Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Microsoft continue to collaborate to improve player safety across our platforms. We believe gaming is for everyone and strive to provide experiences that are positive and enjoyable for all, especially for our youngest players. We work to accomplish this by pursuing a multidisciplinary approach, integrating advanced technology, research-driven insights, supportive community efforts, and skilled human oversight.
Since first announcing our shared commitment in 2020, we’ve partnered behind the scenes with Nintendo and Sony Interactive Entertainment on these efforts because we can accomplish more when we work toward the same goal. As we continue to invest in, adapt, and amplify our approaches to player safety, we have also evolved our shared principles to ensure they represent our constant efforts to keep our communities safe. Our latest shared principles reflect new innovations in player safety that have evolved with technological advancements, and new ways in which we collaborate through key industry initiatives and with trade associations.
Prevention: Empower players and parents to understand and control gaming experiences
We provide controls that let players customize their gaming experience. We support parents with the tools and information necessary to help them customize appropriate gaming experiences for their children.
We recognize that for safety features to be useful, they must be easy to use and understand. We promote the availability of our safety tools and provide guidance on how to use them through our platforms, support channels, services, on our websites, and in retail stores to reach more players and parents.
We inform our parents and players about our codes of conduct and terms of use to support positive gaming experiences for everyone. We enforce these policies through a variety of preventive and remedial measures. We design our products with transparency and player empowerment at their core, aiming to make experiences that are intuitive and respect players’ choices.
Partnership: We partner with industry peers, publishers, regulators, law enforcement, and our communities to advance player safety
Our commitment to safety is central, and we believe collaboration benefits the video game industry and all players by fostering safe gaming experiences.
We partner and engage with global and regional industry trade organizations, industry members, regulators, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and experts to develop and/or advance online safety initiatives. These include Thriving in Games Group, the Family Online Safety Institute, and others.
We conduct shared research to inform policy decisions and to drive industry innovation. Individually, we have engaged with external research centers that study play and wellbeing.
We partner with our community to promote safe gaming behavior and encourage the use of reporting tools to call out bad actors, and we have tools and processes in place to support rapid response to emerging incidents.
We collaborate with ratings agencies such as the ESRB and PEGI, among others, to ensure that our games are rated for the appropriate audience, and work closely with the Entertainment Software Association and other trade associations to share trust & safety information designed to educate and promote positive play experiences.
We invest in leading technology and proactive collaboration to help thwart improper conduct and content. We participate in key industry initiatives, including the Tech Coalition and its Lantern program, that are dedicated to enhancing child safety through technology, knowledge-sharing, and transparency.
Responsibility: We hold ourselves accountable for making our platforms as safe as possible for all players
We make it easy for players to report violations of our codes of conduct and community guidelines, which we work to refine and evolve to support our player communities.
In addition to removing content not suitable for our services, we take appropriate enforcement actions for violations, including restricting players from using our services for misconduct, with escalating restrictions for egregious or repeat violations. We engage in responsible and transparent practices, including the ethical use of all data, and deploy process enhancement technologies with skilled human oversight.
We comply with all applicable laws in the places we do business and respond to legitimate requests from law enforcement. We promptly notify law enforcement if we observe unlawful conduct or where we believe a player is at risk of imminent harm.
We publish our rules and requirements, and we ensure that players who have been reported understand the requirements for continued engagement with our platforms.
This partnership reflects our dedication to collaborating on solutions that enhance player safety and ensure our games are welcoming for everyone. The video game industry has a strong legacy of prioritizing player safety, especially for children. At the same time, we recognize that these challenges require collaboration and shared values, and so we welcome others to commit to the safety and well-being of players everywhere.
2026 is going to be an incredible year for Xbox players – you might even call it a… fabled year. To celebrate, we’re kicking it off with the fourth installment of our Developer_Direct broadcast on January 22, bringing you news, new gameplay, and insights directly from the incredible teams working on titles coming this year.
Presented by the game creators themselves, Developer_Direct will once again give you an inside look at not just the games, but the studios working to bring them to life. Fittingly for Xbox’s 25th anniversary year, that includes the return of some of our most legendary franchises, which rub shoulders with a brand new title from one of Japan’s most beloved studios.
The show includes not one but two titles from Playground Games, with the UK studio bringing us a first extended look at Fable, as well as the debut of gameplay for Forza Horizon 6. We’ll also be taking a trip to Tokyo to visit the legendary Game Freak, offering a first in-depth look at Beast of Reincarnation, which we revealed at Xbox Games Showcase last year.
You can tune in at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK on January 22 to see all the latest on:
Fable – Playground Games welcomes players back to the fairytale land of Albion, with the first in-depth look at Fable – one of 2026’s most anticipated titles. Devs from the Playground team will unveil the magic and mischief that awaits players in this fresh new beginning for the franchise, including a first look at some stunning new gameplay. Of course, the core themes of Fable will all be there – choice, consequence, drama, action, British humor and (of course) chickens, all reimagined for existing fans and new players alike.
Forza Horizon 6 – The Forza team from Playground Games will share a deep-dive on the much-anticipated Forza Horizon 6 as the open world racer takes players to the beautiful and contrasting landscapes of Japan. The segment will deep-dive into a very first look at gameplay, including reveals of new features – and how Japan comes to life in this stunning new installment.
Beast of Reincarnation – Join us as we delve into Game Freak’s intense one-person, one-dog action RPG. For the first time, Game Freak will reveal details of our protagonist Emma’s innovative plant manipulation actions and gameplay with her canine companion, Koo. In Beast of Reincarnation, a profound and dangerous world unfolds in post-apocalyptic Japan. Discover the development secrets behind its creation in Developer_Direct.
Stay tuned to our official social channels for more from Developer_Direct, airing on Thursday, January 22 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK.
Every Wednesday, dive into the Indie Select Hub — your gateway to a fresh, curated indie collection plus four themed spotlights that rotate weekly! You can always find this collection hub in the Xbox Store and on Xbox.com/IndieSelects.
Our goal for 2026? Make it the best year yet for Indie Selects! Late November and early December indie releases often fly under the radar, so this month we’re giving them the spotlight they deserve. Our collection is stacked: a stylish tactics RPG, a challenging roguelite creature collector, a retro-inspired metroidvania with modern twists, a gripping text-based political sim, a mind-bending 47-minute time loop adventure, and yes—the psychic-powered baby simulator you never knew you needed. Here’s what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):
Demonschool is a joyride of a tactical RPG that follows the charismatic demon hunter Faye, on an apocalypse-preventing quest filled with gangsters, quirky teachers, classmates, and, well… demons. Players are tasked with exploring a mysterious island and college campus through various missions and minigames, managing relationships and school schedules, discovering new skills, and constantly fighting waves of enemies. While all of it was fun, I think the combat captivated me the most! It features a two-phase turn-based structure that leverages action sequencing in a way that feels like solving choreography puzzles. Each character has different abilities, and if moved to the right space and triggered in the right order, you can maximize damage during the action phase. This carries a similar depth and level of player expression to that found in its peers, but its unique presentation enhances the satisfaction when successful. Paired with various enemy types, a mission rank system, and a forgiving rewind feature, the experience felt exciting, challenging, rewarding, and approachable.
Aside from combat, I was delighted by the detail shown through interactivity and easter eggs within each environment. Pet the dog and it might give you something. Throw a coin in a fountain. Talk to an NPC at the docks and learn how their great-grandpappy died as a demon-hunting fisherman. I found myself interacting with everything I could to find another mini-game or read another hilarious one-liner, like the kid who claimed they “marked their seat” during orientation. As a gamer who doesn’t normally play RPGs, I ironically found myself glued to this. The soundtrack is FIRE, the modern-retro aesthetic is beautifully designed, and the storytelling through its varied character personalities and charm kept things fresh and entertaining.
– Deron Mann
Demonschool
Ysbryd Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 9
★★★★★
$24.99
Demonschool is a new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.
My first few runs in Morsels taught me an important lesson: getting too attached is a fast track back to the start screen. Developed by Furcula and published by Annapurna Interactive, Morsels is a roguelike action game that rewards flexibility, experimentation, and the ability to admit when your current plan isn’t working. Rather than committing to a single character, players collect multiple “Morsels,” each with its own abilities and combat style. I quickly realized that success depended less on picking the “best” creature and more on knowing when to switch. Stubbornness, it turns out, is not a viable strategy.
The game follows familiar roguelike conventions, including procedurally generated rooms, escalating difficulty, and persistent progression between runs. What helps Morsels stand out is its intentionally strange visual style. Creature designs are unsettling in the best way, and the gritty environments feel like they were designed to keep you slightly on edge—just in case the enemies weren’t already doing that. Progression is driven by unlocking new Morsels and card-based modifiers. Some of these systems took a few runs to click, but experimenting with different combinations often led to those satisfying moments where things suddenly start going your way—right before they don’t.
Morsels doesn’t reinvent the roguelike genre, but its focus on adaptability gives it a clear personality. For Xbox players who enjoy learning through trial, error, and the occasional laugh at their own expense, it’s an engaging and memorable experience.
– Steven Allen
Morsels
Annapurna Interactive
☆☆☆☆☆ 17
★★★★★
$14.99
You are a hungry mouse, scrounging for scraps in the sewers, when you meet a magical sentient fatberg who teaches you to transform into a mighty little Morsel. With your new powers, set off to dangerous upper worlds where you battle against the cats’ oppressive forces and collect new Morsels, strategically swapping as you go.
From developer Furcula, Morsels is an oddball top-down, creature collector roguelite with a rotating roster of playable characters you switch between at will. Packed with frenetic action and personality, players use magical cards to transform into little monsters, collect and nurture a troop of your own monster friends to battle cat dominance, and persist at all costs to survive.
