accidentally sitting on his horse. With over a hundred hours of quests to complete, demonic Oblivion gates to close and even two full DLCs to conquer, the return of Oblivion is an absolute must for those who missed it the first time around. If you want to discover what all the fuss is about or take a nostalgia tour around Cyrodiil all these years later, you can play Oblivion Remastered now on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Blue PrinceNot only recently added to the Xbox Game Pass library but also just a brand new release, Blue Prince is a critically acclaimed puzzler where you enter the shifting hallways of Mt. Holly, a mysterious manor hiding an array of secrets. You're tasked with searching that ever-changing mansion full of tricky puzzles to conquer, all the while uncovering a rich story through clues left behind by the former owners. Blue Prince has already garnered huge buzz since its release, with our own review saying, "If The Witness, Portal, and Myst are already emblazoned on the Mount Rushmore of first-person puzzle games, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Blue Prince carved alongside them soon enough." If you want to uncover the mystery for yourself, you can play it on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Blue Prince is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Best Games to Play on Xbox Game PassSearching through the broad catalog of Game Pass games? The selections below are some of our absolute favourites the library has to offer.Halo: The Master Chief CollectionWhere better to start your Game Pass journey than with a rundown of some of Xbox's greatest hits. Halo has forever been the face of Xbox, and its armour-clad, hulking space marine hero, Master Chief, has had some of the most iconic adventures in gaming history. If you want to experience the first four of his outings enhanced with better graphics and shooting bundled into one seamless package, then the Master Chief Collection is a surefire recommendation. Compiling Halo 1, 2, 3, and 4 together, it'll take you from Master Chief's original battle with the covenant all the way to his first showdown with the Forerunners. Better yet, you can install Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach as additional DLC. The Master Chief Collection can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Halo: The Master Chief Collection is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.MinecraftWhat's there to say about Minecraft that hasn't already been said? Among the most influential and universally loved video games of all time, the experience of jumping in, building your first home, digging for resources and exploring an endless open world has, for many, become a seminal gaming memory. But for those that haven't played in years or have yet to even try Mojang's block-based titan, Minecraft should definitely be on your list of Game Pass stops. Over the years, it's transformed into a hub of endless possibility, so whether you want to build a rollercoaster that runs on Redstone, gear up to face the might of the Ender Dragon or simply create a small riverside farm, you can do all that or more by finding the game on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Minecraft is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Persona 3 ReloadA remake of one of the best JRPGs ever released, Persona 3 Reload is everything that made the original Persona 3 special repackaged with the stylish flourishes, gorgeous visuals, faster-paced combat and jaw-dropping UI that turned Persona 5 into such a hit. In short, it's a modernized Persona 3, and that means it's an absolute must-play. Whether you're trying to grow your friendships between exams or using your off hours to conquer the halls of Tartarus and the various demonic entities dwelling within it, this is just 100 hours of exceptional writing, free-flowing turn-based combat, creative boss encounters and some of the catchiest tunes humanly imaginable. And that's all without mentioning it centers around arguably the most emotional, hard-hitting story in the Persona franchise to date. If you want to uncover the mysteries of the Dark Hour, you can begin your adventure on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or PC.Persona 3 Reload is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Resident Evil 2Although remakes are pretty prevalent in the current gaming landscape, few have had such big boots to fill as Capcom's return to Resident Evil 2. Reimagining such an iconic and beloved horror title is no small feat, but not only did Capcom succeed in making a loving ode to the iconic franchise's second entry; they made one that succeeds on its own merits. With a wonderfully cheesy B-movie-esque plot, tense survival horror gameplay, stunning visuals, immensely satisfying exploration and an endless supply of horrifying monstrosities waiting around every corner, Resident Evil 2 is an absolute must play for those that love a gory, shlocky zombie horror adventure. It can be played on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Resident Evil 2 is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.InscryptionThe latest release from developer Daniel Mullins, Inscryption is one of the most original and utterly unique horror games of the modern era, which is surprising considering it's a roguelike card game. Handed a deck of bizarre cards, you find yourself trapped in a small log cabin with an ominous stranger who forces you to keep playing a tabletop game with him while you try to stack the deck in your favor and solve puzzles. But the longer you play Inscryption, the deeper the rabbit hole goes, leading you to discover there's far more to its simple premise than meets the eye. It's hard to talk about why its so special without spoiling its best-kept secrets, so trust us and give it a go. We promise you won't regret it. You can get stuck into this deck-building nightmare on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Inscryption is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Doom Eternalid Software's second entry in their Doom reboot series, Doom Eternal knows exactly what it is. It casts you as a terrifying angel of death wielding a steel-barrelled sword of justice, and you're job is to rip and tear your way through anything even vaguely demonic that gets in your way. Cut to 15 hours of non-stop, gloriously over-the-top violence, as you shoot, stab, burn and chainsaw your way through hordes of demons while being serenaded by a heavy metal soundtrack that feels pulled straight from the pits of hell. Doom Eternal is sheer first-person shooting perfection that effortlessly combines satisfying gunplay, exploration and impeccable design to make a must-play symphony of carnage. If you're ready to rip and tear, you can find it on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Doom Eternal is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.PentimentIt's easy to look at Pentiment's detailed, historically accurate 16th-century setting and assume it may not be for you. However, the absolute genius of Obsidian's small-scale, dialogue-heavy RPG is that it not only makes such a dense period of history deeply accessible; it makes it absolutely riveting. Between a scandalous murder mystery, strange gossip shared among the local townsfolk and long-hidden secrets that concern the ostensibly altruistic members of the nearby monastery, the small town of Tassing quickly becomes a location that demands to be investigated. And as you do, information, secrets and relationships become a core currency, creating a world where who you talk to and what you tell them comes with heavy consequences. It's Obsidian refining their talent for crafting phenomenal dialogue and designing challenging moral decisions to a sharp point, creating a deeply poignant tale where no issue is black or white and misinformation is deadlier than any weapon. Pentiment is an underappreciated masterpiece, so if you love compelling, layered storytelling, make sure to give it a go on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Pentiment is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Dishonored and Dishonored 2Dishonored and its sequel, Dishonored 2, are front-to-back two of the best immersive sims ever made. From the moment you step foot in Dunwall and Karnaca, both worlds are filled to the brim with inventive ideas, both through their protagonists' varied skill sets and the way they can interact with the world itself. From offering you a range of shadowy supernatural powers to experiment with and combine to pull off creative kills, to the way each mission constantly reveals new routes to seek out your targets and execute the ultimate assassination, no one does it quite like Arkane, and these back-to-back stealth action masterpieces are truly their magnum opus. So, if you want to dive into two of the last generation's