If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber on any tier, Wargaming’s free-to play titles across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox on PC will soon begin to offer you new benefits.

Over the next 12 months, Wargaming will add exclusive in-game benefits for Game Pass subscribers to World of Warships, World of Warships: Legends, World of Tanks Modern Armor, World of Tanks Blitz and even the upcoming World of Tanks: Heat.  

Today, we can reveal the benefits coming to World of Warships for Xbox on PC on April 9:

Welcome Pack for all players:

• 7x WoWS Premium Account Days
• 1x Xbox Tileflage (ship camouflage)

Weekly Missions and weekly reward

• 7x “Credits +40% Expendible bonuses
• 7x “Ship XP +200%” Expendable bonuses
• 7x “Commander XP +200%” Expendable bonuses
• 7x “Free XP +600%” Expendable bonuses

One-off Welcome Pack for New Players

• 1 battle = 100,000 Credits
• 3 battles = 1x Xbox Container  
• 3 battles = 1x Xbox Tileflage (ship camouflage) + 3-day Avrora ship rental 
• 3 battles = 1x Japanese Commander (6 Skill Points) & 1x USA Commander (6 Skill Points)
• 3 battles = 2x Italian Destroyers Container & 2x Always Courageous Container
• 5 battles = 12,000 Free XP
• 5 battles = 1x Xbox Tileflage (ship camouflage) + 3-day Agincourt ship rental
• 5 battles = 1x Italian Destroyers Container & 1x Always Courageous Container
• 5 battles = 2x Xbox Container  
• 5 battles = 15,000 coal
• 5 battles = 1 day of WOWS Premium Account
• 10 battles + 3 days of WOWS Premium Account
• 10 battles = 1x Supercontainer
• 15 battles = 1x Xbox Tileflage (ship camouflage)
• Final Reward = 1,000 Doubloons

Here’s a brief overview of all the Wargaming titles you can expect benefits from in the months ahead:

World of Warships (Xbox on PC)

Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players!

World of Warships: Legends (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC)

World of Warships: Legends is a free-to-play online naval shooter with fast-paced combat, easy-to-learn gameplay, and cross-progression between consoles, mobile, and PC. Victory is earned through strategic play, smart positioning, and coordinated teamwork. As a Captain, you can choose from more than 600 historically inspired warships, including legendary vessels from WWII such as Yamato, USS Iowa, Bismarck, and many more.

World of Tanks Modern Armor (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One)

World of Tanks Modern Armor puts you in command of over 1,000 modern and legendary tanks. Challenge yourself in 15v15 tactical team battles. Choose to fight in Cold War or World War II settings – each offering its own roster of vehicles and historical themes for you to experience. Explore detailed maps, PvE and PvP events and challenges, inspired by real-world theaters of war.

World of Tanks Blitz (Xbox on PC)

World of Tanks Blitz is a free-to-play online 7v7 tank shooter built around fast-paced battles that usually last 5 to 7 minutes. Play solo or team up with a friend, choose from hundreds of vehicles inspired by both historic designs and more unusual experimental machines, and enjoy smooth performance even on modest hardware.

World of Tanks: Heat (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC)

The upcoming brand new Wargaming title, World of Tanks: Heat, launching later this year, pits you as an Agent, specially trained and uniquely equipped to pilot mighty war machines tailored to your playstyle. Your mission? Dominate fast-paced battles in objective-based modes that reward coordination, timing, and mechanical skill across immersive arenas crafted for high-stakes strategy and tactics.

Stay tuned to Wargaming’s social channels and Xbox Wire for more information on the many in-game benefits coming to subscribers this year.

I’m thrilled to reveal the Xbox version of Ascend to Zero, a time-bending action roguelike from Flyway Games that was part of last week’s Xbox Partner Preview broadcast.

Let’s start with a question: what would it actually feel like to stop time in the heat of battle? That single idea is where Ascend to Zero began — and it’s the thread that runs through everything we’ve built.

A Prototype Born from One Small Question

Ascend to Zero started with a very small moment. I was playing a survival roguelike when enemies swarmed in from every direction, cutting off every possible escape route. In that instant, one thought crossed my mind: “What if I could stop time, just for a second?”

A few days later, I revisited the idea and started building a small prototype. Less about grand design, more about answering one question: “Would this actually be fun?” In chasing an answer, I had an important realization — the act of freezing time and letting it flow again creates a strategic “turn” inside a real-time action game.

I combined that with a structure I’d always loved from Inflation RPG: explosive growth packed within limited opportunities. That’s how the first prototype ofAscend to Zero came together.

The Fun, Shaped by Player Voices

It didn’t take long to hit the limits of building alone. I started by asking friends and colleagues to play, and the ones who saw the potential in this game joined the team one by one. From there, testing gradually expanded to the community, and we paid close attention to what players loved and what frustrated them.

The loudest feedback was about the thrill of growth. Players wanted more powerful gear and systems that let them push that gear to its limits. We responded by introducing equipment sets beyond the mythic tier, over 200 new items, and three brand-new enhancement systems.

Many players responded positively to the time-bending concept, and we received a lot of feedback describing the game loop as addictive. At the same time, we noticed that some players were dropping off in the early game before fully grasping what made it fun, and that was something we couldn’t ignore.

After a lot of internal discussion, we made a decision: don’t make players wait for the best parts. We redesigned the early experience from the ground up so that players could feel what makes Ascend to Zero special from the moment they start: time-bending and explosive progression.

Save the World in 30 Seconds

All of which leads us to the final game you’ll soon be able to play. It’s 2225, and humanity has been brought to extinction by a mechanical invasion. As the last survivor, you’ll travel back in time to rewrite that fate.

You have just 30 seconds — but with the power to stop time in your hands, you can turn the tide of any battle, striking down powerful enemies to keep reclaiming time yourself. Not passive survival, but an active breakthrough, that’s the core experience Ascend to Zero is built to deliver.

A New Kind of Action Roguelike

Ascend to Zero is the result of years of development and testing, and it goes beyond the roguelike formula. Stats inflate at a staggering pace, and the satisfaction of watching your numbers climb by orders of magnitude delivers an RPG-style sense of accomplishment that most roguelikes simply can’t match.

Layer on top of that the spectacular skill effects cascading across a high-quality pixel art world, fast-paced combat, and strategic gear choices that demand a decision at every turn — every run you complete makes the next one richer. Every challenge builds toward something stronger.

A Small Start, and What It Became

Ascend to Zero began with that single question: “What would it feel like to stop time in the heat of battle?” That small idea was shaped by our team and refined through the feedback of countless players, growing into something far more exciting than where it started. I believe this is the power of indie games. New ideas always start small — but that smallness can sharpen them into something more focused, more distinct, and more fun.

Ascend to Zero launches July 13, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud. It will be an Xbox Play Anywhere title and available day one with Xbox Game Pass. Add it to your wishlist now, and get ready to bend time to save the world.

Ascend to ZERO

Flyway Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

[Game Overview] Ascend to ZERO is a time-bending roguelike where you have the power to manipulate time and fight your way to the top. Play as unique avatars, wield powerful weapons and items, and experience fast-paced progression as your build evolves with every run. [Story] In the year 22XX, humanity built a vast underground Time Lab to master time travel. However, when the portal to the future finally opened, it wasn't hope that greeted them—only despair. A legion of unidentified mechanical monsters poured through the portal, laying waste to civilization. To prevent the impending apocalypse, humanity created the “Chrono Child”—the only being capable of traveling back through time. The mechanical legion raided the lab on the day of her awakening—as if they had foreseen her birth. In a desperate attempt, the lab's director cast the “Chrono Child” into a rift in time to save her from the invading machines. Now stranded in a ruined future with her memories fragmented, she stands as the last survivor. With the help of a mysterious aide, she must embark on a journey back through time to defeat the monsters and restore a shattered world.

To celebrate Xbox’s 25th anniversary, Xbox and Fanta are teaming up for a collaboration that not only features the games you love but also rewards you with brand new in-game content for those same titles. Starting in April, fans will be able to purchase a special-edition collection of Fanta cans and bottles, featuring packaging inspired by some of gaming’s most legendary franchises.

Each can or bottle in the collection is taken over by fan-favorite characters from Halo, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Forza Horizon 6, and Diablo IV, turning them into a vibrant collectible for fans of both gaming and Fanta.

But the collaboration doesn’t stop there. Alongside the collection, Fanta is introducing a brand-new special edition flavor, Fanta Crimson.

Turn Every Fanta into an Xbox Adventure

Starting in April, fans can scan the QR codes on the special-edition Fanta packaging to unlock Xbox-themed interactive challenges.

Players will have the chance to jump into three never-before-played Fanta Rewards Chest challenges: Extract the Cargo, Survive the Sweep, and Shatter the Spell. By completing these challenges, fans can enter to win prizes – like a ROG Xbox Ally, Xbox Series S – 1TB, Xbox Wireless Controller and one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (new subscribers only). Players can also redeem Xbox in-game rewards, including items like:

• Halo: Campaign Evolved – The Master Chief’s Fantastic Spartan Armor [Redeemable beginning at launch]
• World of Warcraft – Fantastical Goblin Waveshredder Mount and more WoW rewards
• Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Tactical Orange Calling Card and 1-Hour 2XP Level Token 
• Diablo IV – Citron Whirl Town Portal
• Forza Horizon 6 – 1966 Toyota Sports 800 Fanta Edition [Redeemable beginning at launch]

Xbox and Fanta Bring an Immersive Diablo IV Fan Experience to Los Angeles

From May 22–25, Xbox and Fanta are transforming the AMC at The Grove in Los Angeles into an interactive experience, inspired by the world of Sanctuary. Upon entering, players will find themselves face-to-face with Mephisto, who has cast a spell over the Fanta Rewards Chest, locking away the prizes.

Fans will have the chance to win prizes, including:

• A BlizzCon experience in Anaheim, California
• A prize package featuring an Xbox Series S console, Xbox Wireless Controllers, and more
• A ROG Xbox Ally
• Downloadable game codes

A Celebration of Gaming and Flavor

With legendary characters taking over Fanta packaging and interactive challenges waiting behind every QR code, the collaboration asks fans how far they will go for the delicious taste of Fanta.

Whether you’re racing through Tokyo City in Forza Horizon 6, dungeon crawling in Diablo IV, exploring Azeroth in World of Warcraft, dropping into the action in Call of Duty, or suiting up with the Master Chief in Halo, the special-edition collection celebrates the passion players share for gaming.

The collection will be available at retailers worldwide and online while supplies last, so grab a can, scan the code, and get ready to play. Wanta Fanta? Come and get it.

Editor’s Note: Updated the rewards image above.