Let’s be honest: hauling around a giant sword is about as impractical as it gets for an adventurer—especially when vertical traversal is involved. I could write a hundred-page thesis on why that’s absurd, but honestly, GigaSword says it all. This action-puzzle Metroidvania from single-developer-led Studio Hybrid, feels like it leapt straight out of an NES classic collection, challenging your combat and strategy skills while confronting the harsh reality of our childhood dream: “the biggest sword ever.” Spoiler alert: swords are heavy, and you’re nowhere near as agile as Cloud Strife led you to believe.
Once you dive in, you’ll quickly realize the GigaSword’s weight is both a blessing and a curse. Combat feels straightforward yet fair—every swing is deliberate, and that extra wind-up means you’ll need to time attacks carefully or risk eating damage mid-swing. Things escalate when you face massive bosses that demand pattern recognition and precision.
But the sword isn’t just for fighting—it’s central to the game’s clever environmental puzzles. Detaching from it becomes essential as you navigate obstacles, using its heft to trigger pressure plates or even as a makeshift lever to shift platforms. The vibe? Think Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest meets the inventive puzzle mechanics of Legend of Zelda.
The game doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to its stiff combat, but unlike its NES predecessors, you’ve got save points to preserve your sanity. The sword’s weight constantly reminds you that speedrunning isn’t an option—but then come those moments when you tackle an entire dungeon without the blade, introducing a whole new layer of challenge. If you’re a fan of intricate puzzle platformers like Animal Well, this is a distinctive experience worth adding to your collection.
– Raymond Estrada
GIGASWORD
Akupara Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 8
★★★★★
$14.99
Balance the weight of the GIGASWORD, battling between brain and brawn in this action-puzzle metroidvania where the might of the sword will determine all. As tensions rise in Thoenhart, a city plagued by famine and disease, the humans within set their hopes on a final solution: invade the ancient tower Nestrium, slay the Nocturne, and take the God Crystal, Gnosis, for themselves. Said to grant prosperity to those who wield it, Gnosis has been long sought after by humanity for generations. However, upon raiding its resting place, the disturbance of this ancient power awakens an evil capable of destroying the very fabric of reality. Can Ezra reach the top of the Nestrium in time to stop this cataclysm, or will humanity’s ignorance lead the world to its doom?
Oh baby! What a game! Not enough people are talking about this one. Goodnight Universe is not a baby sim… it’s a supernaturally gifted baby sim. You take on the role and perspective of Isaac who’s a smart, keenly aware, and capable infant, able to tackle surprisingly complex problems. That and the telekinesis ability, of which an evil corporation is very aware and want to use for their own purposes.
Before we even touch gameplay, the voice acting and writing are superb and captivating. The narrator connects with the player as we both witness so many performances between fully fleshed out characters highlighting their family dynamics, their struggles, and their successes. The writing is heartwarming and fun, exploring themes of the messiness of domestic life and what it means to be human. The overall narrative is, for me, the highlight of the game.
Gameplay starts out simple, seen through the baby’s eyes in first person. You click on objects for narration or interaction, but once powers kick in, that’s when things get interesting. You will be able to move objects with your mind or even dive into someone’s thoughts. As the game progresses, you unlock new powers and tackle sequences where you must use your powers at the right time.
The console version lacks the eye-tracking feature Nice Dream introduced in Before Your Eyes. I tested it on Steam, and while the mechanic adds an intimate twist to the first-person experience, albeit with occasional awkwardness, it isn’t essential here. Unlike Before Your Eyes, skipping it doesn’t compromise the core gameplay. The game took me about 4-5 hours to complete and I can’t recommend this enough, especially for anyone that loves unique, narrative-driven games… and babies. Gamer dad approved.
– Raymond Estrada
Goodnight Universe
Skybound Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 19
★★★★★
$19.99
From the creators of Before Your Eyes. You are Isaac, a 6-month-old baby, developing mysterious psychic powers. What you want most is to be loved and accepted by your family, but a secretive tech corporation wants you for their own.
Suzerain is a critically acclaimed, narrative-driven government simulator that’s far more addictive than its niche genre suggests. At 11 p.m., I reminded myself that I was only supposed to play for a few hours. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure where you’re the newly elected president of a fictional nation, tasked with shaping its future. Will you lead with integrity and build a brighter tomorrow or plunge into corruption, spark wars, and line your own pockets? The choice is yours.
This is a text-based adventure, so expect plenty of reading as events unfold and characters speak, followed by dialogue choices that shape your path. But it’s not all dry policy. Beyond signing bills or reviewing economic reports, you’ll navigate scandals, shady deals, and moral dilemmas. The intro alone lays out 50 years of rich lore for your homeland, and once I got into it, it felt like reading a truly great novel. Thankfully, the writing, presentation, and UI are top-notch. Otherwise, I honestly haven’t read this much since my deep dive into Blue Prince.
Suzerain’s greatest strength is its replayability. The depth of the characters around me and detailed lore make every choice impactful, with each decision reshaping the course of my presidency. My first run focused on economic and social reforms that aligned with my actual ideology, but in this new run I’m currently going full corrupt leader, bribing my way through scandals and taking every unsavory side-deal that comes my way. With a 6-to-7-hour campaign, multiple playthroughs can easily triple your time. If you love strategic decision-making without twitch reflexes, this is for you—board gamers, I’m talking to you!
– Raymond Estrada
Suzerain Expanded Edition
Torpor Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 22
★★★★★
$31.99
The Expanded Edition includes the award-winning political drama Suzerain, and the Suzerain: Kingdom of Rizia DLC.
Suzerain
As President Rayne, lead the nation of Sordland in your first term of this text-based RPG. Navigate a political drama driven by conversations with your cabinet members. With looming war, rooted corruption, economic crisis and reform needed, the choices fall on your shoulders. How will you lead?
Suzerain: Kingdom of Rizia
Embrace the crown as King Romus Toras, and lead the Golden Kingdom to a new era. Reclaim lost territories through diplomacy or force. Engage with noble houses and oversee the resources of Rizia. How will you reign?
Rue Valley is a cozy, narrative driven mystery adventure with a dash of life sim flavor—think gentle exploration, quirky character encounters, and environmental puzzles tucked into every corner. It’s a kind of small-town mystery sitting somewhere between Night in the Woods and Oxenfree, but carrying its own soft-spoken charm. You arrive as the town’s newest resident, slowly learning the rhythms, secrets, and oddball personalities that make you feel welcome… and it’s just uncanny enough to keep you leaning in. Oh, and of course you are trapped in a strange time loop that causes you to relive exactly 47 minutes in perpetuity.
I’ve spent countless hours wandering Rue Valley’s winding streets—half exploring, half getting delightfully sidetracked by a neighbor who just had one more story to share. Somewhere between chatting up townsfolk and stitching together the town’s quiet mysteries, the game really pulls you into its world. The characters don’t behave like NPCs waiting to dispense quests; they feel like the familiar faces you always seem to bump into at your favorite café, each with quirks that make the town feel genuinely lived in.
And yes, there’s a learning curve—especially when you’re juggling exploration with dialogue choices—but it’s the kind that feels like easing into a new neighborhood. A little confusing at first, then unexpectedly rewarding once everything clicks into place.
What kept me hooked most was the atmosphere. Rue Valley is the kind of place where you sit down for “just ten minutes” and look up hours later. It’s cozy, a touch mysterious, and always ready with a gentle surprise when you least expect it. If you enjoy narrative adventures, small-town stories, or slow-burn games where the joy comes from noticing the little things—a flickering streetlight, a half-finished sentence, a lingering question—Rue Valley fits beautifully. It’s a world that invites you to slow down and let it reveal itself at its own unhurried pace.
– Jessica Ronnell
Rue Valley
Owlcat Games
☆☆☆☆☆ 14
★★★★★
$29.99
Break free from a mysterious time loop! Embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Delve into the enigmatic depths of the small godforsaken town: Rue Valley.
Each day feels like an uphill battle against the shadows of your own mind. Along the way, you will encounter a captivating ensemble of characters, each wrestling with their own emotional complexities and revealing hidden depths as you get to know them.
Can you muster the courage to unravel the secrets of this temporal anomaly? Can you discover the strength within yourself to rise above adversity and forge a brighter tomorrow?
Craft your own personality in Rue Valley. You can be a cold-hearted loner who overthinks everything or a melodramatic loudmouth who always trusts their gut instinct.
Whether you reflect your true personality or role-play someone entirely different, your character will shape your dialogues and interactions in the game.
Store memories in a graph, unlocking intentions and mindsets as you progress uniquely through the story. Commit to quirky mindsets for unexpected and hilarious dialogues, and experience personality-altering Status Effects: become more outgoing when drunk, or extra sensitive when anxious.
Experiment with different answers and timelines, because the loop will restart from the beginning anyway, won’t it?
STAY TUNED: Indie Selects Anniversary is coming soon!
Mark your calendars for January 28 and get ready for our big Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration, packed with giveaways, discounts, and plenty of surprises!
Welcome to the new year, friends! Happy to be back with more games and more fun. Let’s get to it!
Available Today
Brews & Bastards(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Brews & Bastards is an intoxicating, twin-stick shooter, overflowing with action-packed combat, potent brews and outlandish bosses. Select from a group of inebriated heroes and descend, drink, and destroy your way through hordes of drunken demons in search of the stolen Brew Stone.
Rediscover the dark whimsical tale of Little Nightmares, now enhanced in stunning 4K and 60 FPS. Play as Six, a lone child trapped in The Maw, a massive vessel inhabited by monstrous, distorted versions of adults. Sneak, hide, and survive in a world where your childhood fears come to life.
Coming Soon
Atomfall(Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – January 7 Now with Game Pass Premium
A survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England. Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die blends dynamic real-time action, tactical combat, and risk-reward dice mechanics for thrilling second-to-second battles. Unravel an original stand-alone story as Queen Aleksandra, the once great ruler of Random on a mission for vengeance and redemption.