finest offerings, do yourself a favour and get both Dishonored 1 and 2 downloaded on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or PC.Dishonored: Definitive Edition is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate. Dishonored 2 is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Fallout: New VegasIf you're looking to dive into the wealth of Fallout games available on Game Pass, you can't go wrong starting with Fallout: New Vegas. Obsidian's spin-off takes everything that made Fallout 3 such an ambitious reimagining of the franchise and doubles down on it, throwing players into the seedy streets of post-apocalyptic Las Vegas and embroiling them in the power struggle between the various factions vying to control it. But where New Vegas exceeds is not by just being more Fallout 3. Obsidian uses their exceptional storytelling chops and talent for posing morally challenging decisions to create a world that operates purely in shades of grey. The end result is an RPG where every quest, no matter how big or small, has depth, and with four equally great DLCs to play too, it's sure to keep you invested well past the 100-hour mark. New Vegas can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Fallout: New Vegas is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Psychonauts 2If you're looking for a top-notch platformer that's absolutely crammed to the brim with charm, humour and wacky worlds to uncover, Psychonauts 2 is bursting at the seams with creative ideas. Double Fine's sequel to its cult classic hit is just as gloriously wacky and irreverently silly as ever, with the studio managing to surpass the original's boldest concepts with world after world of strange ideas, novel mechanics and phenomenal characters. So, if the idea of going on an espionage mission in a spiralling hellscape built of teeth or being led on a psychedelic, musical journey by an eyeball voiced by Jack Black appeals to you, you can get stuck into Psychonauts 2 on Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and PC.Psychonauts 2 is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.ControlA culmination of everything that makes Remedy Entertainment such a stand-out studio, Control is a sci-fi action horror game that revels in stretching the boundaries of all three of those genres. As you navigate its central setting of the Oldest House, you'll move between different universes, fight a variety of monstrous foes and uncover secrets about the strange building's most unsettling mysteries. But the true strength of Control is how willing it is to embrace its weirdness, whether that's through motel lobbies that let you move across time and space, mazes that you'll need to jam out to heavy rock to escape or the kind but bizarre janitor who appears to be an extradimensional being of extraordinary power. It's a world that begs to be explored, and considering you can do that while wielding an arsenal of mind-melding psychic powers, it's absolutely an easy recommendation. It can be played on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Control is avaliable on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.BalatroIf you didn't catch it last year, Balatro should be high up on your list of games to check out. Pitched as a roguelike Poker game, the concept is, initially, relatively simple. Moving through increasingly challenging blinds, you're dealt cards you need to combine to make poker hands, with each hand accumulating points. Earn enough points, and you beat the blind, allowing you to progress forward. Lose, and your run is over. But while Balatro may seem like a straightforward idea, its sheer creativity turns a mere poker game into an obsessive gauntlet. Whether it's specific buffs that task you with playing in unique ways, boss battles that completely stomp on your strategies and force you to think around them, or special power-ups that you need to employ in just the right way to win a brutal blind, it's not only one of the best card games you can play on a console, but one of the best roguelikes in years. It's constantly challenging you to think outside the box and experiment with its systems to pull off a hard-fought win, and once it's got its hooks in, you'll spend every waking moment thinking about how you'll do just that. Balatro can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Balatro is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Mass Effect: Legendary EditionIf Bioware's seminal sci-fi space opera trilogy, Mass Effect, has somehow eluded you up until this point, we're jealous, because now you can play all three of these epic RPGs in the best way possible. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition repackages all three experiences with updated visuals and refined mechanics to deliver the definitive way to experience Commander Shephard's hard-hitting mission to save the galaxy from the Reapers. If you've yet to experience Mass Effect, it's front-to-back a masterclass in interactive storytelling, intense squad-based combat, and hyper-immersive sci-fi world-building, and absolutely worth the hundreds of hours you could spend conquering each of its three entries. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.Hollow Knight: Voidheart EditionEver wondered why "Silksong" trends every single time a publisher holds a game showcase? Well, it's because its predecessor Hollow Knight was so damn good. This action RPG casts you as a silent, sword-wielding bug venturing through a dark, forgotten kingdom on a quest to cleanse it of an infection that violently transformed its inhabitants. It's the set-up to a darkly beautiful masterclass in 2D Metroidvania design, as our small but mighty hero takes on fearsome foes in incredibly challenging combat encounters while exploring, growing stronger and learning exactly how this kingdom fell to ruin. If you want to join the agonizing wait to finally see Silksong hit shelves, get this downloaded and be prepared to lose all your free time until you hit the credits. You can delve into the depths of Hallownest on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition is avaliable on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.It Takes TwoIf you're looking for something a little more collaborative to jump into with your membership, Hazelight's game-of-the-year-winning co-op adventure, It Takes Two, is absolutely a must-play. Framed entirely around split-screen play, you and a partner embody Cody and May, a couple going through a complicated divorce that find themselves shrunk down and turned into toys. Committed to finding a way to return to their original bodies, they traverse an overgrown world of magic and mayhem, forced to work together to escape. It Takes Two is absolutely overflowing with creativity, and its greatest strength is how willing it is to experiment with fresh and novel mechanics so frequently that it never loses its breakneck pacing across its fourteen-hour runtime. And that's without mentioning that it's hugely accessible and downright fun to play with almost anybody. If you want to live out your ultimate Honey I Shrunk The Kids fantasy with a friend, you can download it on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.It Takes Two is avaliable on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.InsideIf you love an indie horror that's equal parts a haunting narrative adventure and a creative puzzler, Inside is a top-shelf pick. Throwing you into a dark world with no guidance, it absolutely excels in building a sinister mystery that will stick with you long after the credits roll, as you tangle with skin-crawling monsters, explore a factory full of bizarre, twisted experiments and are left to piece together who you are, why you're here and what exactly your ultimate goal is. It's a classic for a reason, and while it's mostly remembered for its jaw-dropping final moments, the journey leading up to its horrifying conclusion is equally as phenomenal. If you want to investigate the game's eerie facility for yourself, you'll find it on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Inside is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.No Man's SkySince its slightly underwhelming release, No Man's Sky has had one of the biggest glow ups in video game history. Turning a relatively bare-bones, endless space exploration simulator into a vast, fully-fledged universe that can be explored in a multitude of different ways, Hello Games' stream of incredible updates have gradually made No Man's Sky a multiplayer experience like no other. Its sheer scope and freedom allow you to jet across the cosmos freely, exploring planets, building bases and teaming up with friends to create your own communities, make discoveries and chart a wealth of planets that only you have ever stepped foot on. So if you want to venture across the untamed stretches of the galaxy and join a passionate community of