It’s time for another look at the future of gaming – Xbox Games Showcase 2026 will air on Sunday, June 7, starting at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK time. It will be followed immediately by a deep-dive into the return of one of Xbox’s most legendary franchises in the form of Gears of War: E-Day Direct.

We’ll begin the day with our annual Xbox Games Showcase, including first gameplay looks and huge news on upcoming titles from our first-party studios across the Xbox family, as well as our third-party partners around the globe – from the biggest franchises to soon-to-be indie darlings.

Immediately following Showcase, we’ll go even deeper on one of the games coming later this year, directly from the team behind the Gears franchise, The Coalition Studio. Gears of War: E-Day Direct will take players into the start of Emergence Day, offering new details, gameplay and insights about the hugely anticipated origin story to the Gears of War saga.

To help celebrate the Xbox 25th anniversary, we’re excited to bring back Xbox FanFest at Showcase. This year’s experience will include a look back at the last 25 years, alongside a forward view of what’s next. Enter for your chance to win free tickets to attend here: https://www.xbox.com/fanfest (No purchase necessary. Open to legal U.S. residents 18+. Ends 4/12/26. Official Rules).

You’ll be able to enjoy our June 7 double feature through a variety of outlets, in over 40 languages, as well as American Sign Language, British Sign Language and English Audio Descriptions. These include (but won’t be limited to):

• YouTube.com/Xbox
• Twitch.tv/Xbox
• Twitch.tv/XboxASL
• Facebook.com/Xbox

Airtime for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by Gears of War: E-Day Direct in local time zones:

• PDT: June 7, 10am
• EDT: June 7, 1pm
• BST: June 7, 6pm
• CEST: June 7, 7pm
• JST: June 8, 2am
• AEST: June 8, 3am

The double feature also kicks off a week’s worth of coverage here on Xbox Wire, the Official Xbox Podcast, and the Xbox YouTube channel, featuring updates, extra details, and deep-dives on many of the games you’ll see in the show.

Join us on June 7 for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by Gears of War: E-Day Direct. Be sure to check back here on Xbox Wire for more information and tune-in details ahead of the show.

What makes a clown terrifying isn’t the makeup or the maniacal laugh. It’s the shattered trust between child and protector. I’m really happy that ID@Xbox has welcomed Birthday Boy because I’m excited at the idea of mixing the experience of horror that taps into this primal fear while speaking to both seasoned horror veterans and a generation raised on recent years “viral” scares and cinematic interactive nightmares of this sub-genre called “monster horror”.

The Universal Language of Fear

While studying at the university, I’ve also did my best to take classes from the psychology department, and old-school psychiatrists like Freud, and one of his students, Wilhelm Reich, specifically influenced my thinking about human psyche.

It always felt natural for me to develop games with “psychological” themes.

Birthday Boy‘s central revelation that the protagonist’s childhood tormentor was his own father in clown disguise strikes at fears that transcend generations. This isn’t about supernatural entities or elaborate horror mythologies. It’s about the devastating moment when a child realizes their protector has become their predator. That universal dread forms the emotional backbone of an experience designed to resonate across different horror preferences.

Something Sinister for Everyone

Rather than chasing every horror trend, I did my best to weave together elements that speak to distinct audiences while maintaining narrative coherence and designing the core mechanics of Birthday Boy. Classic horror enthusiasts will recognize the psychological depth reminiscent of films like “The Shining”, which also happens to be “almost”  my all time favorite “psychological horror movie”. The slow burn revelation of family dysfunction masked by seemingly innocent settings, that, I believe is a universal remark in horror settings of all sorts. The evil circus atmosphere channels decades of carnival based horror, which is also a very “safe-haven” setting for this kind of horror game.

Meanwhile, players discovering horror through modern gaming will find familiar elements that feel fresh in this context. Plush toy horror, a phenomenon that exploded across TikTok and YouTube, takes on new meaning when these corrupted comfort objects represent twisted childhood memories rather than arbitrary scares.

We wanted the toy destruction to feel cathartic and fun. And simple enough to keep it addictive.

When you’re using physics to tear apart these possessed stuffed animals, you’re literally dismantling traumatic associations.

The game’s animatronics serve as a bridge between classic mechanical horror and contemporary tech anxiety. These aren’t just jump scare mechanisms. They’re manifestations of how childhood wonder becomes corrupted when trust is broken. Players who grew up fearing mechanical figures in dark rides will feel that familiar dread, while younger audiences accustomed to viral animatronic content will encounter something more psychologically complex.

Physics Powered Catharsis

What sets Birthday Boy apart is how it transforms horror tropes into meaningful interaction. The physics-based gameplay isn’t just about spectacle. It’s about agency. You aren’t helplessly running from threats. You’re actively confronting and destroying representations of your trauma. This is what I believe can be called “therapeutic horror”, where the act of playing becomes part of processing difficult emotions.

I realized that giving players the power to fight back changes the entire psychological dynamic. Instead of feeling victimized by the horror, you’re working through it with the support of your in-game psychiatrist.

After testing it many many times, I can safely say that Birthday Boy can show that horror games can simultaneously deliver genuine scares, viral worthy moments, and meaningful commentary on real world issues like mental health.

Whether you’re drawn to psychological thrillers that explore family dynamics, action horror featuring physics-based combat, or atmospheric experiences that build dread through environmental storytelling, Birthday Boy offers entry points for different horror preferences without diluting its core vision.

As you prepare to confront your worst childhood fears today, Birthday Boy stands as proof that the most effective horror often comes not from elaborate monsters, but from the terrifying possibility that those meant to protect us might be the very source of our nightmares. Sometimes, the most powerful way to overcome that fear is to face it head on. Even if it means returning to the most twisted birthday party ever thrown.

Also, let’s admit: Tossing around animatronics, balloons and plush toys is simply fun.

Birthday Boy launches on Xbox Series X/S Today.

Birthday Boy

Playstige Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆ 6

★★★★★

$5.99 $4.79

Get it now

Birthday Boy: A First-Person Psychological Horror Experience In Birthday Boy, players delve into the haunting psychological landscape of "Brian," a successful Manhattan investor who is forced to confront the traumatic memories of his past. The game explores the dark corners of his childhood, dominated by his father, Jo, a disturbed engineer with a penchant for dressing as a clown. Jo's eccentricity masked a sinister nature, leading to a tragic family history culminating in the murder of Brian's mother and Jo's own suicide. Brian’s father had a twisted obsession with performing as a clown, complete with garish makeup and a sadistic sense of humor. Birthdays, meant to be joyous occasions, became nightmares for Brian, marked by his father's cruel antics and physical abuse whenever Brian failed to laugh at his jokes. As an adult, Brian appears to have moved on, residing in a luxurious Manhattan apartment and running a successful investment firm. However, beneath the polished exterior lies a man still haunted by his past. His home, adorned with perpetual birthday decorations and unopened gifts, reveals his ongoing struggle to cope with childhood horrors. Birthday Boy offers an immersive journey through Brian's mind as he attempts to bury his trauma with material excess. Dr. Hannah, Brian’s psychiatrist, is convinced that true healing can only come from facing these memories head-on. She urges Brian to return to his dilapidated family home, the place where his nightmares began, to confront the ghosts of his past. Join Brian on this terrifying journey as he navigates the eerie remnants of his childhood, uncovering buried secrets and battling his inner demons. Birthday Boy challenges players to explore the thin line between memory and reality in this gripping psychological horror experience.

Prelude

Murmurs in the audience. The air, electric with anticipation. A spotlight pierces the dark. Behold, the biggest, most ambitious addition to GigaBash thus far! Taking the stage as the newest DLC for the kaiju fighting game, the GigaBash – Final Ascension DLC introduces two original characters, two brand new maps, new music, and a whole new Story Mode chapter as the main event.

The Curtains Rise

GigaBash returns! This newest DLC marks our third original piece of content after the Mighty Warriors DLC and the free MechaJuras DLC released last year. This time, we’re striking while the iron is molten hot. There has been a true resurgence of kaiju and tokusatsu media in recent times, and as a game made first and foremost to celebrate this genre, what better way than for GigaBash to go all out?! The GigaBash – Final Ascension DLC is our biggest and most ambitious DLC yet. We’re treading on never-before trod ground (for us) here!

Stars Alight

Let us take a moment to gaze at the newest stars to grace our stage! See them in motion, showing off their dazzling and devastating movesets that are sure to impress.

Gaya Gigaman

The Champion of Justice, reborn in flames of hope! Gigaman returns in a new form, empowered by his inner fire made external. Star light, star bright; he’s ready for any fight! Witness as he blitzes through space, punching faster than his enemies can even perceive.

Taking inspiration from our own mythology, Gaya Gigaman’s design calls into mind the image of those deities of the sun and sky and justice. Sharp, sleek, dare we say avian? Every bit of this new form is meant to evoke speed and power. Gaya Gigaman is also inspired by celestial objects and phenomena like nebulae, supernovae, and solar flares. After all, he is the “star” of the show!

Not fast enough? How about so fast, even his afterimages can punch?! Blueshift!

And through the burning spirit of a true hero, Gaya Gigaman can empower his moves with his Flare ability.

Zargorah

Behold the Emperor of Titans, the Devourer of Stars: Zargorah! He is chaos given form, ascending to his throne to rend the world asunder. His reign is unimpeachable – the skies and earth belong to him in their entirety.

A draconic chimera, Zargorah combines design elements from two of our characters, Rawa and Balzarr. This unity of form and purpose focuses the destructive power of the Extinction Dragon through the lens of the Hunter, sharpening it, the better to cleave the world in twain. Since our focus in this DLC is Gaya Gigaman, it was only natural that his enemy Rawa should also get an upgraded form.

Gouts of flame, a lance of pure annihilation. Let none escape the wrath of Zargorah!

And lo, the world shall tremble. Erupt jets of armageddon from the very crust of the Earth itself.

New Story

One of the most common requests and suggestions that we at Passion Republic Games get in regards to GigaBash is to add more chapters to the game’s Story Mode. For a long time, whenever we get a suggestion along those lines, we’ve always internally defaulted to “it would be nice,” and carried on. As it turns out, we were right: it is nice to do a proper story expansion this time around, and we’re incredibly excited for the fans to experience what we’ve been cooking up in the Final Ascension DLC.

The GigaBash roster is full of characters who are loving homages to kaiju and tokusatsu as a whole, but each one is also rich with personality and backstory that distinguishes them in their own right. When it came time to decide on which one to focus on for this DLC, we knew we wanted to tackle some big unanswered questions about the world of GigaBash.