Rematch(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 7 Now with Game Pass Premium
Step onto the pitch in Rematch, a third-person, team-based football game where every pass, volley, and tackle matters. Designed for 5v5 online play, Rematch puts you in full control of one athlete, with no offsides, no fouls, and no downtime. Pass smart, play with purpose, and win together.
Step into the armor of a relentless Space Marine and use a combination of lethal weaponry to crush overwhelming Ork forces. Immerse yourself in an intense and brutally violent world based on the richest science fantasy ever created. Enhanced for a new generation, this edition brings quality of life and graphical improvements.
Final Fantasy– (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – January 8 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
“Earth, fire, water, wind… The light that once shone within the four Crystals was lost. Become the Warriors of Light, restore power to the Crystals and save the world.” A remodeled 2D take on the first game in the world-renowned Final Fantasy series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics. All the magic of the original, with improved ease of play.
Star Wars Outlaws(Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 13 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” Explore distinct locations across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as scoundrel Kay Vess, seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.
Take the magic of friendship to new heights in a mystery adventure for one or two ponies. Playing as Sunny, Hitch, Izzy, Pipp, Zipp, or Misty, use your special abilities to stop the unstable magic that’s sending Zephyr Heights out of control! And have tons of fun with hilarious minigames and countless pony customizations.
Resident Evil Village(Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 20 Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Resident Evil Village is the eighth main entry in the Resident Evil series. Set years after Resident Evil 7 biohazard, players follow Ethan Winters into a haunting European village, fighting for survival against brutal enemies as danger and mystery lurk around every corner.
MIO: Memories in Orbit (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 20 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass! A hand-crafted metroidvania set within a vast, decaying world reclaimed by nature and robots. Play as Mio, a nimble android exploring labyrinthine environments, battling rogue machines, and uncovering lost memories in a richly atmospheric adventure filled with secrets and danger.
Leaving January 15
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Jump back in to tie up any loose ends, or save up to 20% off your purchase to keep the fun going!
Flintlock The Siege of Dawn (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Neon White (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
Road 96 (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
The Ascent (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
The Grinch Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
I hope your last year treated you well with lots of high scores, achievements unlocked, and GGs. We’ll be back soon with even more games so keep it tuned here, or with us on social for Xbox and Xbox Game Pass. Talk soon!
Note: Games with a ‘Handheld’ designation represent those that are optimized for handheld play.
As we step into the new year, many of us are looking for fresh ways to play, connect, and explore. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with V (formerly VIDAA) that expands where your gaming adventures can happen: the Xbox app is coming to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered Smart TVs in 2026.
This partnership is all about giving you more freedom and flexibility to play how you want. Xbox Game Pass subscribers – including Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers – will be able to stream hundreds of games, from new releases to fan favorites, directly through the Xbox app on supported TVs via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
With the Xbox app, you’ll be able to explore a variety of great games including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and many more. As an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you’ll also unlock unlimited cloud gaming, giving you the flexibility to play games across different devices, including select games you already own. It’s all about giving you more freedom to play your way.
Expanding the Xbox Cloud Ecosystem
Our vision is to make sure your games, your community, and your achievements are always within reach. Bringing the Xbox app to select Hisense and V homeOS-powered TVs is another step toward making gaming available across a broad range of devices, to meeting you wherever you want to play. We’ll share more details on the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience with Hisense TVs in the coming months. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire and follow our social channels for the latest updates.
Code Vein II arrives on Xbox Series X|S on January 30.
Building on the first game’s rich combat, Code Vein II remixes its themes and imagery into an original story and setting.
The partner system of NPC companions returns as well, reworked and expanded as a central pillar of both the gameplay and narrative.
The monstrous Metagen Remnant really had me on the ropes, crushing me repeatedly with a swipe of its tail, but that stoic, pink-haired woman just wouldn’t let me forget the power of duty, friendship, and anime.
I recently attended a closed preview event for Code Vein II, upcoming sequel to Bandai Namco’s 2019 3rd-person action game with anime aesthetics and narrative. Hosted at a dramatic cathedral church in Los Angeles, I played several hours of a curated demo and took part in a group interview with series director Hiroshi Yoshimura and producer Keita Iizuka, both of whom are returning from the first game to make a bigger and better sequel.
One of the original Code Vein’s main mechanical hooks was the variety of NPC partner characters that you could team up with to overcome the game’s challenges, and Code Vein II has doubled down on that. Yoshimura summed it up well that what he “think[s] defines Code Vein and its identity is really traversing these difficult dungeons and encounters with your partner, and that sense of achievement you get from overcoming them together. So that’s one [piece of positive feedback] we got from Code Vein, one that we’re definitely leaning into more in Code Vein II.”
Same but Different
If, like me, you never got around to the original Code Vein, you don’t need to worry about missing the story. Code Vein II remixes much of the first game’s imagery—powerful, vampiric beings called Revenants in a post-apocalyptic world—into an original setting and story. Fans of the first will no doubt find plenty of rhymes and resonance, but new players need not worry about studying up on the lore to understand what’s going on.
That’s not to say that everyone will easily follow along with everything. A big part of Code Vein’s appeal is that it’s anime as all hell, with a plot that’s as melodramatic as it is convoluted and laden with proper nouns. This time around it’s a time travel story, no less. According to Iizuka that’s why they decided to have it be unrelated to the first game: “If we had done this as continuation of the previous world/character/game, then that could possibly mean players would affect and change events that have already happened in [the original] Code Vein. And we didn’t want to take away from that, because what players experience in Code Vein, we think, belongs to the players.”
Josée and the Pussycats
Code Vein II takes place in a world on the brink of collapse. Humans now live together with Revenants (vampiric beings that had long existed in the shadows). 100 years ago, Revenants worked together to try and defeat a cataclysmic force called The Resurgence but failed to seal it, creating a new entity known as Luna Rapacis. The result was that the Resurgence was only delayed, and Luna Rapacis is turning Revenants into mindless horrors that accelerate its progress.
You play as a Revenant Hunter tasked with saving the world. In order to do that, you have to defeat Fallen Heroes of the Resurgence—the Revenants from 100 years ago that tried and failed to seal it away, and have since been corrupted into monsters and sealed into cocoons. With the help of another Revenant with a unique time travel ability, you must first go back into the past, meet these heroes in their prime, and help them out in their personal quests before returning to the present and defeating them in their monstrous form. According to Yoshimura, “the overarching mission is going to be to defeat all of these heroes, the order of which is up to the players themselves,” so in a very real way, the gameplay and story are structured entirely around these partner characters.
For the demo session we played parts of the section for Josée Anjou, a short, fierce Revenant with a giant sword, pink hair, and an eyepatch. She’s a stoic protector, burdened by guilt from her past. In her present we were helping her cleanse polluted water from the Sunken City, a flooded urban ruin, by fighting our way down to defeat an enormous, sphinxlike beast called the Metagen Remnant. Our exploration down towards the boss was punctuated by flashback scenes in which I’d run past tableaus from Josée and her sister’s past, learning more about her personal story. Eventually I returned to the present to do battle with a monstrous (and monstrously difficult) Josée, burdened by the full pathos of knowing this creature’s tragic backstory as she pounds me into the tile over and over again.
Formae and Function
Combat is the real star of the show. Code Vein II comprises an intricate lattice of interconnected systems that I could only begin to wrap my head around in a few hours of play, but I imagine they’d be engrossing when built up over an extended game. The foundation of stamina management, light/heavy attacks, and dodging should be familiar to anyone who’s dabbled in the Soulslike genre. Code Vein II then heaps on layers and layers of customization.
Rather than committing to fixed stats, Blood Codes return from the first game, acting as hot-swappable classes to rescale your stats for different builds. In addition to a variety of one- and two-handed weapons with different base move sets, Formae (a rework and expansion of the first games Gifts) are powerful special moves that you can find over the course of the game and slot into compatible weapons. These cost a resource called Ichor to use, which you replenish by landing special drain attacks.
The resource for using your special abilities being generated by attacking adds a risk/reward dynamic to combat, and keeps it aggressive. In all ways, Code Vein II wants to empower you to experiment and play in your own style, with Formae and Blood Codes allowing you to completely rebuild your strengths and moveset at any time.
And my Greatsword!
Partners take a prominent role in that combat customization, each offering unique passive bonuses to you that improve as your relationship deepens. You can either Summon them to have them fight side by side with you as normal (and as any Elden Ring player knows, just having a summon pulling enemy aggro can make all the difference in a tough fight), or you can Assimilate them into you, absorbing additional power and stats. This enables proud players that want to Let Them Solo Her still engage with the partner system, as it’s so central to the game’s narrative.
One of the biggest benefits I drew from my partner was the Restorative Offering, where they would sacrifice themselves to bring me back when my HP hit zero, before respawning soon thereafter to continue the fight. This brought me back from the brink countless times during the two extremely challenging boss fights in the preview, and can serve as a great buffer to keep you in the fight a little bit longer.
When I asked about mitigating difficulty, Yoshimura emphasized the role partners played here too. When faced with a difficulty spike, you can explore to level up and find more equipment, Formae, and Blood Codes to experiment with. The leeway given by partners pulling attention and reviving you “increase[s] this trial and error cycle, [and] I think that will keep the difficulty balance in check in a way that the players won’t hit this wall or feel this huge level of frustration, because the partner opens up that window for different ways of exploring encounters.”
The difficulty spike between exploration and bosses was enormous, and it’s clear that they will demand a lot, but Code Vein II provides so many different tools and levers for you to tweak that it will really feel like your own victory when you finally do overcome them, even if you did have a helping hand.
You can meet and defeat Josée and all the other partner characters yourself on January 30 when Code Vein II arrives on Xbox Series X|S, available for pre-order now.