fellow adventurers, get stuck in on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.No Man's Sky is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.CelesteA deeply moving story that lets challenging and incredibly satisfying platforming act as the driving force of its plot, Celeste is one of the best of its generation. Telling the tale of Madeline, a girl climbing the mysterious slopes of Celeste Mountain in hopes of proving her worth to herself, this powerful platformer is a beautiful, heartfelt, emotional odyssey. But where it truly stands out is how it makes you feel that journey through the gameplay itself. While learning to climb the mountain's treacherous, icy terrain can, at times, be tough, Celeste always pushes you to persevere in the face of its various hazards and adversities, as Madeline, and by extension the player, comes to realise that only through failing can they learn to grow. It's a masterful experience that also happens to look gorgeous, is frequently funny and, for completionists, has a hearty supply of tough-as-nails optional challenges for you to spend hours trying to overcome. If you want to start your ascent, you can begin the climb on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Celeste is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Dead SpaceThe original Dead Space is one of the most influential and deeply unnerving horror games ever made, and back in 2023, EA somehow found a way to make it even scarier. Bringing Isaac Clarke's journey through the USG Ishimura back for a full, from-the-ground-up remake, Dead Space's return is some of the best video game horror of the decade so far. With stunning graphics, impeccable sound design, tense, weighty gunplay and enemies that stalk your every move, it takes everything that works about the original and finds a way to make it twice as intense. So if you love a horror game that leaves you jumping at every sound for weeks after, Dead Space is absolutely for you. You can find it on PC, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Dead Space is avaliable on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.What's Next For Xbox Game Pass?As for what you can look forward to next on Game Pass, the biggest release set to hit the marketplace this month is undoutedly Doom: The Dark Ages. A prequel to Doom and Doom Eternal, it'll once again have players strapping into the heavy boots of the Doomslayer, as he rips and tears his way through a fresh horde of demons using an arsenal of medieval weaponry. It'll hit Series X, Series S, and PC on May 15, and be avaliable on Game Pass the day it launches.Alongside that, you can expect to see Warhammer: Vermintide 2 on May 13, as well as Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo on May 16. We'll be sure to update this page with any new upcoming Game Pass additions as Xbox announces them, so be sure to check back soon for updates!Callum Williams is an IGN freelancer covering features and guides. When he's away from his desk, you can usually find him obsessing over the lore of the latest obscure indie horror game or bashing his head against a boss in the newest soulslike. You can catch him over on Twitter at @CaIIumWilliams.
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    Xbox Game Pass: The Best Games to Play With Your Subscription (May 2025)
    Xbox Game Pass is, without question, one of the best deals in gaming. Whether you want to play the biggest new Xbox games the day they launch or dive into thousands of hours of content for one monthly fee, it is a goldmine for players looking to keep up to date with the latest and greatest releases without having to worry about the price tags attached to them.That being said, Game Pass is a huge service. Across PC and console, there are hundreds of games currently available, with more titles added pretty much every single month. So, for new subscribers wondering where to start, we've put together a list of some of our personal recommendations, so you can get cracking on some fantastic games and make the most out of your first few months.Xbox Game Pass TiersThe first thing to note about Game Pass is that it has a selection of different tiers depending on what platform you're using and how many games you want to be able to access. Let's quickly run you through the price structure so you know what you're getting before you buy.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - As the name implies, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the premium subscription tier. When buying, you'll get access to online multiplayer, Xbox Game Pass Standard, Xbox Game Pass PC, and Xbox Game Pass' cloud streaming services. You'll also get an EA Play membership and bonuses, discounts and in-game perks only available to members. In essence, it's essentially a combination of Xbox Game Pass Standard and Xbox Game Pass PC, plus a few extra benefits. It costs per month.Xbox Game Pass Standard - Xbox Game Pass standard is the base subscription available exclusively on Console. You'll be able to access the full library of Game Pass games available on Xbox consoles, as well as play online multiplayer and access perks and discounts only available to members. It costs a month.Xbox Game Pass PC - Game Pass' PC-exclusive tier, Xbox Game Pass PC will provide access to the full PC Game Pass library. You'll also get an EA Play membership and perks and discounts only available for members. It costs a month.Xbox Game Pass Core - The other console exclusive Game Pass tier, Xbox Game Pass Core offers a lower monthly cost for a significantly smaller library of "core" games available on consoles. Members will also get access to online multiplayer, as well as deals and discounts in the Xbox store. It costs a month.Best New Games to Play on Xbox Game PassWant to get stuck into some brand new additions to the Xbox Game Pass catalog? The following titles are all recent additions that you should absolutely give a go.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33A symphonic blend of turn-based strategy and intense real-time combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already being lorded as a potential game of the year contender, and it's pretty easy to see why. Expedition 33 is an emotional, visually stunning odyssey. Top that off with a bold reimagining of classic JRPG combat systems, which melds fast-paced action game mechanics and the tactical turn-based battles of games like Persona and Final Fantasy, and you have one of 2025's first unmissable experiences. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can get stuck in right now on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredNineteen years after its original release, Bethesda surprised the world by announcing the return of one of its most beloved and widely revered games, unveiling The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and then releasing it that very same day. With stunning new graphics, various overhauls, major UI changes, a fresh character creator and much more, it's never felt better to be accosted by a heavily armored, teleporting Legion Guard who labels you "criminal scum" for accidentally sitting on his horse. With over a hundred hours of quests to complete, demonic Oblivion gates to close and even two full DLCs to conquer, the return of Oblivion is an absolute must for those who missed it the first time around. If you want to discover what all the fuss is about or take a nostalgia tour around Cyrodiil all these years later, you can play Oblivion Remastered now on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Blue PrinceNot only recently added to the Xbox Game Pass library but also just a brand new release, Blue Prince is a critically acclaimed puzzler where you enter the shifting hallways of Mt. Holly, a mysterious manor hiding an array of secrets. You're tasked with searching that ever-changing mansion full of tricky puzzles to conquer, all the while uncovering a rich story through clues left behind by the former owners. Blue Prince has already garnered huge buzz since its release, with our own review saying, "If The Witness, Portal, and Myst are already emblazoned on the Mount Rushmore of first-person puzzle games, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Blue Prince carved alongside them soon enough." If you want to uncover the mystery for yourself, you can play it on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Blue Prince is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Best Games to Play on Xbox Game PassSearching through the broad catalog of Game Pass games? The selections below are some of our absolute favourites the library has to offer.Halo: The Master Chief CollectionWhere better to start your Game Pass journey than with a rundown of some of Xbox's greatest hits. Halo has forever been the face of Xbox, and its armour-clad, hulking space marine hero, Master Chief, has had