Following that line of reasoning, the character Gigaman comes to mind. Here is someone who seemingly came out of nowhere, doesn’t quite fit into the existing Titan mold, and then mysteriously vanished for a long time before coming back. Who is he? Why is he? Gigaman was the natural choice, which is nice for many of our fans who have been asking to see his backstory. But that’s not to say the others won’t get a chance to shine! The new Story Mode chapter is meant to be a celebration of the entire GigaBash original roster, so keep an eye out for all of our Titans.

New Maps

To help deliver the story, we’ve made two brand new maps in locales both familiar and yet foreign.

Yefan City

An eclectic mix of modernity and tradition, Yefan City is our first map that takes place in China, based on the real-world city of Tianjin. A river bisects the map, each half bearing its own distinct architectural style. This map features a ton of verticality and interesting mechanics that make for one grand battle arena.

Fractured Earth

What manner of event could possibly have happened to this place? What cataclysm wrought this decidedly alien landscape, the likes of which have only ever been seen in the Earth’s core?! Play through the new Story Mode chapter and find out!

New Music

To score the new maps and to accentuate the new Story Mode chapter, we have some real head-boppers freshly composed by local talents. We’re taking the soundscape of GigaBash to its boundaries and beyond with this one.

GigaBash has always had this spirited, joyful sound to it, and it’s reflected in its soundtrack. This time though, the stakes have never been higher. Things are going into a darker, more grandiose direction, with new tracks to match. Keep an ear out!

Curtain Call

We are eager to release the GigaBash – Final Ascension DLC and let our fans sink their teeth into what we have in store for them. The players will no doubt be scouring for every last detail in the new Story Mode chapter and the accompanying lore pages, and there will be a lot for them to scour indeed. New characters to learn, new maps to explore, new tracks to S-Class to. Despite what the name might say, this isn’t the end for GigaBash! The year’s only just begun!

All the world’s a stage for the 28 playable characters in the GigaBash roster, and everyone’s ready to tear up some scenery. Come, take your measure! Are you Gaya Gigaman, the hero of everyone’s hopes and dreams, your fire burning bright even after a decade dimmed? Or are you the primordial rage of Zargorah, cosmic chaos unleashed, taking what is yours? What fate will you carve into the foundation of the world?

GigaBash

Passion Republic Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 362

★★★★★

$24.49

Get it now

GigaBash combines the chaos and creativity of titles like Power Stone, Super Smash Bros Ultimate and War of Monsters with the jaw-dropping scale of the classic kaiju movies. Play as either a rampaging Titan or a Titan-hunting mecha; summon lightning from the heavens, use a radio tower as a baton, or roll a whole district (and your enemies) into a single massive snowball. Wreak enough havoc and you'll evolve into your final form, the terrifyingly titanic S-Class.

The THQ Nordic & Nine Rocks teams are excited to announce that we’re bringing gaming’s most authentic hunting simulator – Way of the Hunter 2 – to Xbox Series X|S.

Over the past several years our teams have worked closely together with our active and dedicated community of simulation hunters to create the ultimate hunting game. We’ve asked questions through polls and surveys, we’ve introduced new weapons, gear, and equipment, and we’ve worked with a variety of brand partners to bring our players a world-class hunting experience.

So, what’s new in Way of the Hunter 2? The team at Nine Rocks made a conscious decision to move the game to Unreal Engine 5. It wasn’t easy – it was a huge strategic step, but we believe building the game in UE5 will allow it to be serviced at the highest possible quality for years to come. Using this engine allows the team to implement previously impossible improvements and ideas that the community’s been craving. Things like deeper systemic features, visual fidelity, world simulation improvements, and expanded gameplay possibilities are made possible with our new technical foundation.

Beyond engine improvements, we’re also bringing the most requested feature – an American foxhound hunting dog – to the table. Your new hunting companion is trained for blood tracking, even in dense terrain. Your pup knows basic commands, like sit, heel, and track, and the more time you spend bonding with it, the more obedient and better trained it becomes. We feel that the addition of a hunting dog will allow the player to track blood trails authentically and realistically, while mitigating tedious searches when the trail goes cold.

Additionally, we’ve added new hunting gear, to make your hunts even more efficient and effective. We’ve included backpacks to help expand your inventory on longer trips, calls, blinds, and decoys for duck hunting. We’ve also added a tent to facilitate fast travel, wait out harsh weather, or simply to set up camp for the night.

Let’s also take a moment to talk about your new hunting ground in New Laurentia, Canada. You’re joining a family-owned hunting reserve, Hearth and Hunt, where you’ll help restore the reserve to its former glory and turn it into the ultimate hunting getaway. In the initial phase of the game, you’ll meet four NPCs who will guide you and give you structured missions that will take you all over the map and push you to your limits. If you’d rather set out on your own to roam the vast Canadian forests and river valleys, you can also pass your time free hunting. You’ll have over 30 species to explore, including moose, elk, bears, bison, rabbits, and turkeys. You’ll also be equipped with every hunter’s dream lodge, where its vast halls are just waiting to be filled with trophies from your expeditions. Your lodge is perched in a beautiful river valley and comes equipped with a sturdy truck for traversing the vast areas of the map.

All of this and more is coming soon to Xbox Series X|S in Way of the Hunter 2. Wishlist Now!

Way of the Hunter 2

THQ Nordic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Explore the vast outdoors of North America in this next level open world hunting game. Feel the thrill of the hunt and keep an eye out for the wild and wonderous species that are roaming the Canadian wilderness. Hunt and display big game like Moose, Elk, Bears or Bison as well as, smaller animals like Rabbits, Turkeys and various other birds. As the ultimate hunting simulator, Way of the Hunter 2's goal is to become the most authentic and advanced virtual hunting experience. Building upon our previous experience, invaluable player feedback, and countless iterations this game will start as the foundation for many updates, expansions and a true long-term support. With over 10 different real-world brand partners, from hunting rifle manufacturers to high-tech equipment and precision optics, our commitment to realistically simulating your favorite hunting gear guarantees ultimate in-game immersion. As the new hunter in town, you are recruited to take on a series of unique challenges that span two breathtaking environments and introduce you to a cast of memorable NPCs. In New Laurentia, you’ll team up with a skilled dog trainer and assist the former warden as you uncover the mystery behind the unusual behavior of the local moose population. Features: Hunting Dog: Bring your loyal hunting companion to support you while you hunt and track game.. It can search for animal signs, locate blood trails, and track down wounded animals. Your dog will learn and improve with constant exercise and training. Shot review: Our improved bullet camera lets you break down every shot with precision. Analyze trajectory, speed, angle, placement, and more — learn how to make the perfect shot, every time. Hunting Lodge: Welcome to the Hunting Lodge — your ultimate hub for adventure. Plan your next hunt, showcase hard-earned trophies, and unlock powerful upgrades to build the hunting paradise of your dreams. Each map features its own Lodge, unique to that territory. High Tech Equipment: High end gear will amplify your instincts — delivering the most immersive and realistic hunting experience with improved night vision and next level hunting reserve monitoring for managing your habitats.

The enhanced Dying Light: The Beast Restored Land brings new ways to play Dying Light: The Beast. From the game-changing Restored Land experience, through the One Life option to the mayhem of Roadkill Rallies, we introduced a range of features that allow players to rediscover the game by their own rules and their own pace. One of the most interesting ones are the 36 new quest encounters that appear throughout the game’s narrative.

These are memorable events placed along quest paths, designed to add depth to the narrative and the world. Each of them is a small, self-contained story that players can understand by observing the environment, the scene that unfolds in front of them and also by discovering additional notes on the spot.

We wanted to make the journey between main quest moments more engaging by introducing distinctive, individual situations. Each one answers a simple question: what just happened here? Players can piece it together through what they see and what they find.

Another goal was to show more interaction between the inhabitants of the game world, so it feels alive rather than waiting for the player.

These situations can be observed from a distance or joined or interrupted by a player at any point. We made sure that multiple events can appear across different routes, and that they show up randomly. This means players can come across different situations in unexpected moments, sometimes even during more casual exploration, and the scenes that they’ll encounter might be different during the first playthrough and NewGame+ runs.

The ideas for these narrative moments came from the state of the world and its progression. We brainstormed what could naturally happen in the story and what kinds of situations would fit best, what additional stories could reflect what is happening in the world around players. For example, Baron’s people expand their control by setting up new outposts to capture Kyle Crane and monitor the Town Hall group, while survivors respond by taking matters into their own hands and disrupting those efforts.

Another example is a Chimera transport heading to laboratory research that ends in an accident, with Baron’s people trying to regain control as the creature escapes. In a different situation, a convoy carrying supplies is ambushed by another hostile group attempting to seize resources. These moments reflect ongoing tensions in the world and add context without being part of a main quest.

Designing these moments required careful placement within the story. We had to ensure they support the pacing and emotional flow of the main quests. We started small, but seeing how players react to them in internal playtests we quickly decided they needed to stand out a little bit more. We expanded their scope and scale, strengthened the environmental storytelling, and added notes for players to find. With these new quest encounters, every playthrough feels a little different and more personal – reinforcing the idea of ‘Your Survival, Your Rules’.

Dying Light: The Beast Restored Land is a new, enhanced version of the game that includes the base game, new major content, and all previously released updates and improvements in one package. It’s a free upgrade for existing players, available now.

Dying Light: The Beast Restored Land Deluxe Edition

Techland

☆☆☆☆☆ 1936

★★★★★

$69.99 $52.49

Get it now

Take your Dying Light: The Beast experience to another level with the Deluxe Edition. You'll receive the Official Soundtrack, wallpapers, and the Castor Woods Prepper Bundle, as well as a detailed tourist map that highlights locations worth exploring.

A special agent active in South Town, Blue Mary has just closed another case and is finally ready for a well-earned break—until news of Geese’s legacy and the Sacred Scrolls forces a sudden change of plans. Answering the call of duty, she revs up her motorbike and dives back into action, her inescapable Command Sambo at the ready. Foes beware—once you’re caught in her grasp, all you can do is pray you make it out in one piece.

First introduced in 1995’s Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory, the ever-iconic Blue Mary stands out for her powerful combination of physical strength and Commando Sambo mastery. Dominate your opponents with a wide range of grappling techniques—from precise, technical throws to devastating submission holds—in high-intensity, adrenaline-fueled battles that only City of the Wolves can deliver.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key techniques that define Blue Mary’s strength.

Spin Fall

• Leaps forward and attacks with an aerial axe kick.
• Useful as an approach tool from mid-range, and can evade low-profile attacks while jumping in.
• Strong / REV versions: Can follow up with M. Spider on hit for additional damage.

Straight Slicer

• Slides forward quickly toward the opponent to attack.
• Effective for surprise attacks from mid-range and can slip under attacks thanks to its low profile.
• A versatile approach option—use it wisely to close distance.