CODE VEIN II Pre-Order
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆ 18
★★★★★
$69.99
Pre-order now to receive the following bonuses:
• Stylized Forma Set
– Forma Face Paint: A cosmetic item which applies a forma design to the corner of your eyes.
– Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf (Weapon): Twin blades engraved with a special forma. Cut through your enemies like a wolf sinking its teeth into its prey with a powerful, lunging slice attack.
In a future world where humans and Revenants coexist…
Due to the sudden appearance of the Luna Rapacis, Revenants have transformed into mindless monsters called Horrors. As a Revenant hunter, the player shall halt the world’s inevitable collapse by traveling to the past with a girl called Lou who possesses the power to manipulate time.
An epic adventure awaits, where you and your chosen partners explore a post-apocalyptic world, face fierce battles against powerful enemies, and uncover an epic story that transcends time.
• A Tale Across Time
Embark on a journey that spans both the present and the past as you search for clues to prevent the world’s destruction. Alter the fates of key Revenant characters you encounter in the past, while uncovering lost histories and the hidden truths of the world.
• Intense and Satisfying Combat
Dive into adrenaline-fueled battles where reading enemy moves and mastering your arsenal are key to survival. Unleash powerful skills, adapt on the fly, and conquer relentless foes in fights that deliver both intensity and triumph.
• Unique Battle System
Experience Code Vein II’s unique gameplay mechanic, where the player drains and acquires blood from enemies to unleash a variety of skills. With the series’ new build system, you can freely customize weapons and skills to suit your own battle styles.
• Powerful Partner Characters
Explore the world with trusted and powerful allies who can fight alongside you or enhance your abilities. Each partner brings unique abilities and deep connections that shape your journey.
*Other editions are also available. Be careful of duplicate purchases.
CODE VEIN II Deluxe Edition Pre-Order
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆ 18
★★★★★
$89.99
Pre-order now to receive the following bonuses:
• Stylized Forma Set
– Forma Face Paint: A cosmetic item which applies a forma design to the corner of your eyes.
– Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf (Weapon): Twin blades engraved with a special forma. Cut through your enemies like a wolf sinking its teeth into its prey with a powerful, lunging slice attack.
• Early Access (Deluxe/Ultimate Bonus)
– Experience CODE VEIN II 72 hours* ahead of launch!
The Deluxe Edition includes:
• CODE VEIN II
• Custom Outfit Pack: Contains 3 costume sets and 1 weapon
• Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris
In a future world where humans and Revenants coexist…
Due to the sudden appearance of the Luna Rapacis, Revenants have transformed into mindless monsters called Horrors. As a Revenant hunter, the player shall halt the world’s inevitable collapse by traveling to the past with a girl called Lou who possesses the power to manipulate time.
An epic adventure awaits, where you and your chosen partners explore a post-apocalyptic world, face fierce battles against powerful enemies, and uncover an epic story that transcends time.
• A Tale Across Time
Embark on a journey that spans both the present and the past as you search for clues to prevent the world’s destruction. Alter the fates of key Revenant characters you encounter in the past, while uncovering lost histories and the hidden truths of the world.
• Intense and Satisfying Combat
Dive into adrenaline-fueled battles where reading enemy moves and mastering your arsenal are key to survival. Unleash powerful skills, adapt on the fly, and conquer relentless foes in fights that deliver both intensity and triumph.
• Unique Battle System
Experience Code Vein II’s unique gameplay mechanic, where the player drains and acquires blood from enemies to unleash a variety of skills. With the series’ new build system, you can freely customize weapons and skills to suit your own battle styles.
• Powerful Partner Characters
Explore the world with trusted and powerful allies who can fight alongside you or enhance your abilities. Each partner brings unique abilities and deep connections that shape your journey.
*Other editions are also available. Be careful of duplicate purchases.
*Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris will be available by January 2027.
CODE VEIN II Ultimate Edition Pre-Order
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆ 18
★★★★★
$99.99
Pre-order now to receive the following bonuses:
• Stylized Forma Set
– Forma Face Paint: A cosmetic item which applies a forma design to the corner of your eyes.
– Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf (Weapon): Twin blades engraved with a special forma. Cut through your enemies like a wolf sinking its teeth into its prey with a powerful, lunging slice attack.
• Early Access (Deluxe/Ultimate Bonus)
– Experience CODE VEIN II 72 hours* ahead of launch!
The Ultimate Edition includes:
• CODE VEIN II
• Custom Outfit Pack: Contains 3 costume sets and 1 weapon
• Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris
• CODE VEIN Character Costume Set: Contains 6 costumes based on characters from the original game, CODE VEIN
• CODE VEIN II Digital Mini Artbook & Soundtrack
In a future world where humans and Revenants coexist…
Due to the sudden appearance of the Luna Rapacis, Revenants have transformed into mindless monsters called Horrors. As a Revenant hunter, the player shall halt the world’s inevitable collapse by traveling to the past with a girl called Lou who possesses the power to manipulate time.
An epic adventure awaits, where you and your chosen partners explore a post-apocalyptic world, face fierce battles against powerful enemies, and uncover an epic story that transcends time.
• A Tale Across Time
Embark on a journey that spans both the present and the past as you search for clues to prevent the world’s destruction. Alter the fates of key Revenant characters you encounter in the past, while uncovering lost histories and the hidden truths of the world.
• Intense and Satisfying Combat
Dive into adrenaline-fueled battles where reading enemy moves and mastering your arsenal are key to survival. Unleash powerful skills, adapt on the fly, and conquer relentless foes in fights that deliver both intensity and triumph.
• Unique Battle System
Experience Code Vein II’s unique gameplay mechanic, where the player drains and acquires blood from enemies to unleash a variety of skills. With the series’ new build system, you can freely customize weapons and skills to suit your own battle styles.
• Powerful Partner Characters
Explore the world with trusted and powerful allies who can fight alongside you or enhance your abilities. Each partner brings unique abilities and deep connections that shape your journey.
*Other editions are also available. Be careful of duplicate purchases.
*Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris will be available by January 2027.
Xbox has brought cloud gaming gaming to some Amazon Fire TV models. These include the Fire TV 4-Series and the Fire TV Omni QLED Series. This lets people play Xbox games directly on the television, without needing a bulky console or even something like a Fire TV stick.
Gamers do need a couple of things. First and foremost, this service requires a subscription to Game Pass. Plans start at $10 a month and shoot all the way up to $30 per month. They’ll also need a compatible wireless controller, though most Bluetooth-enabled gamepads should work.
Amazon
The feature works for every game on the Game Pass platform and will also stream many titles that people own outright via the “stream your own game” feature. This won’t work with everything, but hundreds of titles are supported.
Amazon says this is just the beginning and that more TV models will receive the functionality in the future. Xbox Game Pass became available on select Amazon streaming devices earlier this year. Today’s move makes sense, given that Fire TVs and the company’s streaming sticks use the same OS.
It’s that time of year again, when friends and loved ones huddle together, safe from crisp winter air, looking for entertainment. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered, with a vast array of multiplayer games that can be enjoyed together across console, PC, and supported gaming handhelds.
Whether you’re looking for quick bursts of action to keep the family entertained, a cozy co-op adventure with a partner, or something casual to catch up with friends online, Xbox has something to offer for every gaming fan this holiday season. Here’s some highlights, ranging from 2025 releases to timeless games worth revisiting:
Consoles and PCs now have a powerful new partner offering even more ways to play: the cloud. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, you have access to a huge and dynamic library of the latest and greatest titles, wherever there’s a compatible screen, a stable internet connection, and a cloud-supported Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Xbox Cloud Gaming is now out of beta and available with Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium, and Ultimate subscriptions, meaning it’s easier than ever to check out cloud streaming. Overall cloud gaming hours have gone up 45% since this time last year as the service has rolled out to millions of new gamers around the world, with particularly strong uptake in Argentina and Brazil.
Below we’ll go over where you can play and everything you need to get started (which you’ll likely already have).
What is Xbox Cloud Gaming?
Xbox Cloud Gaming is a benefit included with most Game Pass plans that allows you to play games anywhere you have a compatible, internet-connected device (such as a PC, TV, or even your phone). Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream your games like you stream your shows and movies, through apps and browsers on the devices you already have – and it’s playable with a variety of game controllers and other input methods.
What You Will Need
Xbox Game Pass
Unlimited cloud gaming is included with Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium, and Ultimate plans. Xbox Game Pass is our monthly subscription service that provides access to an ever-growing library of games, online multiplayer, in-game benefits for popular favorites like League of Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone, store rewards, and more with each plan. In addition to streaming from the cloud, you can also download Game Pass titles directly to your preferred console, PC, or handheld device for offline play.
Xbox Game Pass Essential offers unlimited cloud gaming for as low as $10/month and access to more than 50 games. Xbox Game Pass Premium includes everything from Essential as well as access to 200+ games across console, PC, and supported devices for $14.99/month. For the best all‑around experience, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate delivers unlimited cloud gaming, 400+ games across console, PC, and more devices, day‑one new titles, online console multiplayer, plus added benefits like EA Play, Fortnite Crew, and Ubisoft+ Classics, as well as in‑game benefits across Riot titles and Rewards with Xbox — at no extra cost.
Supported Platforms
The following devices currently support Xbox Cloud Gaming (with more details here):
Xbox Consoles – Xbox One and later. Why stream games to a gaming console? It can be a great way to try a title before you download, or to play newer Xbox Series X games on your trusty Xbox One.