some of the most iconic adventures in gaming history. If you want to experience the first four of his outings enhanced with better graphics and shooting bundled into one seamless package, then the Master Chief Collection is a surefire recommendation. Compiling Halo 1, 2, 3, and 4 together, it'll take you from Master Chief's original battle with the covenant all the way to his first showdown with the Forerunners. Better yet, you can install Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach as additional DLC. The Master Chief Collection can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Halo: The Master Chief Collection is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.MinecraftWhat's there to say about Minecraft that hasn't already been said? Among the most influential and universally loved video games of all time, the experience of jumping in, building your first home, digging for resources and exploring an endless open world has, for many, become a seminal gaming memory. But for those that haven't played in years or have yet to even try Mojang's block-based titan, Minecraft should definitely be on your list of Game Pass stops. Over the years, it's transformed into a hub of endless possibility, so whether you want to build a rollercoaster that runs on Redstone, gear up to face the might of the Ender Dragon or simply create a small riverside farm, you can do all that or more by finding the game on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Minecraft is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Persona 3 ReloadA remake of one of the best JRPGs ever released, Persona 3 Reload is everything that made the original Persona 3 special repackaged with the stylish flourishes, gorgeous visuals, faster-paced combat and jaw-dropping UI that turned Persona 5 into such a hit. In short, it's a modernized Persona 3, and that means it's an absolute must-play. Whether you're trying to grow your friendships between exams or using your off hours to conquer the halls of Tartarus and the various demonic entities dwelling within it, this is just 100 hours of exceptional writing, free-flowing turn-based combat, creative boss encounters and some of the catchiest tunes humanly imaginable. And that's all without mentioning it centers around arguably the most emotional, hard-hitting story in the Persona franchise to date. If you want to uncover the mysteries of the Dark Hour, you can begin your adventure on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or PC.Persona 3 Reload is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Resident Evil 2Although remakes are pretty prevalent in the current gaming landscape, few have had such big boots to fill as Capcom's return to Resident Evil 2. Reimagining such an iconic and beloved horror title is no small feat, but not only did Capcom succeed in making a loving ode to the iconic franchise's second entry; they made one that succeeds on its own merits. With a wonderfully cheesy B-movie-esque plot, tense survival horror gameplay, stunning visuals, immensely satisfying exploration and an endless supply of horrifying monstrosities waiting around every corner, Resident Evil 2 is an absolute must play for those that love a gory, shlocky zombie horror adventure. It can be played on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Resident Evil 2 is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.InscryptionThe latest release from developer Daniel Mullins, Inscryption is one of the most original and utterly unique horror games of the modern era, which is surprising considering it's a roguelike card game. Handed a deck of bizarre cards, you find yourself trapped in a small log cabin with an ominous stranger who forces you to keep playing a tabletop game with him while you try to stack the deck in your favor and solve puzzles. But the longer you play Inscryption, the deeper the rabbit hole goes, leading you to discover there's far more to its simple premise than meets the eye. It's hard to talk about why its so special without spoiling its best-kept secrets, so trust us and give it a go. We promise you won't regret it. You can get stuck into this deck-building nightmare on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Inscryption is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Doom Eternalid Software's second entry in their Doom reboot series, Doom Eternal knows exactly what it is. It casts you as a terrifying angel of death wielding a steel-barrelled sword of justice, and you're job is to rip and tear your way through anything even vaguely demonic that gets in your way. Cut to 15 hours of non-stop, gloriously over-the-top violence, as you shoot, stab, burn and chainsaw your way through hordes of demons while being serenaded by a heavy metal soundtrack that feels pulled straight from the pits of hell. Doom Eternal is sheer first-person shooting perfection that effortlessly combines satisfying gunplay, exploration and impeccable design to make a must-play symphony of carnage. If you're ready to rip and tear, you can find it on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Doom Eternal is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.PentimentIt's easy to look at Pentiment's detailed, historically accurate 16th-century setting and assume it may not be for you. However, the absolute genius of Obsidian's small-scale, dialogue-heavy RPG is that it not only makes such a dense period of history deeply accessible; it makes it absolutely riveting. Between a scandalous murder mystery, strange gossip shared among the local townsfolk and long-hidden secrets that concern the ostensibly altruistic members of the nearby monastery, the small town of Tassing quickly becomes a location that demands to be investigated. And as you do, information, secrets and relationships become a core currency, creating a world where who you talk to and what you tell them comes with heavy consequences. It's Obsidian refining their talent for crafting phenomenal dialogue and designing challenging moral decisions to a sharp point, creating a deeply poignant tale where no issue is black or white and misinformation is deadlier than any weapon. Pentiment is an underappreciated masterpiece, so if you love compelling, layered storytelling, make sure to give it a go on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Pentiment is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Dishonored and Dishonored 2Dishonored and its sequel, Dishonored 2, are front-to-back two of the best immersive sims ever made. From the moment you step foot in Dunwall and Karnaca, both worlds are filled to the brim with inventive ideas, both through their protagonists' varied skill sets and the way they can interact with the world itself. From offering you a range of shadowy supernatural powers to experiment with and combine to pull off creative kills, to the way each mission constantly reveals new routes to seek out your targets and execute the ultimate assassination, no one does it quite like Arkane, and these back-to-back stealth action masterpieces are truly their magnum opus. So, if you want to dive into two of the last generation's finest offerings, do yourself a favour and get both Dishonored 1 and 2 downloaded on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or PC.Dishonored: Definitive Edition is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate. Dishonored 2 is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Fallout: New VegasIf you're looking to dive into the wealth of Fallout games available on Game Pass, you can't go wrong starting with Fallout: New Vegas. Obsidian's spin-off takes everything that made Fallout 3 such an ambitious reimagining of the franchise and doubles down on it, throwing players into the seedy streets of post-apocalyptic Las Vegas and embroiling them in the power struggle between the various factions vying to control it. But where New Vegas exceeds is not by just being more Fallout 3. Obsidian uses their exceptional storytelling chops and talent for posing morally challenging decisions to create a world that operates purely in shades of grey. The end result is an RPG where every quest, no matter how big or small, has depth, and with four equally great DLCs to play too, it's sure to keep you invested well past the 100-hour mark. New Vegas can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Fallout: New Vegas is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Psychonauts 2If you're looking for a top-notch platformer that's absolutely crammed to the brim with charm, humour and wacky worlds to uncover, Psychonauts 2 is bursting at the seams with creative ideas. Double Fine's sequel to its cult classic hit is just as gloriously wacky and irreverently silly as ever, with the studio managing to surpass the original's boldest concepts with world after world of strange ideas, novel mechanics and phenomenal characters. So, if the