Vertical Arrow

• Jumps upward while delivering a rising diagonal kick.
• Functions as an anti-air to intercept opponents trying to jump in. Use it to control space and maintain your preferred range.
• REV version: Causes a ground bounce, allowing further damage with REV Accel follow-ups.

Real Counter

• Evades an incoming attack in place.
• Can be followed up with Backdrop Real, allowing you to dodge and immediately grab the opponent for a counterattack.
• Great for reading wake-up attacks and punishing accordingly—experiment to find strong setups.

Quick Step

• A fast step used to quickly close in or create distance.
• Can cancel into various special moves, enabling combo extensions and sustained pressure.
• Only one follow-up is allowed per step.
• Use it to stay unpredictable—bait close-range attempts, reposition, then retaliate.
• From forward-moving Quick Step: A, you can use the command grab M. Arrest to catch opponents off guard.

Legends Unleashed!

The Legend Edition includes the base game along with Season Pass 1 and Season Pass 2, granting access to all existing fighters as well as every new Season 2 character as they are released. It’s the perfect package for both newcomers and longtime fans to fully experience the world of Fatal Fury.

Two mystery characters are still waiting to be revealed—so you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

Stay tuned for more updates and surprises!

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves – Legend Edition

SNK CORPORATION

☆☆☆☆☆ 111

★★★★★

$49.99

Get it now

Season Pass 2 is also available for individual purchase. Make sure you have the correct product at checkout. * FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves is only available in this Legend Edition format. * There are no plans at this time to sell the base game and Season Pass 1 individually. Contents Base game Season Pass 1 – Andy Bogard – Ken, additional stage – Joe Higashi – Chun-Li – Mr. Big, additional stage Season Pass 2 – DLC Character 1 "Kim Jae Hoon", additional stage (Available Now) – DLC Character 2 "Nightmare Geese" (Available Now) – DLC Character 3 "Blue Mary", additional stage (Available Now) – DLC Character 4 "Wolfgang Krauser" (April 2026) – DLC Character 5 "???" (May 2026) – DLC Character 6 "???" (June 2026) – Additional stages * Release date estimates are current at the time of publication.

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance

Crystal Dynamics

☆☆☆☆☆ 2

★★★★★

$19.99

Get it now

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance – March 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a fast, 2D action platformer built around vertical movement, fluid combat, and skill-driven play. Nosgoth’s dark fantasy world is brought to life through animated cut scenes and beautifully crafted pixel art gameplay. Each level filled with environmental challenges and puzzles that flow seamlessly into combat. Fly, fight, and unravel the past in a world of collapsing kingdoms, haunted ruins, and shattered timelines.

Super Meat Boy 3D

Headup

☆☆☆☆☆ 17

★★★★★

$24.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Super Meat Boy 3D – March 31
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Super Meat Boy 3D is a tough as nails platformer where you play as an animated cube of meat who’s trying to save his girlfriend (who happens to be made of bandages) from an evil fetus in a jar wearing a tux – IN 3D! Our meaty hero will leap from walls, over seas of buzz saws, through crumbling caves and pools of old trash sacrificing his own well-being to save his damsel in distress

Darwin's Paradox!

KONAMI

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$24.99

Pre-order

Darwin’s Paradox – April 2

Embark on a grand adventure worthy of a true animated movie with Darwin, an octopus as charming as he is clever, ripped from the ocean and trapped in a massive and mysterious industrial complex. With his extraordinary intelligence and incredible abilities – swimming, camouflage, and many other fascinating skills – help him overcome the most formidable traps and dangers in this captivating platformer, adventure, and puzzle game. Pre-order Darwin’s Paradox! today and unlock two exclusive skins—Psyched and Dotted—available only as a pre-order bonus. Suit up in style as Darwin sets off to save the world!

GRIME II

Kwalee

☆☆☆☆☆ 1

★★★★★

$27.99 $23.79

Get it now

Grime II – March 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Become a stealer of forms in Grime II, the sequel to 2021’s acclaimed action-adventure metroidvania. You are a Formless – an art mimic, absorbing creatures and summoning molds in their shape. Venture into a new and mysterious land in the Grime universe, where danger and wonder await around every corner. Use your surroundings in tandem with your summoned molds to overcome deadly enemies and epic bosses, all the while exploring a deep world full of diverse cultures and characters.

JokerJack

Stardom Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 2

★★★★★

$9.99

Get it now

JokerJack – March 31

JokerJack is a hypnotically additive deckbuilder that takes the classic game of 21 and cranks it to the breaking point. Forget everything you know about playing it safe; here, “busting” is just a missed opportunity for a massive multiplier. Combine the fundamentals of Blackjack with a growing collection of over 60 unique Joker cards to create game-breaking synergies. Whether you’re adding flat chips for every Face card played or triggering an exponential Multiplier for hitting exactly 21, your goal is simple: reach the target score, survive the Blind, and keep the run alive.

NubiaPhobia

Sometimes You – FZCO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99 $7.99

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

NubiaPhobia – March 31

Solve the wacky point & click puzzles filled with horror and humor. Break the witch’s curse on your home as you explore five distinct regions, each hiding a sacred key to unlock the village chest.

Zoo Orbs (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Zoo Orbs – April 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Zoo Orbs, adorable animals gently fall into containers full of personality, waiting for the perfect fusion. Combine two identical little creatures to create bigger and even more charming versions, advancing step by step until you reach the impressive Whale. With relaxing physics-based gameplay, each level invites you to slow down, plan every drop, and discover delightful combinations. Containers change shape, challenges become more engaging, and every decision influences the final outcome.

Clean Up Earth

Magic Pockets SAS

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Clean Up Earth – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

A relaxing co-op restoration game where you vacuum waste, rebuild ecosystems, and watch nature return in real time. Play solo, with friends, or in online multiplayer sessions with up to 25 players. Community gameplay can help support real environmental initiatives with no extra spending required.

Go! Go! Mister Chickums

Headup Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Go! Go! Mister Chickums – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Oh no! That sneaky Grabbo has stolen all of Mister Chickums’ precious eggs! This misdeed cannot remain unpunished: Get out there and help the poor chick to regain his rightful property and give the culprit a well-deserved spanking! And if you ever get stuck, invite your best friend to play the role of Fritz, Mister Chickums’ BFF, to assist you in the hunt for the lost eggs!

Morkull Ascend to the Gods

Pdpartid@games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99 $13.49

Pre-order

Morkull Ascend to the Gods – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Morkull Ascend to the Gods is a 2D action video game focused on boss battles, once again taking control of the charismatic God of Death: Morkull. Set in the original world of Morkull Ragast’s Rage, locked up and aware that he is in a new video game, you must help him escape so that he can carry out his evil plans for the world and rule by subjecting everyone to his will (yes, including you). You will feel the power and bear the weight of being the God of Death and Darkness. A select series of battles against other henchmen, minions, and Gods that make up the Olympus of the Kingdom of Midaldus await you.

PULMO (Xbox Series X|S)

Sometimes You – FZCO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99 $7.99

Pre-order

Pulmo – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Pulmo is the ideological continuation of Alveole and the second part in a trilogy about the human journey. Our project explores human behavior in a society where everyone will find their own meanings. Your goal is to change the environment around you to influence people’s behavior by solving spatial puzzles. The crowd in the game acts according to its own rules, sometimes helping, sometimes interfering, but always reacting to your actions.

Sunset Motel

RockGame S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sunset Motel – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Step into the enchanting world of the Sunset Motel! A place where weary travelers find rest, joy, and unforgettable memories. In this unique simulation, you’ll breathe new life into neglected rooms and make sure every guest leaves with a smile.

Grab 50 Coins

Misc.261

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Grab 50 Coins – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Your goal is to Grab 50 Coins and reach the exit before the spikes crush you! The door will not reveal itself until you Grab 50 Coins! Time your movements correctly as you’ll face spikes, platforms, and holes in the level! Don’t worry if you miss a few – there are always more than 50 in each level!

Inkling Cats : Beneath the dreams

Brainium Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Inkling Cats: Beneath the Dreams – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Dive into Inkling Cats, an explosive and colorful roguelike RPG adventure where every game is unique. Play solo or with friends in local co-op mode with up to three players. You’ll venture through the pages of an enchanted book, battling a myriad of unique monsters and formidable bosses. Discover mysterious items, upgrades, and magical cards, combining them to unlock infinite synergies and unique powers every time you play. The precious ink drops you collect are key to your survival: use them wisely to trade, acquire extraordinary items, and upgrade your equipment. Every strategic decision could change the course of your adventure!

Manafinder

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Manafinder – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Manafinder is a RPG with rich exploration, nostalgic turn-based combat, and original pixel art. In a vast and untapped world, powerful wild beasts roam the dangerous lands. A community of survivors known as the exiles depends on heroes like Lambda to obtain the power of manastones to keep their civilization safe. Fight your way against ferocious beasts and other enemies in the quest for manastones as you define the fate of the exiled!

Mini Trains

QubicGames S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mini Trains – April 3
Xbox Play Anywhere

Mini Trains transports you to a cozy playroom with the best tabletop railway set ever, packed with 40 different layouts. You will be challenged to build tracks in situations that become increasingly puzzling. Use your logic, imagination, and engineering skills to safely lead the trains to their final destination. And of course, you get to sit in the driver’s cab and blow the whistle!

Owlen and the Whispering Woods

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Owlen and the Whispering Woods – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Begin a heartfelt journey through enchanted forests where magic lingers in every branch and shadow. As a small owl guided by gentle spirits, you soar above glowing marshes, whispering trees, and ancient groves. Your purpose is to restore balance by flying through magical circles that awaken plants, revive wildlife, and breathe life back into forgotten woodlands.

To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Get ready to return to the farm in a relaxing puzzle that will win your heart. In To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields, adorable animals in unique shapes await your strategic touch to perfectly fill each grid. Explore 30 new levels across 3 charming biomes, where every stage brings a gentle and clever challenge. With no time limits and no pressure, you can play at your own pace, testing combinations, rotating pieces and finding the perfect fit in total calm.

Editor’s Note: Removed an erroneous title.

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!

Keeper

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Keeper – October 17
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

From Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions, Keeper is a beautiful and surreal otherworldly adventure, and a story told without words. On an island in a long-lost sea, a forgotten lighthouse stands dormant in the shadow of a distant mountain peak. As withering tendrils spread and coalesce, it awakens. Taken with a mysterious sense of purpose and joined by a spirited seabird, it embarks upon a heartening tale of unlikely companionship, an odyssey of mystifying metamorphosis, and an unexpected journey towards the center of the island, into realms beyond understanding.