Windows PCs – Windows 10 version 20H2 and later
Mac Computers – MacOS 14.1.2 and later
Windows Handhelds – Including ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X, Logitech G Cloud, and Razer Edge
Steam Deck
Android Phones and Tablets – Android OS 12.0 and later
Apple Phones and Tablets – iOS 14.4 and later
Smart TVs and Streaming Devices – Including those from LG, Samsung, and Amazon Fire
Meta Quest VR – Including Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest 3S
Whatever device you choose to play on, it’s recommended that you have an internet connection speed of at least 20 Mbps to ensure a stable connection while cloud gaming. If you don’t know what your connection speed is, you can use any number of free online speed tests, such as Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or MeasurementLab.
Where possible, it’s recommended that you play over a wired, Ethernet connection, but it’s also possible to play over 5 GHz Wi-Fi or 5G with capable devices. If your wireless router is dual-band, broadcasting at both 5 and 2.4 GHz, you may need to make sure that your device is properly set up to only connect over the 5 GHz network.
Controller
Most games require a gamepad to be connected to your device, either wired or wirelessly. If you have nearly any kind of contemporary game controller, Xbox Cloud Gaming probably supports it, allowing you to use whatever hardware you already have on hand. This includes Microsoft’s own official Xbox controllers and those made by direct partners, as well as a wide range of verified controllers from third-party manufacturers, such as 8BitDo, GameSir, Backbone, or even Sony’s DualSense.
Many games are also playable by mouse and keyboard as well as touch, for devices that support those respective modes of input.
If you really want to game in style, check out the Xbox Design Lab for a variety of special branded and customizable controllers to suit your personal sense of style.
Supported Regions
Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported in a growing list of currently 29 countries all over the world, including India most recently. If you’re not sure whether yours is included, find out here.
What You Can Play
Xbox Game Pass
In total, the Xbox Game Pass library includes hundreds of games across all genres, ranging from indie curios to the biggest AAA blockbusters. At this time, more than two thirds of those are enabled for cloud streaming, with more coming all the time.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers are also given access to EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics, which adds additional cloud-playable titles to their libraries from those respective publishers.
Stream Your Own Games
Many titles not included in Game Pass are still cloud playable, which means that you can stream them if you own them. Progress is saved and shared across all platforms, so you can pick up and play your games your way, wherever you are. See the full list.
How to Get Started
The main division between ways to play with Xbox Cloud Gaming is whether you connect through an app or through a web browser. While the means may be slightly different, the results are the same.
App
For consoles, the process is as simple as tabbing over to your library and Game Pass, then selecting a cloud-enabled game. The other devices listed above might just require the additional step of going to their respective app store and downloading the Xbox app first if it’s not already installed, then opening it and signing in to access your library.
Browser
For devices running Android, MacOS, and iOS, the cloud streaming works through a web browser, rather than a dedicated app. First make sure that your browser version is supported here and update if necessary. Then navigate to Xbox.com/play, sign in, and start gaming on the cloud. Selecting the Menu button, then Add to Home Screen will make it easier to access directly.
Steam Deck requires going to desktop mode and installing Microsoft Edge, with detailed instructions linked above.
See You in the Cloud
That should cover everything you need to get started with Xbox Cloud Gaming. If you have any additional questions, our rigorous support pages have you covered. Otherwise, you should go check out the available library and start playing something.
What would you like to say to your players after releasing Ninja Gaiden 4 this year?
Our deepest thanks to everyone who has played the game, from the Master Ninjas who have been supporting the series for a long time, to those who are playing the series for the first time! Our days were spent developing the game so that players can enjoy the series’ signature intensity and a variety of actions to overcome difficult situations, so I’m happy if you experienced even a bit of the game! I think the flavor of the action really comes through the more you play it, so please continue to enjoy the different characteristics of the two Master Ninjas, Yakumo and Ryu! – Hirayama
To everyone who has supported Ninja Gaiden over the years, and to those how have started playing the series from this entry, thank you for playing the game. I enjoy watching your gameplay videos and comments on social media every day. In this game, we aimed for the revival of pure action that transcends time, and the three companies put everything into developing it. The action is really exciting and it’s a stoically made game, so those of you who have played the game please continue to thoroughly study it… and those who haven’t played it yet, I’ll be thrilled if you give this feel good slash action a try! – Nakao
How does it feel to have the game out there after development?
First of all, to be able to deliver a new numbered title in the series after 13 years is something that our entire team is truly happy about. We continuously debated and adjusted the game towards its launch, and once it was released it felt like it passed in an instant so I didn’t feel anything immediately, but as I saw social posts and videos being posted every day, little by little I began to feel joy. – Hirayama
For our development team, there are many members who, during the golden age of slash action games, were players or were involved as developers. So, while we had confidence in the game itself, I felt more nervous and excited than I have ever been before. And my current feeling is of relief, since the action has been well received. – Nakao
Are there any stories about how players have engaged with your game that you’d like to reflect on?
For a long time, we were in the dark while developing this game but seeing everyone playing and reacting to it at gaming events was a big driving force in development, and we made use of it in the final adjustments towards launch. Thank you again for your support! Post-launch, we are checking every single piece of feedback, so please look forward to future in-game updates! – Hirayama
Although I’ve mentioned it several times, we’ve been receiving a lot of feedback that, “the action definitely feels good!”, and it’s the part we’ve put our most effort into, so I am extremely happy that everyone is pleased with it. In this game we’ve taken the big challenge of mixing the best parts of Ninja Gaiden with the best parts of PlatinumGames’ action, so nothing makes me happier than hearing everyone enjoying the action. – Nakao
What is your studio most looking forward to in 2026?
We are really looking forward to everyone playing “The Two Masters,” the additional content currently in development! In addition to new weapons for Yakumo and Ryu, we are planning on an additional story and other replayable content. We’re working hard to deliver it as soon as we can, so please wait a little bit longer! – Hirayama
There are many games coming out next year, and as always, several action games will be released, so as an action game maker we are looking forward to seeing these games. For us, in 2026 we are planning to release additional content for Ninja Gaiden 4, “The Two Masters,” which we are currently hard at work developing. Not only is there content such as a new story, but above all the new weapons for each character will provide a new play experience unlike any of the previous weapons, so we hope you look forward to it! – Nakao
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
Return of the Legend
Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
Epic Hack and Slash Combat, Evolved
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
An Ancient Enemy Returns
An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
It’s the holiday season, and perhaps you’re planning to give (or receive!) a ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X. To help get you playing as quickly as possible, we’ve updated our guide to the best way to get started with your brand new handheld.
Congratulations on picking up your new ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X! Whether you’re a handheld gaming veteran or just getting started, you’ve joined a growing and vibrant community of players who appreciate the flexibility of Windows and the power and ease of use of Xbox in the palm of your hands. While you probably picked up your Xbox Ally to dive right into your favorite games (we share some of our handheld favorites here), you’ll quickly discover that these handhelds offer tremendous flexibility to personalize your gaming experience. To help you hit the ground running, we’ve pulled together some must-know tips to make the most out of your new Xbox Ally.
If you’re just setting your device up, check out the informative guide at Xbox Support for step-by-step instructions. Of note: Don’t skip the option to set up the fingerprint reader; unlocking your Xbox Ally with just a touch is fast and feels a little bit magical. Once setup is complete, you’ll boot up directly into the immersive Xbox full screen experience, a purpose-built gaming experience.
Ready to go? Here’s a few helpful pointers.
Navigating your Xbox Ally
Master the Menus: The Xbox Ally gives you multiple ways to find what you’re looking for— you can use the d-pad, joysticks, shoulder and face buttons to make selections, or simply tap the responsive touchscreen directly. For instance, to reach the all-important Game Bar settings menu, you can press the Xbox button and hit the right bumper, or simply swipe from the left edge of the screen toward the center. Swapping between apps? Long press the Xbox button or swipe up from the bottom to access the Task Switcher, making switching between apps and games seamless.
Get Familiar with Command Center: ASUS Command Center is now integrated into Game Bar, giving you instant access to many advanced features to personalize your experience, both inside and outside of games.
For a more expansive set of advanced settings and customization options, you can also launch the full-featured Armoury Crate SE right from this overlay.
Meet Gaming Copilot (Beta) — Your Personal Sidekick: You can access Gaming Copilot on the Xbox Ally, where it offers recommendations, tips, and insights when you need them. To get started, long press the Command Center button to open the Gaming Copilot widget in Game Bar, and complete the onboarding experience. After that, if you want to check your next achievement or get advice for a tough boss fight without leaving your game, long press the Library button and then release to start your conversation with Gaming Copilot.
Play What You Want
Browse Your Games Library: Now it’s time to find some things to play! Head to the Library by pressing the dedicated Library button above the right thumbstick to find games you already own, as well as those available with Game Pass, and titles playable via the Xbox Cloud Gaming. Note: you can select more than one category at a time; highlighting Owned and Installable allows you to go shopping in your own closet for games that play natively on your Xbox Ally. Looking for something new? You’ll find the Store on the left rail as well.
Access Your Games, From Leading PC Storefronts: With the aggregated gaming library, you can easily add your titles from leading PC storefronts to your library, to see all your games in one place. All you have to do is head to the My Apps tab in your Library, and select the PC storefront you want to install.
If you don’t see your desired launcher, open Edge (also located in My apps), navigate to the store’s website, and download it.
Play Anywhere—Including Offline: Handheld freedom means you’re bound to play in places without WiFi. While many titles work best online, most single-player games run great without a connection. Before you travel, test your games offline, pre-download any updates or DLC, and make sure you’re signed in. For detailed offline setup, see our guide: Play games in offline mode on Windows | Xbox Support. And if you’re flying, don’t forget to switch to airplane mode to save battery and avoid interruptions.
Personalizing your Setup
Play Your Way Using Accessibility Features: With the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, the Xbox experience and Game Bar have been optimized for handheld use, bringing along familiar accessibility features from Xbox consoles and Windows 11 PCs. Most visual, cognitive, and sensory accessibility features can be found by selecting the Profile & Settings icon in the upper left of the screen, selecting Settings, then Accessibility. Input accessibility settings, including on-screen keyboard, input customizations, and the ability to re-map your Xbox Ally’s buttons are found in Armoury Crate SE.