idea of going on an espionage mission in a spiralling hellscape built of teeth or being led on a psychedelic, musical journey by an eyeball voiced by Jack Black appeals to you, you can get stuck into Psychonauts 2 on Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and PC.Psychonauts 2 is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.ControlA culmination of everything that makes Remedy Entertainment such a stand-out studio, Control is a sci-fi action horror game that revels in stretching the boundaries of all three of those genres. As you navigate its central setting of the Oldest House, you'll move between different universes, fight a variety of monstrous foes and uncover secrets about the strange building's most unsettling mysteries. But the true strength of Control is how willing it is to embrace its weirdness, whether that's through motel lobbies that let you move across time and space, mazes that you'll need to jam out to heavy rock to escape or the kind but bizarre janitor who appears to be an extradimensional being of extraordinary power. It's a world that begs to be explored, and considering you can do that while wielding an arsenal of mind-melding psychic powers, it's absolutely an easy recommendation. It can be played on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Control is avaliable on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.BalatroIf you didn't catch it last year, Balatro should be high up on your list of games to check out. Pitched as a roguelike Poker game, the concept is, initially, relatively simple. Moving through increasingly challenging blinds, you're dealt cards you need to combine to make poker hands, with each hand accumulating points. Earn enough points, and you beat the blind, allowing you to progress forward. Lose, and your run is over. But while Balatro may seem like a straightforward idea, its sheer creativity turns a mere poker game into an obsessive gauntlet. Whether it's specific buffs that task you with playing in unique ways, boss battles that completely stomp on your strategies and force you to think around them, or special power-ups that you need to employ in just the right way to win a brutal blind, it's not only one of the best card games you can play on a console, but one of the best roguelikes in years. It's constantly challenging you to think outside the box and experiment with its systems to pull off a hard-fought win, and once it's got its hooks in, you'll spend every waking moment thinking about how you'll do just that. Balatro can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Balatro is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Mass Effect: Legendary EditionIf Bioware's seminal sci-fi space opera trilogy, Mass Effect, has somehow eluded you up until this point, we're jealous, because now you can play all three of these epic RPGs in the best way possible. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition repackages all three experiences with updated visuals and refined mechanics to deliver the definitive way to experience Commander Shephard's hard-hitting mission to save the galaxy from the Reapers. If you've yet to experience Mass Effect, it's front-to-back a masterclass in interactive storytelling, intense squad-based combat, and hyper-immersive sci-fi world-building, and absolutely worth the hundreds of hours you could spend conquering each of its three entries. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.Hollow Knight: Voidheart EditionEver wondered why "Silksong" trends every single time a publisher holds a game showcase? Well, it's because its predecessor Hollow Knight was so damn good. This action RPG casts you as a silent, sword-wielding bug venturing through a dark, forgotten kingdom on a quest to cleanse it of an infection that violently transformed its inhabitants. It's the set-up to a darkly beautiful masterclass in 2D Metroidvania design, as our small but mighty hero takes on fearsome foes in incredibly challenging combat encounters while exploring, growing stronger and learning exactly how this kingdom fell to ruin. If you want to join the agonizing wait to finally see Silksong hit shelves, get this downloaded and be prepared to lose all your free time until you hit the credits. You can delve into the depths of Hallownest on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition is avaliable on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.It Takes TwoIf you're looking for something a little more collaborative to jump into with your membership, Hazelight's game-of-the-year-winning co-op adventure, It Takes Two, is absolutely a must-play. Framed entirely around split-screen play, you and a partner embody Cody and May, a couple going through a complicated divorce that find themselves shrunk down and turned into toys. Committed to finding a way to return to their original bodies, they traverse an overgrown world of magic and mayhem, forced to work together to escape. It Takes Two is absolutely overflowing with creativity, and its greatest strength is how willing it is to experiment with fresh and novel mechanics so frequently that it never loses its breakneck pacing across its fourteen-hour runtime. And that's without mentioning that it's hugely accessible and downright fun to play with almost anybody. If you want to live out your ultimate Honey I Shrunk The Kids fantasy with a friend, you can download it on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.It Takes Two is avaliable on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.InsideIf you love an indie horror that's equal parts a haunting narrative adventure and a creative puzzler, Inside is a top-shelf pick. Throwing you into a dark world with no guidance, it absolutely excels in building a sinister mystery that will stick with you long after the credits roll, as you tangle with skin-crawling monsters, explore a factory full of bizarre, twisted experiments and are left to piece together who you are, why you're here and what exactly your ultimate goal is. It's a classic for a reason, and while it's mostly remembered for its jaw-dropping final moments, the journey leading up to its horrifying conclusion is equally as phenomenal. If you want to investigate the game's eerie facility for yourself, you'll find it on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Inside is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.No Man's SkySince its slightly underwhelming release, No Man's Sky has had one of the biggest glow ups in video game history. Turning a relatively bare-bones, endless space exploration simulator into a vast, fully-fledged universe that can be explored in a multitude of different ways, Hello Games' stream of incredible updates have gradually made No Man's Sky a multiplayer experience like no other. Its sheer scope and freedom allow you to jet across the cosmos freely, exploring planets, building bases and teaming up with friends to create your own communities, make discoveries and chart a wealth of planets that only you have ever stepped foot on. So if you want to venture across the untamed stretches of the galaxy and join a passionate community of fellow adventurers, get stuck in on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.No Man's Sky is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.CelesteA deeply moving story that lets challenging and incredibly satisfying platforming act as the driving force of its plot, Celeste is one of the best of its generation. Telling the tale of Madeline, a girl climbing the mysterious slopes of Celeste Mountain in hopes of proving her worth to herself, this powerful platformer is a beautiful, heartfelt, emotional odyssey. But where it truly stands out is how it makes you feel that journey through the gameplay itself. While learning to climb the mountain's treacherous, icy terrain can, at times, be tough, Celeste always pushes you to persevere in the face of its various hazards and adversities, as Madeline, and by extension the player, comes to realise that only through failing can they learn to grow. It's a masterful experience that also happens to look gorgeous, is frequently funny and, for completionists, has a hearty supply of tough-as-nails optional challenges for you to spend hours trying to overcome. If you want to start your ascent, you can begin the climb on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Celeste is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Dead SpaceThe original Dead Space is one of the most influential and deeply unnerving horror games ever made, and back in 2023, EA somehow found a way to make it even scarier. Bringing Isaac Clarke's journey through the USG Ishimura back for a full, from-the-ground-up remake, Dead Space's return is some of the best video game horror of the decade so far. With stunning graphics, impeccable sound design, tense, weighty gunplay and enemies that stalk your every