NASCAR 25

iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations, LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

NASCAR 25 – October 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

With a physics model tuned by the experts, and based on real world feedback from actual NASCAR drivers and race teams, you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of race day like never before. From Quick Race, Championship, Multiplayer, or Career, the combinations of tracks, cars, and experiences will keep you coming back for more. Work your way from your backyard shop in ARCA Menards series all the way through a multi-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion in Career Mode and show the world what you’re made of. It’s the NASCAR game you’ve been waiting and asking for! Welcome to NASCAR 25! Pre-Order and receive 5,000 Career Bonus Dollars, 3 Cover Driver Paint Schemes, and 500 Career Rep Points.

BALL x PIT

Devolver Digital

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ball x Pit – October 15
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Ball x Pit is a fast-paced fantasy roguelite where heroes must find the balls to plunge deeper into a seemingly bottomless pit of monsters. Develop arcane ammunition and resources in pursuit of treasure, recruiting additional heroes to aid you in your perilous quest.

Ember Knights : Heroes of the Nexus Edition

Twin Sails Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ember Knights: Heroes of the Nexus Edition – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In this fast-paced action rogue-lite, play as Ember Knights, the last spark of hope of a universe in turmoil. Praxis, the mad sorcerer, has syphoned the life out of the Ember Tree and fled through the Prime Worlds spreading corruption in his path. In solo or co-op (up to 4 players), use powerful weapons and skills to hack and slash deadly hordes, defeat epic bosses, free the decaying Prime Worlds and restore energy to the Ember Tree!

Decision: Red Daze

Nordcurrent Labs

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Decision: Red Daze – October 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The Dust Bowl, once a “thriving” society of corrupt politicians, rich property barons and everyday people who work for them “100% willingly,” has been overtaken by a mysterious phenomenon only known by survivors as the Red Daze. As the illness takes hold of the survivors and turns them into crazed and EXTREMELY dangerous mutated creatures, the world’s governments are running around like headless chickens. It falls to the few who remain to fend off the monsters in hopes of finding a way to eradicate the Red Daze once and for all.

Paint Path (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Paint Path – October 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Paint Path, every step is a brushstroke. This pixel-art puzzle puts you in control of a walking canvas that must cross hexagonal maps to reach the right painters. The atmosphere is charming and relaxing, with sound design tied to each painting action, creating a cozy and artistic experience.

Captain Tideborne and the Siren's Call

Synnergy Circle Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Captain Tideborne and the Siren’s Call – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

In this retro-inspired 2D platformer with pixel art charm, you’ll join Melissa Tideborne—a bold pirate chasing a childhood memory and the mystery of mermaids. Explore a sunken dungeon filled with deadly traps, lurking creatures and hidden treasures. Your stamina is always draining—every step, swim and second counts. Will Melissa find the mermaid at the end of the dungeon, or will the siren’s call become her last lullaby?

DETECTIVE – The Test

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.69 $7.75

Pre-order

Detective – The Test – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Do you have what it takes to be a great detective? In Detective – The Test, you will face three intriguing cases where only your observation skills and logical thinking will lead you to the truth. Explore crime scenes, analyze the connections between the people involved, and answer key questions: Who is the victim? Who is the culprit? When did the crime take place? There are no easy clues or shortcuts, only you and your deduction skills. Take notes, connect the dots, and uncover the truth in three distinct locations.

Kotenok

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kotenok – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Pounce with precision as a pixel art kitty in retro platforming style! Play as a lost kitten in a dangerous forest! Master tight platforming controls, sprint, pounce, and double-jump through 50 tricky stages filled with spikes, enemies, and clever puzzles. Explore vibrant pixel-art worlds, bounce on mushrooms, outsmart foes, and hunt for hidden collectibles. Can you guide this frisky feline home? A charming love letter to classic platformers!

One Military Camp

Abylight Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

One Military Camp – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

An evil maniac has conquered all territories in the region, except one. The world’s last hope resides in an old military camp located in this peaceful land. Bring it back to its former glory, to recruit and train a brave group of fighters to push back the evil forces. Face the challenge of building a military camp, keeping an eye on the resources and logistics. Place the buildings efficiently, hire the staff that will keep everything running and set up the training courses. Build defenses, because the enemy will send spies and drones to try to sabotage your camp.

Rabbiman Adventures

Israchem LTD

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Rabbiman Adventures – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Ready for a true adventure? Imagine you’re traveling through time and space, where there’s always something new and amazing waiting for you. There are colorful locations, hidden routes, devious villains, magical items, and exciting puzzles to solve at each level. Your wits and ingenuity will be your best allies in unravelling the mysteries of this magical world and reaching the end.

STARBITES

IKINAGAMES

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Starbites – October 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Starbites is a story-driven RPG where you meet various companions and strengthen your partner mecha while adventuring on the devastated planet Bitter in the aftermath of the space war. You will become the debris collector Lukida in Delight City, collecting spaceship parts and relics, and embark on an adventure with the laid-back and kind drinker Gwen-Dol and the calm engineer Badger, who supports the Lukida and Gwen-Dol duo. Will Lukida reach the truth at the end of the universe?

Blood West

New Blood Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Blood West – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Weird West legends meet eldritch horror in Blood West, an immersive stealth FPS. Become the Undead Gunslinger, doomed to roam the barren lands until he manages to purge their curse, freeing his soul. 3 varied scenarios, perk-based character progression, and 20+ hours of gameplay await you!

Bumblebee – Spooky Nights

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$11.99

Pre-order

Bumblebee – Spooky Nights – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X

On your quest to find a beautiful new home you will discover distant places, friendly animals, and amazing and dangerous habitats. You are a tiny bee in a giant environment and move continuously forward. You are free to fly wherever you want and explore the level to your heart’s desire. After you have played around a little and enjoyed the sensation of flying, you start to discover the nearby areas and hidden secrets.

The Cabin Factory

Feardemic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Cabin Factory – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Welcome to The Cabin Factory! You’re now a newly hired Cabin Inspector – congratulations! Your job is simple: inspect the cabins and determine whether or not they are haunted. Step into the anomaly-hunting experience, inspired by liminal spaces and psychological horror walking simulators,

Cookie’s Trails (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Cookie’s Trails – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Cookie’s Trails is a cozy tactical puzzle set in a post-apocalyptic world with a sweet twist. The player guides a friendly hamster survivor through zombie-filled trails, collecting baseball bats and medical kits to safely reach the camp. Combining strategy, charm, and a unique atmosphere, Cookie’s Trails is the perfect choice for fans of challenging and personality-filled puzzles.

Deathless. The Hero Quest

Fulqrum Publishing Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Deathless: The Hero Quest – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Deathless, elements of a collectible card game, roguelike, and turn-based strategy combine seamlessly. Build a unique deck of cards, discover unusual relics, and defeat legendary bosses. Embark on the journey of each of the four heroes, unravel a web of intrigue, and protect the beautiful world of Belosvet.

The Elf on the Shelf®: Christmas Heroes

Outright Games Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$39.99

Pre-order

The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Do you believe in Christmas magic? You’ll need every bit to help Santa save Christmas! Dash, swing, and leap through training to become an “official Scout Elf!” Pick your most festive outfit and spread cheer as you explore every room, dodge obstacles, and add sparkle to each corner of the home. This season, pledge to make things merry and bright. Are you ready to be a Christmas Hero?

Infinos

PIXELHEART

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Pre-order

Infinos – October 16

Infinos is a pixel art side-scrolling shoot ’em up that pays tribute to the golden age of arcade shooters while offering fast-paced, modern gameplay. Take control of the Fauria, a powerful one-of-a-kind fighter ship, and face an overwhelming alien invasion threatening to destroy your entire civilization.

Infinos 2

PIXELHEART

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99 $3.99

Pre-order

Infinos 2 – October 16

Infinos 2 is a 2D horizontal shoot ’em up crafted as a loving tribute to the golden age of Japanese arcade classics. Pixel-perfect art, relentless action and tight, accessible mechanics combine to deliver an experience that’s instantly engaging yet rewards mastery. Each level unfolds a unique setting, fresh enemies and bosses with intricate attack patterns.

KAKU – Ancient Seal

Microids

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

Pre-order

Kaku – Ancient Seal – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Play as Kaku, a lonely young boy living in the snowy mountains, suddenly thrust into a legendary adventure by a forgotten prophecy. Guided by this ancient prophecy and accompanied by Piggy, your loyal and surprisingly helpful flying pig, Kaku is the only one who can restore balance to the world. Explore forgotten continents, brave the challenges of the Ruins, face titanic foes, and uncover the mysteries of the Creator Saga in a journey as epic as it is personal.

Sokobear Winter

Bad Minions, Little Giant

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sokobear Winter – October 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Adjust the temperature and relax in the spa! Sokobear Winter is a relaxing puzzle game with 40 cozy levels to warm up your day! Push the logs into the correct spots to raise the spa’s temperature to perfection. But beware: blocks of ice block your path and must be broken before you can move forward. Challenge yourself to complete each stage with the fewest moves and in the shortest time possible.

Adrenaline Rampage

Games Harbor

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

Adrenaline Rampage – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Adrenaline Rampage is a platformer roguelite set in a dark, sci-fi world where you play as a soldier with up to 5 weapons to fight techno-zombies. Choose characters and skills to rush through the space city, kill ugly bosses and survive.

AQUADREAM

YUME GAME STUDIO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

AquaDream – October 17

AquaDream is a cozy underwater adventure that blends puzzle-solving with exploration. Players control a small anglerfish, navigating the depths of a mysterious ocean. Each world introduces new mechanics, gradually increasing the challenge while maintaining an immersive, dreamlike atmosphere. With its beautiful pixel art, intuitive gameplay, and a rewarding sense of discovery, AquaDream offers an experience that is both relaxing and engaging—perfect for players who enjoy exploring and taking on cleverly designed levels.

Ball Blast

QubicGames S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ball Blast – October 17
Xbox Play Anywhere

A wild rain of bouncing rocks crashes down – move fast, blast faster! Every rock has a number – hit it that many times and boom! It splits into two rocks with half the number and double the speed, turning the field into fast-moving chaos! Play solo or with a friend for double firepower. Beat hundreds of levels, survive endless waves, and climb the world leaderboard!

Bit ESC

Essssam

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bit Esc – October 17

Break free from the system as Bit in this action/adventure platformer where you and set out to escape from the tyrannic OS. Gaining your freedom, though, might not be as clear-cut as it seems…

Blaster Force 3000

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Blaster Force 3000 – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Dive into retro FPS action where every level brings a new challenge! Battle relentless aliens in dark cellars, ancient castle halls, and the vastness of space. You’ll need to adapt to the environment and enemies on the fly. Explore hidden areas, rack up as many points as possible, and put your reflexes and aiming skills to the test!