Connect External Controllers: Pair Xbox Wireless Controllers to your Xbox Ally just like you would with a PC. Turn on your controller, hold the Pair button, and look for the connect notification. Missed it? Open the Game Bar, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth > Manage devices, select Add device > Bluetooth, and follow the prompts.
And don’t miss the clever detail: inside the underside of your Xbox Ally box lid, you’ll find a lightweight, sturdy paperboard stand—perfect for holding your Xbox Ally while charging or playing with an external controller without blocking the screen. This pairs well with the next feature:
Docking for the Big Screen: The Xbox Ally–is your perfect gaming companion when you’re on the go, and when you’re at home it provides even more options to play. It’s easy to connect an external monitor or TV for a larger, even more immersive experience . Simply connect your Xbox Ally directly to a monitor or TV or to a dock via the USB-C port,. For optimal performance, it’s best to use “Second Screen Only” to match your TV’s resolution and refresh rate.
Customize the Joystick Ring Lights: The Xbox Ally’s colorful lights surrounding the thumbsticks are one of its defining visual flourishes, but sometimes you may want to dim them for a red-eye flight or if you’re playing in dark room. To adjust them, open Armoury Crate SE and select Lighting to change how they pulse, or turn them off entirely.
Stay up to date: The Xbox Ally you take out of the box is only the starting point. Last month, we shared updates to the ROG Xbox Ally handheld experience, including Default Game Profiles (Preview) which automatically balance frame rate (FPS) and power consumption for 40 supported games, Game Save Sync Indicators, which give you real-time confirmation that your progress is uploaded to the cloud, as well as other improvements to deliver a smoother, faster, and more reliable experience. Xbox and ASUS will continue to add new features and functionality to enhance your experience, which we’ll share over time. To ensure you’ve always got the latest updates, there are two places you’ll want to check from time to time.
Windows OS Update:
Open Game Bar > Settings Widget > More Settings > Open Windows Settings > Windows Update
Install all updates and restart your device when prompted
Update Armoury Crate SE:
Open the Command Center
Select “Open Armoury Crate SE”
Select Update Center > Check for Updates > Update All
We can’t wait to see where your new Xbox Ally or Xbox Ally X takes you. Whether you’re enjoying handheld gaming on the couch or setting high scores on the go, these tips will help you get the most out of every session.
Ella Mental, the first original character in Invincible VS, is joining the roster.
Skybound’s in-house studio, Quarter Up, unveiled the brand-new fighter at The Game Awards, and is now sharing extended gameplay for a deeper look at Ella Mental.
Invincible VS is a new 3v3 tag fighting game based on the beloved comic book and TV series, coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud as an Xbox Play Anywhere title on April 30, 2026.
The Invincible universe just got even bigger. Our upcoming 3v3 tag fighting game, Invincible VS, arrives next year with an abundance of fan-favorite characters like Mark Grayson (Invincible), Rex Splode, Omni-Man and more. But our latest fighter is someone Invincible fans didn’t see coming.
Revealed at The Game Awards last week, Ella Mental is an all-new original character born from the creative minds of Invincible co-creators Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker, and is sure to make waves across the universe. At Quarter Up, Skybound’s in-house game development studio, it’s been our honor to bring Ella to life, and we’re excited to give you an extended look at what this powerhouse is capable of.
Ella Mental radiates positivity and energy, always the first to jump in and solve a problem. She comes from wealth and is the heiress to her family’s fortune. Due to her humble outlook and studious, hardworking nature, Ella quickly became her grandfather’s favorite and was given access to an ancient totem — the source of her superpowers. Ella is nothing like what we’ve seen in the Invincible universe thus far, capable of controlling all four elements: earth, water, fire and air.
Able to pull energy from these elements, Ella unsurprisingly has a very versatile move set. She is primarily a ranged fighter who uses her Elemental Auras to adjust her combat approach and upgrade her Special Moves, which are super impactful in battle. Earth Wall allows Ella to conjure a floating mass of earth in front of her that can be destroyed to cause a shotgun blast attack or used as cover. Water Needle has Ella generating and compressing water between her hands until she unleashes it like a bullet. Flame Burst summons a cloud of rolling flames that hang in their air before causing a major explosion. Whether attacking in-air, on the ground or with her specials, Ella will find a way to take down any opponent.
The story behind Ella Mental is a unique one. We always thought it would be super fun to bring an original character into Invincible VS, so our team approached Robert Kirkman with the idea — and he loved it.
“What was cool was that this idea gave Cory Walker and I an opportunity to create someone new,” said Robert Kirkman. “Our way into the character was a ridiculous-sounding name we came up with: Ella Mental. We thought, ‘hey, look at that, that sounds like an Invincible-type name.’”
From there, Cory Walker gave us an amazing sketch for her.
“The name originated from Robert, and from that came the element-based powerset,” added Cory Walker. “I just started throwing stuff on her, and it was important that everything be asymmetrical, and just overall cool-looking.”
Contrary to belief, Ella’s parents are actually nice, a real change from many others in the Invincible universe. This was a purposeful choice from Robert, and makes her an even more distinguished addition to the lineup. When constructing Ella’s backstory, Kirkman noted, “The Invincible universe’s thing is that everyone has terrible parents, so we wanted to give Ella nice parents and a constructive family dynamic.”
Beyond her background, bringing Ella into the game was a welcome challenge for us. When you’re dealing with attacks using all four elements, there’s a lot happening on screen, and we’ve made sure her gameplay looks amazing without sacrificing performance.
Speaking of performance, we were so excited to get visionary rapper, Tierra Whack, to voice Ella Mental. We knew our Ella Mental needed to be the right combination of talent and presence, and Tierra is just that. She’s also a huge Invincible fan, and her passion comes through in each voice line. And in case you were wondering, her dream team is Ella Mental, Rex Splode and Atom Eve — solid choices!
I’ll leave you with some tips for kicking butt as Ella Mental: make sure you truly spend time understanding her kit and getting used to her ranges. She’s excellent teamed up with Robot for a good juggling pair, and Atom Eve for an immense power overload.
We’re so excited to see what our players pull off with our badass roster of fighters, especially Ella Mental.
Invincible VS launches on April 30, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. The game is available for pre-order 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.
Erangel, PUBG’s most iconic battleground, is about to face transformation unlike anything players have seen before. With the Erangel: Subzero update, the familiar landscapes of the island are plunged into a deep freeze, reshaping not only the map’s atmosphere but also the core survival experience. This update is more than a visual refresh; it expands the lore of the PUBG universe, evolves gameplay in meaningful ways, and marks the beginning of an ongoing environmental shift that will continue to unfold over time.
A Frozen New Chapter for PUBG’s Most Legendary Battleground
Since its debut, Erangel has been the heart of PUBG. It’s a battleground rich with stories, memories, and iconic skirmishes. Erangel: Subzero takes that legacy and reframes it through a dramatic environmental shift, introducing climate-driven gameplay changes that challenge players to adapt in real time.
Erangel: Subzero is not just a seasonal event. It is the start of a persistent environmental evolution, one that will grow harsher and more unpredictable as winter progresses. Players will revisit Erangel in a new atmosphere — and they will have to survive it.
Behind the Freeze: Tythonic’s Experiment Gone Wrong
What caused Erangel to plunge into a sudden and unnatural winter? The answer lies in the unfolding lore of the PUBG universe.
Tythonic, a shadowy corporation operating the Battlegrounds, initiated a secret climate-control experiment, “Project Zeus,” designed to make the battlefield more extreme purely to heighten the spectacle for the viewers. Their plan involved launching satellites into orbit to establish a weather-modification system capable of altering local climates on command.
But something went wrong.
The satellites malfunctioned and crashed back down to Earth, releasing a massive surge of cooling gas upon impact. The blast spread rapidly across Erangel, driving temperatures into freefall. As the cryogenic gas collided with the Blue Zone’s electromagnetic field, the zone itself began to crystallize, becoming colder, sharper, and more dangerous than ever before.
This catastrophic event sets the stage for Erangel: Subzero and hints at deeper connections within the expanding PUBG lore.
What’s New in the December Update
The Subzero update introduces a series of major world and gameplay changes designed to deliver a fresh-yet-familiar Erangel experience. These additions build on the frozen narrative while reshaping how players move, fight, and survive.
Satellite Crash Sites Across Erangel
Evidence of the fallen Tythonic satellites can now be found across several key locations. Areas such as Stalber, Shelter, Sosnovka Military Base, and Boatyard show visible signs of impact, along with additional scattered points across the island. These crash sites introduce new environmental details and tactical opportunities, challenging players to navigate altered terrain and unexpected structures
A Colder, Deadlier Blue Zone
The Blue Zone now carries a chilling new twist. A freezing effect is applied when players enter it, introducing layered visual and audio cues that intensify based on exposure time. While the underlying damage rules of the Blue Zone remain unchanged, the new freezing presentation heightens tension and clarity around the danger zone. This chilling mechanic also extends to the BZ Grenade, expanding its strategic utility in the battleground.
Introducing the BZ Grenade Launcher
Available exclusively in Erangel: Subzero, the BZ Grenade Launcher is a single-shot, break-action weapon that empowers players to manipulate the battlefield in new ways. Cooling rounds can reshape engagements, deny space, or pressure enemies into risky repositioning. The launcher deepens tactical possibilities within the frozen combat environment.
Dynamic Weather and Frozen Terrain
Erangel’s climate now evolves gradually throughout a match, with winter weather intensifying as the battle progresses and creating shifting visibility and atmosphere over time. Snowfall intensifies, clouds thicken, and winds grow harsher as temperatures fall. Portions of rivers and coastal waters have frozen over, opening new traversal routes and altering familiar choke points. Even the plane shows signs of frost as players begin their descent into the battleground.