move, it takes everything that works about the original and finds a way to make it twice as intense. So if you love a horror game that leaves you jumping at every sound for weeks after, Dead Space is absolutely for you. You can find it on PC, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Dead Space is avaliable on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.What's Next For Xbox Game Pass?As for what you can look forward to next on Game Pass, the biggest release set to hit the marketplace this month is undoutedly Doom: The Dark Ages. A prequel to Doom and Doom Eternal, it'll once again have players strapping into the heavy boots of the Doomslayer, as he rips and tears his way through a fresh horde of demons using an arsenal of medieval weaponry. It'll hit Series X, Series S, and PC on May 15, and be avaliable on Game Pass the day it launches.Alongside that, you can expect to see Warhammer: Vermintide 2 on May 13, as well as Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo on May 16. We'll be sure to update this page with any new upcoming Game Pass additions as Xbox announces them, so be sure to check back soon for updates!Callum Williams is an IGN freelancer covering features and guides. When he's away from his desk, you can usually find him obsessing over the lore of the latest obscure indie horror game or bashing his head against a boss in the newest soulslike. You can catch him over on Twitter at @CaIIumWilliams. #xbox #game #pass #best #games
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    Xbox Game Pass: The Best Games to Play With Your Subscription (May 2025)
    Xbox Game Pass is, without question, one of the best deals in gaming. Whether you want to play the biggest new Xbox games the day they launch or dive into thousands of hours of content for one monthly fee, it is a goldmine for players looking to keep up to date with the latest and greatest releases without having to worry about the price tags attached to them.That being said, Game Pass is a huge service. Across PC and console, there are hundreds of games currently available, with more titles added pretty much every single month. So, for new subscribers wondering where to start, we've put together a list of some of our personal recommendations, so you can get cracking on some fantastic games and make the most out of your first few months.Xbox Game Pass TiersThe first thing to note about Game Pass is that it has a selection of different tiers depending on what platform you're using and how many games you want to be able to access. Let's quickly run you through the price structure so you know what you're getting before you buy.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - As the name implies, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the premium subscription tier. When buying, you'll get access to online multiplayer, Xbox Game Pass Standard, Xbox Game Pass PC, and Xbox Game Pass' cloud streaming services. You'll also get an EA Play membership and bonuses, discounts and in-game perks only available to members. In essence, it's essentially a combination of Xbox Game Pass Standard and Xbox Game Pass PC, plus a few extra benefits (like playing on a FireTV Stick). It costs $19.99 per month.Xbox Game Pass Standard - Xbox Game Pass standard is the base subscription available exclusively on Console. You'll be able to access the full library of Game Pass games available on Xbox consoles, as well as play online multiplayer and access perks and discounts only available to members. It costs $14.99 a month.Xbox Game Pass PC - Game Pass' PC-exclusive tier, Xbox Game Pass PC will provide access to the full PC Game Pass library. You'll also get an EA Play membership and perks and discounts only available for members. It costs $11.99 a month.Xbox Game Pass Core - The other console exclusive Game Pass tier, Xbox Game Pass Core offers a lower monthly cost for a significantly smaller library of "core" games available on consoles. Members will also get access to online multiplayer, as well as deals and discounts in the Xbox store. It costs $9.99 a month.Best New Games to Play on Xbox Game PassWant to get stuck into some brand new additions to the Xbox Game Pass catalog? The following titles are all recent additions that you should absolutely give a go.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33A symphonic blend of turn-based strategy and intense real-time combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is already being lorded as a potential game of the year contender, and it's pretty easy to see why. Expedition 33 is an emotional, visually stunning odyssey. Top that off with a bold reimagining of classic JRPG combat systems, which melds fast-paced action game mechanics and the tactical turn-based battles of games like Persona and Final Fantasy, and you have one of 2025's first unmissable experiences. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can get stuck in right now on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredNineteen years after its original release, Bethesda surprised the world by announcing the return of one of its most beloved and widely revered games, unveiling The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and then releasing it that very same day. With stunning new graphics, various overhauls, major UI changes, a fresh character creator and much more, it's never felt better to be accosted by a heavily armored, teleporting Legion Guard who labels you "criminal scum" for accidentally sitting on his horse. With over a hundred hours of quests to complete, demonic Oblivion gates to close and even two full DLCs to conquer, the return of Oblivion is an absolute must for those who missed it the first time around. If you want to discover what all the fuss is about or take a nostalgia tour around Cyrodiil all these years later, you can play Oblivion Remastered now on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Blue PrinceNot only recently added to the Xbox Game Pass library but also just a brand new release, Blue Prince is a critically acclaimed puzzler where you enter the shifting hallways of Mt. Holly, a mysterious manor hiding an array of secrets. You're tasked with searching that ever-changing mansion full of tricky puzzles to conquer, all the while uncovering a rich story through clues left behind by the former owners. Blue Prince has already garnered huge buzz since its release, with our own review saying, "If The Witness, Portal, and Myst are already emblazoned on the Mount Rushmore of first-person puzzle games, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Blue Prince carved alongside them soon enough." If you want to uncover the mystery for yourself, you can play it on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Blue Prince is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Best Games to Play on Xbox Game PassSearching through the broad catalog of Game Pass games? The selections below are some of our absolute favourites the library has to offer.Halo: The Master Chief CollectionWhere better to start your Game Pass journey than with a rundown of some of Xbox's greatest hits. Halo has forever been the face of Xbox, and its armour-clad, hulking space marine hero, Master Chief, has had some of the most iconic adventures in gaming history. If you want to experience the first four of his outings enhanced with better graphics and shooting bundled into one seamless package, then the Master Chief Collection is a surefire recommendation. Compiling Halo 1, 2, 3, and 4 together, it'll take you from Master Chief's original battle with the covenant all the way to his first showdown with the Forerunners. Better yet, you can install Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach as additional DLC. The Master Chief Collection can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Halo: The Master Chief Collection is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.MinecraftWhat's there to say about Minecraft that hasn't already been said? Among the most influential and universally loved video games of all time, the experience of jumping in, building your first home, digging for resources and exploring an endless open world has, for many, become a seminal gaming memory. But for those that haven't played in years or have yet to even try Mojang's block-based titan, Minecraft should definitely be on your list of Game Pass stops. Over the years, it's transformed into a hub of endless possibility, so whether you want to build a rollercoaster that runs on Redstone, gear up to face the might of the Ender Dragon or simply create a small riverside farm, you can do all that or more by finding the game on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Minecraft is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Persona 3 ReloadA remake of one of the best JRPGs ever released, Persona 3 Reload is everything that made the original Persona 