Frobbutt 3D

Sweet Bread Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Frobbutt 3D – October 17

Frobbut 3D is a 3D platformer about a goofy frog finally departing from his home to explore the land! Run, jump, flip and bounce across 5 big open levels searching every nook and cranny for valuable gems! Be creative with your movement abilities to reach the highest mountains and traverse the most dangerous paths to collect every treasure you can find.

Kamikaze Lassplanes

Crunching Koalas

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kamikaze Lassplanes – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Kamikaze Lassplanes is a brand new mix of Visual Novel and SHMUP with crucial story-branching decisions that lead to different gameplay and story outcomes, both for war, romance, and the protagonists’ fate. Meet and fall for Alba Trossé and Hannah Brandenburg, charismatic Lassplanes who transform into deadly war planes you pilot. Face the Imperial fleet together in challenging arcade shoot-’em-up encounters and discover the secret behind their mysterious origin.

Lumo 2

Numskull Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Lumo 2 – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The isometric icon is back in the sequel to 2016’s arcade-adventure hit, Lumo. Experience a brand-new adventure of shifting dimensions and new perspectives, with gameplay that never stops evolving. Rewind the cassette and fall head over heels into a love letter to the trailblazing days of early ‘80s & ‘90s British videogames. Hunt for collectibles, and vault through portals – some even flip the script, morphing into wild genre twists that’ll keep you on your toes.

Ping Pong Up

Super Power Up Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$6.99 $5.59

Pre-order

Ping Pong Up – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Feel the tension of the big match breaking through the screen. In Ping Pong Up, your reflexes and precision will be the key to success. Play face to face with up to 4 friends or against the AI.

Racing Champions

Revulo Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Racing Champions – October 17

Experience the rush of motorsport in a unique blend of simulation and arcade racing, crafted with passion by true racing enthusiasts. With gameplay that’s easy to jump into, but rewards precision and mastery, this game invites you to chase that flawless lap again and again. Test your skills against a range of AI difficulties in single-player mode, or bring the competition home with local multiplayer to race head-to-head with friends.

Space Elite Force – Reloaded

Rising Moon Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Space Elite Force – Reloaded – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Gear up for an intergalactic thrill ride! Space Elite Force is a frenzied space-shooter packed with weapon customization and epic boss battles. Take command of your ship and fight for the survival of humanity!

Super Hero Demolition

Entity3 Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Super Hero Demolition – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Suit up and wreck everything in your path in Super Hero Demolition—an explosive, pixel-packed game where destruction is just the beginning. You’re a super-powered wrecking machine on a mission to smash everything down to the last pixel. Run out of energy and your run ends. You’ll start over—but with all your upgrades intact. Smash harder, last longer, and earn faster every time you play.

Tiny Arctic Hero

Desert Water Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Tiny Arctic Hero – October 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Tiny Arctic Hero is a cozy sokoban puzzle game about a clever little penguin who was taken by mysterious aliens to participate in their logic experiments. Solve puzzles, outsmart the alien tech and guide this brave Arctic Hero back home!

With decades of rich storytelling across comics and television, a dynamic roster of charismatic heroes and villains, and a universe packed with superpowered beings wielding brutal and diverse abilities, it was only a matter of time before “Invincible” made the leap to video games.

Now, several months after Invincible VS’ reveal during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 in June, Skybound’s first in-house game development studio, Quarter Up, has been steadily unveiling a lineup of playable characters for Invincible VS, the 3v3 tag fighting game, and the latest addition is sure to be a fan-favorite surprise.

Recently, during Quarter Up’s developer livestream, which featured an appearance from
“Invincible” co-creator Robert Kirkman, the team revealed that intelligence agent and Director of the Global Defence Agency, Cecil Stedman, has joined the Invincible VS roster as a playable character.

A fan-favorite from the “Invincible” TV series and comic, Cecil has been one of the most requested playable characters. Pragmatic and driven, Cecil is willing to do whatever it takes to save the world, even when that means crossing a line. Decades of espionage experience and near-limitless resources fuel Cecil’s mission, and he refuses to let anyone – enemy or ally – stand in his way.

While he’s been behind the desk for a long time, he’s more than happy to dust off those old bones and get his hands dirty back on the battlefield. Usually heard as a voice in Mark’s earpiece, Cecil enters the fight in Invincible VS with specialized weapons, including plasma pistols, projectile launchers and grenades to keep opponents at a distance.

His ranged gameplay style is paired with tactical combat, allowing him to play cat and mouse with enemies. Cecil can also summon a limitless supply of ReAnimen for backup; his access to The Hammer, a massive orbital laser, makes him a devastating force on the battlefield.

Cecil joins a growing lineup of fan-favorite superheroes in Invincible VS, including Mark Grayson (Invincible), Atom Eve, Bulletproof, Thula, Rex Splode, Battle Beast, and Omni-Man. Unlike the others, Cecil doesn’t rely on superhuman powers – instead he brings a tactical edge to the battlefield with a masterfully engineered arsenal of classic weapons, proving that timeless tech can go toe-to-toe with raw power.

Look for Invincible VS to launch in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. Players can register for an upcoming Invincible VS Closed Alpha later this year here.

Find out more by following Invincible VS on Instagram, X (formally Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and online at InvincibleVS.com. Add Invincible VS to your wish list on the Microsoft Store below.

Invincible VS

Skybound Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Invincible VS is a brutal superhero 3v3 tag fighting game set in the Invincible universe, where you can battle to the death as a team of fan-favorite characters in iconic locations. Unleash bone-breaking combos through fast combat and smart defensive tactics to leave a trail of blood and destruction. Land vicious Super moves and Ultimates to leave your opponents in a mess of blood. Invincible VS features a variety of game modes including a captivating cinematic story mode with an original narrative from a writer of the animated series. Jump into Arcade and battle with your team, hone your combos in Training mode, and test your skills against the world in competitive and casual multiplayer. Show, comic fans, and fighting game lovers will experience unparalleled heroic brutality, where every earth-shattering blow will leave you feeling… Invincible. This is the debut title from the newly formed Quarter Up—the first in-house studio at Skybound—led by former members of the core Killer Instinct (2013) dev team.

A retelling of an epic adventure, Yooka-Replaylee is a content-packed 3D platformer and collectathon that mixes nostalgia of yesteryears with modern gameplay, graphics and feel. Yooka-Replaylee is the definitive edition of Yooka-Laylee (2017) packed with double the content, new areas, challenges, collectibles and customisation plus new moves and combos for platforming perfection.

After a brief introduction, you get thrusted straight into the action with each of the five worlds having their unique identity. Yooka-Replaylee does not hold you back and from the moment you enter a level you are free to explore and undertake the various platforming challenges, puzzles and minigames in an order you prefer. Make use of the buddy-duo’s varied move set and reach even the hardest to reach places and make traversing the packed open worlds a breeze.

From the moment you enter, you’ll discover a variety of collectibles to line your pockets with, each carefully positioned throughout the worlds to invite curiosity and exploration. You will be rewarded with collectibles through various means from simply traversing the world to completing puzzles, races, minigames or other challenges.

Pagies

The main collectibles in the game are called Pagies, magical pages that power up and live inside the One Book. How do these sentient pages live inside a sentient book? Don’t worry about it. The only barrier Yooka-Replaylee sets for you come in the form of Pagie Doors which are an obstacle developed by the game’s secondary antagonist, Dr Quack, to halt Yooka and Laylee’s progress until they have collected enough Pagies to progress into the next world. The game boasts a whopping 300 Pagies to collect but those seeking a more casual experience can complete the game with only 125 Pagies collected.

Pagies are also the secondary reward to collecting some of the game’s other collectibles. This includes the ghostly Ghost Writers, five of which are hidden in each world and each requiring you to complete certain actions to catch them. Additionally, there are Rextro’s Arcade Tokens which give you access to Rextro’s Arcade. Take on the adorable self-contained small isometric platforming challenges as Rextro himself and be rewarded with even more Pagies! Could these be their own game someday? Who knows.

Q.U.I.D.S.

Q.U.I.D.S are a currency developed by the evil Capital B that is the only acceptable currency within Hivory Towers, forcing staff to invest their hard-earned coin straight back into the company. Q.U.I.D.S can be found everywhere in Yooka-Replaylee and can be spent on the Vendi store for Tonics and cosmetics but more on those in a bit. Coins can also be obtained through special coin challenges or through the golden piggy bank Coinelius. Just break him open and collect the coins. He doesn’t mind, I don’t think.

Quills

And how could I forget about the Quills! These writer’s best friends are carefully hidden and can be spent with everyone’s favourite snake in a pair of trousers, Trowzer, for upgrades and cosmetics. Quills come in different colours and are specific to each world, meaning in each world Trowzer sells wares specific to the world that cannot be purchased with Quills from the other levels. Here’s a free tip: Quills typically come in groups of three or four, so you should rarely find yourself in a situation where you are only missing one!

Mollycools

Mollycools are collected for Dr Puzz who in return will transfer the buddy-duo into several things from a snowplough to a school of fishes. And those most adventurous can go after the Pirate Treasure (arrr!), the most well-hidden treasure in the entire game!

Watch the Mark

Wow, that’s a lot to try and keep track of! Don’t worry, that’s where your handy collectibles tracker and game map come in handy! You should also keep an eye on Mark, the blue bookmark, who acts as your warp point and guide through the game.

About Those Tonics and Cosmetics

So, what about those Tonics and cosmetics I mentioned you can spend your hard-earned Q.U.I.D.S and Quills on? Yooka-Replaylee features a total of 139 different Tonics and cosmetics, 104 pieces of cosmetics and 35 gameplay modifying Tonics. The gameplay modifiers allow you to change how you play the game. Maybe you are feeling silly and want to add googly eyes on all the enemies? Maybe you want to play the game entirely in GameBoy graphics? Or maybe you are looking for a real challenge and want to reduce your health to one and add fall damage? Tonics allow you to make Yooka-Replaylee your own!

Cosmetics, on the other hand, allow you to play dress-up with your favourite buddy-duo. Cosmetics come in individual items and complete costumes. Choose between various tops, bottoms, hats, glasses and gloves for Yooka and without forgetting Laylee, of course, who also gets her own selection of cosmetic items! Although most cosmetics can be purchased from either Vendi or Trowzer, some are hidden behind certain completion requirements. The cosmetics even include some references to other beloved game titles, so keep an eye on those.

Yooka-Replaylee offers an unforgettable open world 3D platforming experience packed with charm, challenges, minigames, and collectibles galore! On behalf of all of us at Playtonic and our publisher PM Studios, thanks for all the support for Yooka-Replaylee. We are so back! Now go fight an evil capitalistic bee!

Yooka-Replaylee is out now on Xbox Series X|S, and if you own the original Yooka-Laylee you’re entitled to an automatic 30% discount on the game.