A Living, Evolving Erangel
December is only the first step. The current freeze represents the opening stage of a deepening environmental crisis, and players can expect the island’s conditions to grow even more severe. As this lore arc progresses, the island’s appearance, hazards, and tactical landscape will continue to evolve, weaving Erangel into a broader PUBG narrative that connects maps, events, and characters through environmental storytelling.
Dev Comments
“With Update 39.1, Erangel, our most iconic battleground, is overtaken by a brutal winter. The frozen rivers, shifting weather, and frosty Blue Zone demand quicker decision-making and sharper adaptability.
You will find yourself crossing icy surfaces to access new routes, fighting in areas transformed by heavy snow, and experimenting with new tools like the BZ Grenade Launcher to craft strategies that didn’t exist before.
This update isn’t just about changing the scenery — it’s about reshaping the tension, pacing, and tactical choices that define the PUBG combat. As the season progresses, Erangel’s winter will continue to intensify. We hope players embrace the frigid challenge and carve out new strategies as they conquer Erangel: Subzero.
Drop into Erangel: Subzero This Winter
The cold is coming. Erangel’s new chapter has begun, with more updates on the way as the island plunges deeper into the freeze.
Stay warm, stay sharp, and survive the Subzero.
For players who want a deeper breakdown of gameplay changes and system updates, be sure to check out the full patch notes here. And to stay ahead of the winter-long events and upcoming announcements, make sure to follow PUBG’s official social channels for the latest updates.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
KRAFTON, Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆ 2000
★★★★★
LAND
Drop into an ever-growing and changing selection of maps to keep you challenged. Will you choose the safer outskirts and risk not getting enough loot or hot drop into the dense cities and fight from the moment you hit the ground? Every drop is different, it’s up to you to make the best with what you find.
LOOT
With unique weapons, a variety of supplies, and special tools to outwit your opponents, how you outfit yourself is up to you! Kit out your favorite weapons with powerful attachments or risk going after the hotly contested Care Packages for unique loot to give you the edge you need to win.
SURVIVE
Stocking up is only the beginning. With the Safe Zone growing ever smaller as time goes on, your risk of running into other survivors dramatically increases. Die and you’re out. You’ll need to outthink, outrun, or outshoot your opponents if you’re to be the last one standing and claim ultimate victory.
MANY WAYS TO PLAY,
Warm up in Team Deathmatch, try out constantly changing modes in the Arcade, drop into the latest seasonal event, or build your own custom lobby and challenge your friends to something unique.
EVERY MATCH IS UNIQUE
No two battles are the same, and everything hinges on the choices you make to land, loot and survive. Drop into the Battlegrounds where victory hinges on every move and every choice, and fight to be the last one standing.
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!
They say the path to immortality is paved with hardship. But in your case, this hardship happened to take the form of seven dangerously beautiful women. You are Lin Fan, the chosen one of the Crane Illusion Sect. Born with a Pure Yang Lineage, you are destined to ascend to the heavens. However, no matter how hard you train, fate sends yet another challenge in your way… temptations in the shape of an unreliable master, a strict senior sister, or a saintess who seems far more interested in testing your heart rather than your skills.
Enter the abandoned workshop of Murray’s Costume Manor and unravel the mystery left behind by the reclusive inventor, Edwin Murray. In Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic, you’ll step into a world where every dark corner holds a secret and every flicker of light hints at an ever-present threat. The Mimic, a prototype endoskeleton, can adapt to any costume and become any character, including what you fear most. Armed with only your wits, a few gadgets, and a heavily redacted corporate briefing, you’ll attempt to retrieve Fazbear’s prized prototype technology while grappling with cryptic clues and a relentless shadow determined to dispatch all unwanted company.
Frogo Deluxe
Zakym s. r. o.
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Frogo Deluxe – December 16 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Handheld Optimized / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery
Frogo Deluxe is the latest installment in the popular Frogo series. In this cross road game, players must navigate through various obstacles, collecting coins and special items along the way. The coins collected can be used to purchase new animals, each with more lives, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game is infinite, becoming more challenging as players achieve higher scores. How far can you go?
Step into the role of a Dungeon Monarch, a chosen guardian of your master’s dungeon. Equipped with formidable magic and an inexhaustible army of summonable troops that synergize with one another, your mission is to repel adventurers, envious rivals, and other deities seeking to invade and raze the dungeon.
Balloball – Ribbit & Rescue is a bright cartoon arcade game. You have to save all the frogs that the evil fairies have trapped in soap bubbles. Use your hero’s agility and speed to avoid all the traps and the power of physics to calculate the flight paths.
Let the ever-wandering Hidden Cats crew be your guide through colorful Istanbul! Explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Gülhane Park while relaxing to soothing Turkish-inspired music. Discover over 900 hidden objects, unlock special cats, and as always – enjoy cozy, no-stress gameplay in a city full of color, history, and charm!
Journey into the Forbidden Realms to reclaim a lost kingdom. Step into the role of Princess Lyria, a young royal whose once-prosperous realm has fallen to ruin. Its treasures have been stolen, its magic has faded, and dark forces now rule the land. To restore her throne, Lyria must venture into the Forbidden Realms — mysterious, dangerous lands filled with ancient power and hidden secrets. Armed with courage and emerging magical abilities, you’ll explore lush landscapes, forge powerful alliances, and uncover long-buried truths about your heritage. Each decision you make shapes Lyria’s destiny: become a wise and just ruler… or embrace the darker paths of ambition and power.
It’s mischief night at Billy’s haunted manor, and the host has quite the challenge in mind for all monsters invited! Partake in a competition of hide-and-seek with an original twist: the only place to hide is the crowd of monstrous guests of which you are part. Find who you are in the crowd and rise to the challenge to be crowned the sneakiest and most perceptive of all monsters! Figure out who you are discreetly, then fulfil your objectives and seek out other players without breaking character to avoid being caught.
The Axis Unseen is a heavy metal horror game created by one of the developers of Skyrim and Fallout. Track down nightmarish creatures from folklore in a mysterious open world, steal their enhanced senses, and discover arrows with immense powers. But beware — the hunter often becomes the hunted.
In a future ruled by steel and circuitry, humanity’s reign has ended. The machines we built to serve us have turned against us, deeming their creators unworthy to inhabit Earth. Cities lie in ruins, and the last remnants of humankind hide beneath the ashes of a fallen world. But hope isn’t dead — it’s armed to the teeth. Meet Explodera, a ragtag crew of reckless freedom fighters with one simple philosophy: if it sparks, it explodes. Fueled by chaos and defiance, they fight their way through mechanical armies to reach the ultimate target — the Mother Computer, the cold heart of the machine uprising. If they can blow it to pieces, humanity might just get another shot at survival.
Hoomanz! is a stealth-adventure game packed with coziness and humour, featuring non-combat gameplay & family-friendly content. Play as Shoo, the mythical guardian of Planet Erf with a hidden dual nature, to scare away all the ignorant invading Hoomanz. Darkness is nature’s friend, light is its enemy.
Humble Haunted House is an action tower defense video game. You act as Succubus, who disguised as a haunted attraction manager for a theme park. By setting up scary props, or popping out as a live actor, it’s a matter of time before the long line of visitors get scared. Little do they know, they have faced some real monsters.
Join Scott Whiskers on his new adventure and plunge into a colorful and family-friendly experience in a class of its own! Sun, beach and sea – sunken pirate treasures, mystical Mayan rites, a bubbling volcano – and lots of puzzles and lovable characters make for the vacation of a lifetime!
Zumba – The Dragon’s Marble Trial invites you into an enchanting world where a charming dragon wields colorful marbles in mouth and tail! Pick a stage, aim your dragon-launched marbles at winding paths, and match three or more identical colors to trigger explosive combos before they invade your lair. Rack up high scores and up to three stars per level by clearing waves quickly and precisely.
Krampus is Coming! Grab your shotgun, finish your hot punch and don’t forget your mission: Save Christmas! Big Trouble in Little Chimney is a fast paced arena bullet-hell shooter. Survive endless hordes of creatures lurk from the dark chimney and save Christmas! Try to beat your high score!
Step into the whimsical world of Cup Heroes, where everyday cups turn into mighty heroes on an epic quest to save their beloved Queen! Collect coins and gems to unlock a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities. Upgrade their skills to make them even more powerful and adaptable to different challenges.
In Escape From Crypt, you take on the role of a warrior determined to prove your worth by facing a deadly crypt filled with treacherous traps and relentless enemies. Can you make it out alive? Use your Wall Jump with precision, unleash powerful sword strikes, and overcome every challenge as you venture through the dark depths. Conquer your fears, defy the impossible, and reach the end of Escape From Crypt!
Responding to an unusual emergency call from a remote mining base, Jack arrives at the dark and desolate Fort Solis. With storm warnings imminent, he heads inside to make desperate contact. As the night grows longer, events spiral out of control, and the mystery of what happened to the crew begins to reveal itself. The storm is approaching, limiting Jack’s escape as he looks to hold out until morning arrives.
Leap, dodge, and conquer deadly gauntlets in Frog Hero DX a precision platformer where every jump could be your last. Take command of our determined, brave hero: a fearless frog on a perilous trek through lush swamps, blazing caverns, and clockwork fortresses. Bounce off enemies to defeat them, thread the gap between spinning blades and bursts of fire, and stick perfect landings across collapsing bridges and molten pits.
Welcome to the co-op shooter where the end of the world has never looked so… tasty! The end of days is near, with the city infested by ravenous, greasy food creatures, bringing total chaos and destruction. Our last hope lies with a band of skillful, trigger-happy cooks who are determined not to end up as the main course.