3 special repackaged with the stylish flourishes, gorgeous visuals, faster-paced combat and jaw-dropping UI that turned Persona 5 into such a hit. In short, it's a modernized Persona 3, and that means it's an absolute must-play. Whether you're trying to grow your friendships between exams or using your off hours to conquer the halls of Tartarus and the various demonic entities dwelling within it, this is just 100 hours of exceptional writing, free-flowing turn-based combat, creative boss encounters and some of the catchiest tunes humanly imaginable. And that's all without mentioning it centers around arguably the most emotional, hard-hitting story in the Persona franchise to date. If you want to uncover the mysteries of the Dark Hour, you can begin your adventure on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or PC.Persona 3 Reload is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Resident Evil 2Although remakes are pretty prevalent in the current gaming landscape, few have had such big boots to fill as Capcom's return to Resident Evil 2. Reimagining such an iconic and beloved horror title is no small feat, but not only did Capcom succeed in making a loving ode to the iconic franchise's second entry; they made one that succeeds on its own merits. With a wonderfully cheesy B-movie-esque plot, tense survival horror gameplay, stunning visuals, immensely satisfying exploration and an endless supply of horrifying monstrosities waiting around every corner, Resident Evil 2 is an absolute must play for those that love a gory, shlocky zombie horror adventure. It can be played on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Resident Evil 2 is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.InscryptionThe latest release from developer Daniel Mullins, Inscryption is one of the most original and utterly unique horror games of the modern era, which is surprising considering it's a roguelike card game. Handed a deck of bizarre cards, you find yourself trapped in a small log cabin with an ominous stranger who forces you to keep playing a tabletop game with him while you try to stack the deck in your favor and solve puzzles. But the longer you play Inscryption, the deeper the rabbit hole goes, leading you to discover there's far more to its simple premise than meets the eye. It's hard to talk about why its so special without spoiling its best-kept secrets, so trust us and give it a go. We promise you won't regret it. You can get stuck into this deck-building nightmare on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Inscryption is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Doom Eternalid Software's second entry in their Doom reboot series, Doom Eternal knows exactly what it is. It casts you as a terrifying angel of death wielding a steel-barrelled sword of justice, and you're job is to rip and tear your way through anything even vaguely demonic that gets in your way. Cut to 15 hours of non-stop, gloriously over-the-top violence, as you shoot, stab, burn and chainsaw your way through hordes of demons while being serenaded by a heavy metal soundtrack that feels pulled straight from the pits of hell. Doom Eternal is sheer first-person shooting perfection that effortlessly combines satisfying gunplay, exploration and impeccable design to make a must-play symphony of carnage. If you're ready to rip and tear, you can find it on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Doom Eternal is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.PentimentIt's easy to look at Pentiment's detailed, historically accurate 16th-century setting and assume it may not be for you. However, the absolute genius of Obsidian's small-scale, dialogue-heavy RPG is that it not only makes such a dense period of history deeply accessible; it makes it absolutely riveting. Between a scandalous murder mystery, strange gossip shared among the local townsfolk and long-hidden secrets that concern the ostensibly altruistic members of the nearby monastery, the small town of Tassing quickly becomes a location that demands to be investigated. And as you do, information, secrets and relationships become a core currency, creating a world where who you talk to and what you tell them comes with heavy consequences. It's Obsidian refining their talent for crafting phenomenal dialogue and designing challenging moral decisions to a sharp point, creating a deeply poignant tale where no issue is black or white and misinformation is deadlier than any weapon. Pentiment is an underappreciated masterpiece, so if you love compelling, layered storytelling, make sure to give it a go on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Pentiment is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Dishonored and Dishonored 2Dishonored and its sequel, Dishonored 2, are front-to-back two of the best immersive sims ever made. From the moment you step foot in Dunwall and Karnaca, both worlds are filled to the brim with inventive ideas, both through their protagonists' varied skill sets and the way they can interact with the world itself. From offering you a range of shadowy supernatural powers to experiment with and combine to pull off creative kills, to the way each mission constantly reveals new routes to seek out your targets and execute the ultimate assassination, no one does it quite like Arkane, and these back-to-back stealth action masterpieces are truly their magnum opus. So, if you want to dive into two of the last generation's finest offerings, do yourself a favour and get both Dishonored 1 and 2 downloaded on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or PC.Dishonored: Definitive Edition is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate. Dishonored 2 is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Fallout: New VegasIf you're looking to dive into the wealth of Fallout games available on Game Pass, you can't go wrong starting with Fallout: New Vegas. Obsidian's spin-off takes everything that made Fallout 3 such an ambitious reimagining of the franchise and doubles down on it, throwing players into the seedy streets of post-apocalyptic Las Vegas and embroiling them in the power struggle between the various factions vying to control it. But where New Vegas exceeds is not by just being more Fallout 3. Obsidian uses their exceptional storytelling chops and talent for posing morally challenging decisions to create a world that operates purely in shades of grey. The end result is an RPG where every quest, no matter how big or small, has depth, and with four equally great DLCs to play too, it's sure to keep you invested well past the 100-hour mark. New Vegas can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Fallout: New Vegas is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Psychonauts 2If you're looking for a top-notch platformer that's absolutely crammed to the brim with charm, humour and wacky worlds to uncover, Psychonauts 2 is bursting at the seams with creative ideas. Double Fine's sequel to its cult classic hit is just as gloriously wacky and irreverently silly as ever, with the studio managing to surpass the original's boldest concepts with world after world of strange ideas, novel mechanics and phenomenal characters. So, if the idea of going on an espionage mission in a spiralling hellscape built of teeth or being led on a psychedelic, musical journey by an eyeball voiced by Jack Black appeals to you, you can get stuck into Psychonauts 2 on Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and PC.Psychonauts 2 is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.ControlA culmination of everything that makes Remedy Entertainment such a stand-out studio, Control is a sci-fi action horror game that revels in stretching the boundaries of all three of those genres. As you navigate its central setting of the Oldest House, you'll move between different universes, fight a variety of monstrous foes and uncover secrets about the strange building's most unsettling mysteries. But the true strength of Control is how willing it is to embrace its weirdness, whether that's through motel lobbies that let you move across time and space, mazes that you'll need to jam out to heavy rock to escape or the kind but bizarre janitor who appears to be an extradimensional being of extraordinary power. It's a world that begs to be explored, and considering you can do that while wielding an arsenal of mind-melding psychic powers, it's absolutely an easy recommendation. It can be played on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.Control is avaliable on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.BalatroIf you didn't catch it last year, Balatro should be high up on your list of games to check out. Pitched as a roguelike Poker game, the concept is, initially, relatively simple. Moving through increasingly challenging blinds, you're dealt cards you need to combine to make poker hands, with each hand accumulating points. Earn enough points, and you beat the blind, allowing you to progress forward. Lose, and your run is over. But while Balatro may seem like a straightforward idea, its sheer creativity turns a mere poker game into an obsessive gauntlet. Whether it's specific buffs that task you with playing in unique ways, boss battles that completely stomp on your strategies and force you to think around them, or special power-ups that you need to employ in just the right way to win a brutal blind, it's not only one of the best card games you can play on a console, but one of the best roguelikes in years. It's constantly challenging you to think outside the box and experiment with its systems to pull off a hard-fought win, and once it's got its hooks in, you'll spend every waking moment thinking about how you'll do just that. Balatro can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Balatro is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Mass Effect: Legendary EditionIf Bioware's seminal sci-fi space opera trilogy, Mass Effect, has somehow eluded you up until this point, we're jealous, because now you can play all three of these epic RPGs in the best way possible. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition repackages all three experiences with updated visuals and refined mechanics to deliver the definitive way to experience Commander Shephard's hard-hitting mission to save the galaxy from the Reapers. If you've yet to experience Mass Effect, it's front-to-back a masterclass in interactive storytelling, intense squad-based combat, and hyper-immersive sci-fi world-building, and absolutely worth the hundreds of hours you could spend conquering each of its three entries. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition can be played on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.Hollow Knight: Voidheart EditionEver wondered why "Silksong" trends every single time a publisher holds a game showcase? Well, it's because its predecessor Hollow Knight was so damn good. This action RPG casts you as a silent, sword-wielding bug venturing through a dark, forgotten kingdom on a quest to cleanse it of an infection that violently transformed its inhabitants. It's the set-up to a darkly beautiful masterclass in 2D Metroidvania design, as our small but mighty hero takes on fearsome foes in incredibly challenging combat encounters while exploring, growing stronger and learning exactly how this kingdom fell to ruin. If you want to join the agonizing wait to finally see Silksong hit shelves, get this downloaded and be prepared to lose all your free time until you hit the credits. You can delve into the depths of Hallownest on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition is avaliable on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.It Takes TwoIf you're looking for something a little more collaborative to jump into with your membership, Hazelight's game-of-the-year-winning co-op adventure, It Takes Two, is absolutely a must-play. Framed entirely around split-screen play, you and a partner embody Cody and May, a couple going through a complicated divorce that find themselves shrunk down and turned into toys. Committed to finding a way to return to their original bodies, they traverse an overgrown world of magic and mayhem, forced to work together to escape. It Takes Two is absolutely overflowing with creativity, and its greatest strength is how willing it is to experiment with fresh and novel mechanics so frequently that it never loses its breakneck pacing across its fourteen-hour runtime. And that's without mentioning that it's hugely accessible and downright fun to play with almost anybody. If you want to live out your ultimate Honey I Shrunk The Kids fantasy with a friend, you can download it on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.It Takes Two is avaliable on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.InsideIf you love an indie horror that's equal parts a haunting narrative adventure and a creative puzzler, Inside is a top-shelf pick. Throwing you into a dark world with no guidance, it absolutely excels in building a sinister mystery that will stick with you long after the credits roll, as you tangle with skin-crawling monsters, explore a factory full of bizarre, twisted experiments and are left to piece together who you are, why you're here and what exactly your ultimate goal is. It's a classic for a reason, and while it's mostly remembered for its jaw-dropping final moments, the journey leading up to its horrifying conclusion is equally as phenomenal. If you want to investigate the game's eerie facility for yourself, you'll find it on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Inside is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.No Man's SkySince its slightly underwhelming release, No Man's Sky has had one of the biggest glow ups in video game history. Turning a relatively bare-bones, endless space exploration simulator into a vast, fully-fledged universe that can be explored in a multitude of different ways, Hello Games' stream of incredible updates have gradually made No Man's Sky a multiplayer experience like no other. Its sheer scope and freedom allow you to jet across the cosmos freely, exploring planets, building bases and teaming up with friends to create your own communities, make discoveries and chart a wealth of planets that only you have ever stepped foot on. So if you want to venture across the untamed stretches of the galaxy and join a passionate community of fellow adventurers, get stuck in on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.No Man's Sky is available on Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.CelesteA deeply moving story that lets challenging and incredibly satisfying platforming act as the driving force of its plot, Celeste is one of the best of its generation. Telling the tale of Madeline, a girl climbing the mysterious slopes of Celeste Mountain in hopes of proving her worth to herself, this powerful platformer is a beautiful, heartfelt, emotional odyssey. But where it truly stands out is how it makes you feel that journey through the gameplay itself. While learning to climb the mountain's treacherous, icy terrain can, at times, be tough, Celeste always pushes you to persevere in the face of its various hazards and adversities, as Madeline, and by extension the player, comes to realise that only through failing can they learn to grow. It's a masterful experience that also happens to look gorgeous, is frequently funny and, for completionists, has a hearty supply of tough-as-nails optional challenges for you to spend hours trying to overcome. If you want to start your ascent, you can begin the climb on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.Celeste is available on Game Pass Core, Game Pass Standard, Game Pass PC and Game Pass Ultimate.Dead SpaceThe original Dead Space is one of the most influential and deeply unnerving horror games ever made, and back in 2023, EA somehow found a way to make it even scarier. Bringing Isaac Clarke's journey through the USG Ishimura back for a full, from-the-ground-up remake, Dead Space's return is some of the best video game horror of the decade so far. With stunning graphics, impeccable sound design, tense, weighty gunplay and enemies that stalk your every move, it takes everything that works about the original and finds a way to make it twice as intense. So if you love a horror game that leaves you jumping at every sound for weeks after, Dead Space is absolutely for you. You can find it on PC, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.Dead Space is avaliable on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC via each tier's included EA Play Membership.What's Next For Xbox Game Pass?As for what you can look forward to next on Game Pass, the biggest release set to hit the marketplace this month is undoutedly Doom: The Dark Ages. A prequel to Doom and Doom Eternal, it'll once again have players strapping into the heavy boots of the Doomslayer, as he rips and tears his way through a fresh horde of demons using an arsenal of medieval weaponry. It'll hit Series X, Series S, and PC on May 15, and be avaliable on Game Pass the day it launches.Alongside that, you can expect to see Warhammer: Vermintide 2 on May 13, as well as Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo on May 16. We'll be sure to update this page with any new upcoming Game Pass additions as Xbox announces them, so be sure to check back soon for updates!Callum Williams is an IGN freelancer covering features and guides. When he's away from his desk, you can usually find him obsessing over the lore of the latest obscure indie horror game or bashing his head against a boss in the newest soulslike. You can catch him over on Twitter at @CaIIumWilliams.
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