Yooka-Replaylee

PM-Studios, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 7

★★★★★

$29.99

Get it now

Embark on an epic 3D platforming collectathon adventure with Yooka and Laylee! Yooka-Replaylee is packed with new moves, more story, exciting challenges, hidden secrets, and more than double the collectibles to uncover. Can you help them rescue the world’s biggest treasure? Two unlikely treasure hunters retell the story of their greatest adventure; how they crashed their ship, discovered perhaps the most valuable book in the universe only for its Pagies to be stolen by a greedy capitalist, Capital B. Step into a wacky adventure across many fantastical and imaginative worlds, full of colourful characters and vault-loads of shiny collectibles, and save the world! FEATURES: THE STORY RETOLD – Here come the cheeky embellishments as Yooka and Laylee recall the story of their adventure! The story is unravelled in a brand-new story book style presentation with new sequences introduced throughout the game! DOUBLE THE CHALLENGES & PAGIES – New areas have been added; brand-new challenges have been introduced and old ones improved or replaced completely. Collectibles have been rearranged across all levels and the number of discoverable Pagies has been doubled! GAMEPLAY OVERHAUL – The moveset has been tweaked, sharpened and upgraded, including all new moves and combos for a flowing, expressive style of platforming. New camera features and refinements make framing the action a breeze too. REXTRO BYTES BACK – 2 games in 1! Take control of Rextro in his very own isometric platforming game for shiny rewards! Find hidden arcade games throughout the adventure and take on the puzzles, platforms and pests that he must overcome to become a video game hero himself! NEW COLLECTIBLE CURRENCY – Introducing Q.U.I.D.S! Capital B's inept minions have dropped their hard-earned coins all over the place. Collect the official currency of the Hivory Towers to spend on video games' most beloved sentient vending machine. Or undertake one of Coinelius’ many mini-challenges! NAVIGATING THE WORLD –The all-new adventurers’ notebook will help you hunt down EVERYTHING hidden in the game. Plus find bookmarks to fast-travel around and never get lost! Use your Q.U.I.D.S to buy hints to the whereabouts of more challenges – can you find all 300 magical Pagies!? VENDI HAS PLENTY TO OFFER – Tonics are back with all new flavours! With the option to equip multiple game-changing enhancements, you can truly customise and perk your playstyle. And as if that wasn't enough you can dress to impress! Vendi has new lines of merchandise for the modern fashionable adventurer too. A DREAMY ORCHESTRAL SOUNDTRACK – The original score from famed video game composers David Wise, Grant Kirkhope and Steve Burke returns, but as a beautifully arranged orchestral score with some new tracks from Dan Murdoch and Matt Griffin. Now seriously, clean out those ears.

Wizard101 has made its way to Xbox! While we’re eager to welcome new students into Ravenwood Academy, we know that starting such a massive adventure with so much history can feel a bit daunting. So, consider this article your first lesson: the 101 of Wizard101 to help you get started in the Spiral.

Choosing the Right School of Magic

There are 7 classes in the game, known as schools. The school you choose at the very beginning of the game will shape your style and the rest of your journey to come. Each school has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, as well as special spells and even pets.

Understanding the Art of the Duel

Now that you’ve selected a school that fits your desired style, it’s time to ready yourself for combat! At its heart, Wizard101 is a turn-based deckbuilding MMORPG. Your success will largely depend on how you build your spell deck, whether you’re fighting solo or with friends, and if you have a bit of luck on your side.

Only 7 spells will be initially drawn from your deck during combat, so constructing a deck that will allow you to get the right cards at the right time is instrumental. Overloading your deck may result in you not getting helpful cards when you need them, but packing too few cards could mean you don’t have enough spells to finish the fight. It’s a delicate balance!

Constructing Your Spell Deck

There are 3 main types of spell sources: regular spells, treasure cards, and item/pet cards.

• Regular spells are standard spells that you unlock on your adventure either through your professor or through quests. They get added to the “main” section of your spell deck.
• Item/pet cards are spells that come from equipped items and pets. They appear in a specific section below your “main” spell deck. You can choose which pet/item cards you’d like to appear in battle by clicking on them.
• Treasure Cards are single use spells that have a dedicated section in your spell deck. Once you use one during battle, it’s gone forever. You’ll need to continuously replenish your Treasure Cards if you find yourself using them often.

When it comes to spell deck strategy, we often find that less is more. It’s very common for new players to get excited and add as many spells to their deck as possible, but that makes it very difficult to fight battles effectively. For example, if you’re at full health, pulling heal card after heal card extends the battle length and doesn’t help you in that specific moment. Packing heal spells is fantastic idea, but make sure you’re keeping a good ratio in mind.

Don’t be afraid to leave some spots empty too … especially as you continue to level up and have access to larger decks!

How Combat Works

Walking up to any enemy will automatically trigger combat to begin. Once the combat starts, you’ll see a 30-second timer and 7 drawn cards from your spell deck. If you’re happy with those cards, amazing! If you’re not, you can always discard any undesired cards to make space for new cards to appear the following round. Discarding a spell also lets you draw a Treasure Card, if you added any to your deck beforehand. A max of 7 cards will always be shown at any given time whether they are normal spells or Treasure Cards.

When you’re ready to cast a spell, select it and choose which enemy (or ally) you want to play it on. You can also pass if you’d prefer to wait or if you don’t have enough pips to cast the spell you want. Pips are the energy/power you use to cast spells.

Once all players have selected a spell, the round plays out in a turn-based fashion where the spell cards are brought to life through whimsical animations. After all spells have been cast, the next planning phase commences with another 30-second timer. This continues until either you defeat all the enemies, or the enemies defeat you.

Helpful Tips for New Wizards

• Speaking of efficient traveling, utilize the Mark and Recall for locations that you know you’ll need to visit again. You’ll save yourself a lot of walking and time!

• The Bazaar is an incredible resource for obtaining good gear, especially early on. Check it frequently throughout your adventures to see if anything there provides better stats than what you currently have.

• The pet system is robust and can be overwhelming at first, but training a pet can come in handy extremely quickly. You never know when a pet spell might just save you in battle!

• When in doubt? Team-up! If you’re ever stuck on a particular dungeon or boss, you can ask for help through the Team-Up feature. This allows other players in the game to see that you need assistance and come running to your aid.

There’s so much more to explore in Wizard101, but hopefully you have a good understanding of the basics! We’re grateful to everyone who has played our magical MMO the last 17 years, and we can’t wait to see what the next 17 bring … this time on console!

Wizard101

KingsIsle Entertainment, gamigo group

☆☆☆☆☆ 311

★★★★★

Get it now

Unleash your inner magic and prepare to unravel the mysteries surrounding a death professor gone rogue. Darkness threatens to engulf the Spiral as you master powerful spells, explore over 22 whimsical worlds, and team-up with friends in this nostalgic wizard turn-based deckbuilding MMORPG.

Today, all of us at Little Sewing Machine are thrilled to share five details about our upcoming horror-platformer Bye Sweet Carole that make us feel proud. This is a game born from passion, nostalgia, and four years of hand-crafted artistry. We hope that you will like playing it as much as we loved making it.

So, let’s get into it!

Every Frame Is Hand-Crafted

Bye Sweet Carole is our love letter to the golden age of animation and the emotional resonance of childhood classics. Every single frame is drawn by hand by us – no shortcuts, no cut-out, no automation, no AI.

Over three years, our team meticulously animated each movement, expression and eerie twist. We wanted to create a visual style that channels the lush, expressive worlds of Don Bluth, from “The Secret of NIMH” to the legendary Dragon’s Lair saga, and traditionally animated Disney masterpieces like “Snow White” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

We hope that our visual style will hit a bit of that nostalgia – the feeling of old times, old movies, watching cartoons when we were kids. A way to transport back in time, using our memories and mind as a time machine. We hope that players will feel that when they play our story and I hope they’ll see and appreciate the little details in our animations that we poured our hearts into.

Childhood Wonder Meets Unsettling Horror

At first glance, Bye Sweet Carole might look like a whimsical fairy tale: birds flutter, gowns billow, and Lana, our protagonist, wanders through painted environments that echo forgotten animated reels. But beneath the surface lies something darker.

Inspired by the quiet terror of childhood classics like “The Fox and the Hound,” “The Secret of NIMH” and “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” our horror doesn’t rely on gore or shock. Instead, it disrupts comfort zones, turning familiar spaces into sites of unease. We hope that players will like the slow burn and discover a fantasy land that is not as picture perfect as the surface might suggest. It’s always the things that are below the surface that show the true overall self, isn’t it!

A Story Rooted in History

Bye Sweet Carole is more than a game: it’s a narrative experience that delves into complex, human themes. It explores issues such as emancipation, human rights, loneliness and loss. Through Lana’s journey, we also touch on the impact of bullying and the silence of a society struggling to confront its own injustices.

Rather than presenting Lana as a damsel in distress, we’ve shaped her as a resilient protagonist whose story reflects the quiet strength of those who dare to challenge the status quo. Her path is a tribute to the voices often overlooked that have inspired us to tell stories that go beyond entertainment and speak to the heart of social change.

A Fusion of Gameplay Genres

Bye Sweet Carole blends multiple gameplay styles into an experience of its own. You’ll find platforming, puzzle-solving, exploration and hide-and-seek mechanics woven throughout the journey. This genre fusion is designed to keep players engaged and surprised, constantly shifting between curiosity and caution, giving a feeling of wonder and adventure. We want you to explore the world together with Lana, through her wide-open eyes.

A Modern Homage to ‘90s Adventure Games

We drew inspiration from the spirit of ‘90s adventure titles like Dragon’s Lair, Another World, Clock Tower and Heart of Darkness, but also some unforgettable masterpieces of the 2000s such as Haunting Ground, Detention and the hardly discussed Rule of Rose. But we didn’t stop at nostalgia. We wanted to breathe new life into familiar formats. Bye Sweet Carole is our way of honoring the past while delivering something fresh, emotionally resonant and visually unforgettable.

Thank you so much for reading and spending these few moments with us! We hope that Bye Sweet Carole has piqued your interest — it’s available today on Xbox Series X|S.

Bye Sweet Carole

Maximum Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆ 3

★★★★★

$24.99 $19.99

Get it now

Step into Corolla… Immerse yourself in a world where the warmth of hand-drawn animation meets a rich story steeped in horror. From Chris Darril (Remothered series), Bye Sweet Carole invites you on a haunting journey full of secrets. Once Upon a Time… Set in early 20th Century England, as the suffrage movement begins to reshape society, young Lana Benton searches for her missing friend, Carole Simmons. Her path leads her through Bunny Hall orphanage and on to the mysterious kingdom of Corolla, a place controlled by the sinister Mr. Kyn, the ruthless owl Velenia, and swarms of ravenous tar bunnies. Caught between two worlds, Lana must find a way to survive and uncover the dark truth behind Carole's disappearance. Key Features: A heartfelt love letter to the precious classic animated films of our childhood and the evergreen old school adventures of the 90s. Explore the eerie corridors of Bunny Hall and the fantastical world of Corolla, each filled with secrets and dangers. Meet a cast of memorable characters: from the kind Mr. Baesie to the ominous owl Velenia and the menacing Mr. Kyn. Investigate through puzzle solving, sneaking around deathly enemies, and overcoming platforming challenges. Transform into a rabbit and use your forms to escape the threats of Bunny Hall and Corolla.

The hits just keep coming – explore even more with Free Play Days! Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Riders Republic, AEW: Fight Forever, Dovetail Games Euro Fishing, Grounded 2 and Under The Waves are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential to play from Thursday, October 9 until Sunday, October 12.

Between October 9 to October 16, Game Pass members can play Campaign, Multiplayer and Zombies in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for free for a full week. This free trial will include the cinematic single-player campaign. Then, jump into all of Multiplayer with more than 40 multiplayer maps, including Gravity, Mothball, and Rig, which are brand-new in Season 06. In Zombies, partake in the thrilling Zombies saga with access to all six Round-Based Zombies maps. Dive in and experience the full breadth of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6!

Riders Republic and Kingdom Two Crowns are free for all Xbox members to try during Free Play Days (Xbox Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required). Enjoy even more time with Riders Republic as it will be unlocked until October 13.

Under the Waves is free for all Xbox members to try during Free Play Days (Xbox Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required) with a 2-hour timed trial.

How To Start Playing

Scroll down and find and install the games on each of the individual game details pages on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S.

Keep The Fun Going

Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.

Free Play Days (Game Pass Membership Required)

Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle

Activision Publishing Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 865

★★★★★

$69.99 $38.49

Get it now

Xbox Game Pass

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Forced to go rogue. Hunted from within. This is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early ’90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops.

AEW: Fight Forever

THQ Nordic

☆☆☆☆☆ 289

★★★★★

$39.99 $15.99

Get it now

AEW: Fight Forever
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Recognized for its retro approach to design including hand-crafted animations and nostalgic arcade feel, AEW: Fight Forever is now available as a part of Xbox Free Play Days. Presenting wrestling fans with their a chance to pull off wrestling moves only seen on the wildly popular AEW programming. Plus online co-op wrestling with Tag-Team matches that feature sequences of team maneuvers performed with simple commands.  AEW: Fight Forever will be a part of Xbox Free Play Days through October 12. Take advantage of the long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, wrestler customization, and multiple match types today!

Grounded 2

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 490

★★★★★

$29.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Grounded 2
Xbox Play Anywhere
In this open-world, single-player or co-op survival adventure, craft weapons and armor, build your base, and traverse the playground on your buggy. The Hairy and Scary update unleashes AXL the tarantula into Grounded 2,with a full armor set to craft, new weapons to wield, and new base décor. Fine-tune your loadout with new gear and build smarter with the streamlined BUILD.M interface as you prepare to face AXL on the back of your Buggy.

Dovetail Games Euro Fishing

Dovetail Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 288

★★★★★

$18.49

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Dovetail Games Euro Fishing
Master your rod, line and tactics, and refine your technique this weekend to become a top angler in Euro Fishing. Learn the basics or dive straight into one of the five unique European locations, each posing their own unique challenge to land the big catch. Whether casting solo or enjoying with friends, embrace the thrill of real fishing from the comfort of your own sofa.

Under The Waves

Quantic Dream

☆☆☆☆☆ 177

★★★★★

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Under The Waves
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Stan, a professional diver in the North Sea, is struggling to overcome a life-changing loss during an extended mission underwater. Stuck in his self-imposed solitude, he starts to experience strange events and will have to make the most significant choice of his life…

Free Play Days For All

Kingdom Two Crowns

Raw Fury

☆☆☆☆☆ 283

★★★★★

$19.99 $3.99

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Xbox One X Enhanced

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Kingdom Two Crowns
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Play Anywhere
The Kingdom game series is celebrating a decade since its first release this October with a new free update – the 2.3, 10th Rulerversary Major Update for Kingdom Two Crowns! A new challenge island will treat you with great festivities, beautiful landscapes, towering monuments, a new enemy and… party spirit (with obligatory party hats, cake and candles)!

Riders Republic

UBISOFT

☆☆☆☆☆ 551

★★★★★

$39.99 $9.99

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Riders Republic
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Jump into the Riders Republic massive multiplayer playground! Bike, ski, snowboard, or wingsuit across an open world sports paradise. Race in mass start events, develop your rider’s career, or kick back with friends and free roam the parks.

Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.

Released in 2022, the first Syberia left an impact on the adventure genre. Three sequels followed, and enriched the universe created by the author Benoît Sokal. Now, 2025 sees the arrival of a remaster of the first episode, which takes what made the success of the original, all while adding elements to bring it up to modern standards.

Between Remake and Remaster

Even though Syberia – Remastered logically presents itself as a remaster, the teams at Virtuallyz and Microids Studio Paris decided to modernize the game to speak to a broader audience. They immersed themselves into what had been done for Syberia – The World Before released in 2022, as Aurélien Lévêque, Game Director at Virtuallyz, explains: “The backgrounds have been entirely modeled after the original 2D plans, so we had to imagine some missing viewpoints. Even the characters have been entirely modeled and animated in 3D.”

“Fun fact: at the start of the project, we didn’t have enough 3D models for all the characters, so we used Felix Smetana, the receptionist at the Kronsky Hotel, everywhere when working on the cutscenes. After seeing him so many times, he ended up becoming the team’s mascot. Thankfully, we got the opportunity to work with the team at Microids Studio Paris, which developed Syberia – The World Before and Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy, to help us achieve the level of quality we aimed for.”

Taking advantage of this 3D modeling, the development team were able to completely revamp the camera to make the game more enjoyable and readable, all the while allowing players to better locate themselves in the environment. Moving protagonist Kate around has also been greatly improved, as Aurélien goes into details on the matter: “We took inspiration from many elements in The World Before, starting with the character controller, meaning the way Kate moves around using a controller or computer mouse. Microids Studio Paris also helped us with putting the camera in place.”

Always with modernization in mind, the team tried to make choices that would satisfy both old fans and new players who want to discover the series. As such, they decided to implement a quest journal in the vein of what was present in The World Before, and to offer two different game modes: Story Mode, which gives hints so that players won’t stay stuck too long, and Adventure Mode, in which no help is provided and is thus way closer to the original experience.

Preserving Benoît Sokal’s legacy

The team did everything to find the right balance between the wish to improve the author’s vision and staying true as possible to the DNA of the original. Thus, if the original cutscenes have simply been upscaled, the backgrounds have benefited from a complete overhaul. Used to the Unity engine, Virtuallyz and Microids Studio Paris were able to greatly improve the visuals to enhance Benoît Sokal’s vision without altering the geography of the locations. In addition, by using the HDRP (Unity’s High Definition Render Pipeline), Virtuallyz was able to make the whole experience more immersive than ever, as Aurélien points out: “The HDRP is a rendering pipeline made for next-gen or current-gen consoles. It enables more realistic lighting, but also more control on ‘material PBR’ (Physically Based Rendering), generally used to add a sense of realism and texture to objects. All those factors allowed for an improvement of the scenery, as well as for the characters.”

The sound design was also reworked. Given that the original plot hasn’t been modified, the decision to keep the original dubbing and music was made quite early into the project. However, the devs have improved some old sounds that didn’t age well, and created new ones (such as the crackling of the chimney fire) to emphasize the immersion. Aurélien adds: “We worked on FMOD so that the voices and sounds would take into account the acoustics of the rooms or of the exterior.”

The studio faced some challenges with the cutscenes, especially as they were trying make the direction smoother while also making sure that everything would be consistent, no matter the language.

“As each language uses a different duration, we had to design an ingenious system so that the cutscenes would adapt to the duration of each sound,” Aurélien explains. “A lot of work was done to make sure that everything would interlink perfectly, and we even added new animations with travelling effects to make the whole thing more dynamic and harmonious.”

The team made all those improvements to improve Benoît Sokal’s original vision and give Syberia a new lease of life. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind journey across Europe in Syberia – Remastered, releasing on November 6 on Xbox Series X|S.

Syberia – Remastered

Microids

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

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More than 20 years after its original release, Syberia is reborn in a fully modernized version. Rediscover its iconic locations and unforgettable characters through a stunning visual overhaul, redesigned gameplay, and the same captivating storytelling that made it a classic. Kate Walker, a brilliant lawyer from New York, is sent to a remote village in the French Alps to finalize the sale of an old automaton factory. But what begins as a routine assignment soon turns into an extraordinary journey across Eastern Europe and its snow-covered landscapes. Accompanied by Oscar, a loyal and one-of-a-kind automaton, Kate sets out to explore mysterious and forgotten places, filled with eccentric characters, as she follows the trail of Hans Voralberg, a genius inventor pursuing a seemingly impossible dream: finding the last living mammoths on the mythical island of Syberia. An unexpected, thrilling, and deeply emotional voyage that will challenge everything she thought she knew. First released in 2002, Syberia became a reference in the adventure genre, praised for its unique atmosphere, sharp writing, and the richness of Benoît Sokal’s artistic vision. This remaster is a new opportunity to (re)discover the masterpiece, following in the footsteps of other titles from Benoît Sokal such as “Syberia: The World Before” and the newly released “Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy”. KEY FEATURES – A faithful and stunning overhaul: Meet Syberia’s iconic characters fully redesigned and explore the game’s most emblematic locations brought to life in beautifully enhanced 3D. Every environment has been carefully rebuilt with an art direction that stays true to Benoît Sokal’s unique style, offering an even deeper immersion into his singular visual universe. – Reimagined mechanical puzzles: Enjoy a fresh take on the game’s intricate puzzles, redesigned to provide a smoother and more intuitive experience while preserving their essential role in uncovering the secrets behind Voralberg’s genius. – A modernized gameplay experience: Rediscover Kate Walker’s journey with an updated user interface, improved 3D navigation, and more fluid controls tailored to today’s standards, all without compromising the game’s contemplative and narrative soul. – A rich and immersive world: From the alpine town of Valadilène to the frozen edges of Eastern Russia, Syberia transports you into a world of mystery, automatons, and poetic machinery. Dive into a clockpunk adventure where realism blends seamlessly with dreamlike wonder. – A moving and unforgettable story: Experience a deeply human narrative, as Kate Walker’s legal assignment turns into a profound journey of self-discovery. Filled with unexpected encounters, emotional choices, and moments of awe, Syberia’s tale blurs the line between strangeness and the sublime.