Outbreak: Shades of Horror is inspired by retro survival horror from the ’90s and ’00s! The title blends bleeding edge tech and modern gameplay mechanics with archaic concepts from the roots of survival horror, like a restricted inventory, heavy resource management, and crushing difficulty. If you’re an old hat, or a lover of the past, you’ll find a lot to love in the janky but crushing experience. If that’s not your jam, proceed with caution as this nightmare is unforgiving!
Game directors Adam Stjärnljus and Klas Martin Eriksson reveal what to expect from the story of this anticipated sequel.
Learn more about how the planet of Novo has evolved, and what to expect from the narrative.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf will be released in 2026 for Xbox consoles and Xbox on PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, and will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Just like its predecessor, Planet of Lana II’s story is told in a made-up language, and without subtitles. We want players to think of the narrative as another puzzle to be solved and allow them their own interpretation of the characters, their relationships and motivations. But in this article, we thought it would be fun to invite Xbox Wire readers to learn a bit more about how Novo itself has changed since the first game, and what to expect ahead of landing on this beautiful, beleaguered planet this time around.
A Changing Planet
The first Planet of Lana followed 11-year-old Lana on a heartfelt rescue mission after her sister and village were taken by cold, mysterious machines. With her adorable companion Mui at her side, she crossed a world filled with danger and discovery to protect their beautiful planet, Novo. But what she uncovered was only the beginning of a far bigger story…
Chaos grips Novo after the arrival of advanced alien technology, forcing its many tribes to adapt or perish. A new society—The ruthless Dijinghala—uses the technology to strip the planet’s resources and, when Lana’s niece gets caught in the middle of this exploitation, Lana and Mui set out on another adventure to reclaim Novo’s future. But things get increasingly more complicated along the way as they are forced to confront their own past, as well as that of their home world.
Different Factions, Different Challenges
Since the events of Planet of Lana, three major factions have emerged on Novo and they all have very different attitudes towards the arrival of the machines.
Tailo Village– Nestled among a calm cove in Novo’s southern lakelands, Lana’s home village has adopted a nuanced attitude to the presence of the machines, and largely made them a part of everyday life. They are used for agriculture, fishing and other infrastructure – the relationship is one of symbiosis and harmony.
Wemari Village – Hidden deep within the ancient Wemari forest, this protective community is very sceptical – if not downright hostile – to the strange machines that now roam the Novo wilderness. This skepticism means players will have to tread carefully while exploring this beautiful, but deadly part of Novo.
The Dijinghala– A new society emerging in the desolate North is quickly turning into a threat to all free peoples of Novo. Hungry to power their insatiable march toward modernity, The Dijinghala are repurposing the machines to scour the planet’s precious natural resources. Of course, players can expect some sticky situations to arise when they inevitably cross paths with these ruthless excavators.
More of Novo to Explore
To set the stage for this planet-wide conflict, players will gain access to an array of new environments to explore; From snowy mountains, deep oceans, ancient forests, forgotten ruins and even urban areas to mention a few. All of them are packed with fresh creatures and gameplay variation to discover during the 6-8 hour campaign.
And of course, with new parts of Novo to explore comes new secrets to discover of its shadowy past – attentive fans are sure to come away with many new pieces of the long forgotten puzzle that is Novo’s human and non-human history alike.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf will be released early 2026 and will be available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from day one! Wishlist now and go play Lana and Mui’s first adventure in the wait up to their epic continued journey, and follow @PlanetOfLana on social media to stay up to date.
Planet of Lana II
Thunderful Publishing AB
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The saga continues. Their home saved, a deeper journey begins.
Embark on an unforgettable cinematic puzzle journey with Lana and her loyal companion Mui. Whether you’re a returning hero or a new adventurer, step into a world where a new, ancient mystery emerges from Novo’s hidden depths. But as they scour these depths, a new threat will put their unbreakable bond to the ultimate test, guiding Lana to confront her destiny amidst encroaching shadows.
Planet of Lana II is a cinematic puzzle adventure framed by an epic sci-fi saga that stretches across centuries and galaxies.
Key Features:
Unique, Evolved Companion Gameplay: Experience Lana and Mui’s profound, evolving bond. Guide Mui with enhanced precision for deep exploration and collaborative puzzle-solving.
Solve Diverse & Clever Puzzles: Tackle a wider array of physics-based puzzles, including hypnotizing spectacular creatures and controlling new hybrid robots for unique solutions.
Master Stealth & Wit: Carefully navigate dangerous situations using refined stealth mechanics and tactical wit to outsmart foes.
Survive Challenging Action Sequences: Use your reflexes and master Lana’s new agility with wall jumps, run-slides, and faster movement to survive thrilling, dynamic action sequences.
Discover an Epic & Deeper Story: Immerse in a longer, more profound sci-fi saga. Confront Lana’s own demons and unveil the planet’s darkest secrets across stunning, diverse worlds, including new underwater chapters.
Return of an Acclaimed Composer: Experience Takeshi Furukawa’s critically acclaimed score, from the original Planet of Lana. His mesmerizing compositions seamlessly elevate every emotional beat and cinematic moment.
Every Wednesday, dive into the Indie Select Hub — your gateway to a fresh, curated indie collection plus four themed spotlights that rotate weekly! You can always find this collection hub in the Xbox Store and on Xbox.com/IndieSelects.
The holiday season is here, and the ID@Xbox team is excited to share this month’s Indie Selects! Before we dive in, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support of independent games on Xbox as we celebrate the second year of this program. Thank you for exploring our staff picks and for championing the incredible creators who make these experiences possible.
We’re also excited to bring back our annual Indie Select Highlights! Starting December 10 and through the end of the year, we’ll be showcasing and promoting some of our favorite titles from 2025. Don’t miss out!
Finally, mark your calendars! On January 28, 2026, the Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration returns. We’ll be curating six standout indie titles from the past year, our absolute must-play picks, and featuring them in our special Anniversary Collection to honor their lasting impact. We’re excited to share more details soon, but for now, let’s enjoy what’s here and now. Here’s what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):
Blood West is a gritty, stealth-horror immersive sim that drops you boots-first into a cursed frontier where every shadow hides something sharp, hungry, or undead. Think cowboy survival but dipped in occult folklore and stitched together with classic immersive-sim decision making. It’s a slow-burn experience — one where every bullet matters, every footstep counts, and every encounter feels like it came straight out of a dusty nightmare.
Jumping into Blood West felt like stepping into a fever-dream remix of Thief, S.T.A.L.K.E.R., and a late-night spaghetti-western. What grabbed me first wasn’t the monsters — it was the silence. The game rewards patience, planning, and the quiet satisfaction of outthinking something that definitely wants to eat you. Before long, I was creeping through abandoned mines, scavenging for ammo, and learning how to turn the environment itself into a weapon. There’s a real sense of mastery as you start threading together stealth routes, landing perfect bow shots, and managing scarce resources like a frontier tactician.
If you’re someone who loves immersive stealth, tense exploration, and that unmistakable “I survived by this much” adrenaline, this will feel like home — well, the weird, haunted kind of home. Fans of slow-building tension, clever systems, and atmospheric worlds will find a lot to enjoy here. And if you’ve ever wanted a western that leans all the way into supernatural horror without losing its grit, Blood West rides tall in that space.
– Steven Allen
Blood West
New Blood Interactive
☆☆☆☆☆ 27
★★★★★
$24.99
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!
A follow up to its award-winning predecessor, Tormented Souls 2 is a fixed camera survival horror game that embraces the atmosphere and direction of the classics, while tailoring the experience for a modern audience. Players take the role of Caroline Walker, who’s on a quest to save her sister from a sinister cult. Solve puzzles, fight monsters, and get lost a few times!
From the moment I fired it up, Tormented Souls 2 felt almost like a continuation of the original Resident Evil remaster – which I LOVE. It stays true to the roots of the early survival horror classics through fixed camera angles, puzzle design, limited resources, etc., while embracing features and unique concepts to make the experience feel modern. In other words – if you like the gameplay and tone of classic Resident Evil and Silent Hill but want something new with fresh visuals and no tank controls, then this game is for you!
It’s a wild, gothic horror, kinda lovecraftian story about saving your sister from a cult, filled with various enemies and bosses to fight, a few jump scares, gorgeous environments to explore, and of course, mind-boggling puzzles. I wouldn’t call myself a survival horror aficionado, but from what I’ve played, the 15-to-20-hour runtime really stood out to me — the genre usually leans tighter and faster, yet this one keeps growing in ways that stay engaging. You don’t need to play the predecessor to jump in, but I feel like I owe Dual Effect a thank you for re-igniting my forgotten love for the genre. This game had me hooked from start to finish and easily became one of my top picks this year!
– Deron Mann
Tormented Souls 2 Digital Deluxe Edition
PQube
☆☆☆☆☆ 46
★★★★★
$34.99
The Tormented Souls 2 Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game plus two unique outfits for Caroline:
– “Classic Caroline” outfit
– “Rebel Biker” outfit
The party pack is back baby! If you’ve never tried this game night favorite, call up some friends to come over, because this new pack delivers. This pack has no repeats with 5 brand-new games, so it’s definitely a must-have for those of us regular partygoers gearing up for holiday get-togethers. Per usual, no extra controllers needed — everyone joins the lobby on their phone, ready to prove they’re as clever as they claim!
Our friends started with Legends of Trivia and oh my god, the nerds in the room rejoiced. This immediately set the bar high as it’s a freaking 6 player cooperative D&D style trivia game with classes, monsters, loot, and branching paths. Conquer the land of Tri-via with facts and wit!
We moved on to Suspectives, a new mafia/werewolf-style party game with surveys that really test your lie-detecting skills. After trust was shattered, the creative crowd jumped into Cookie Haus, a drawing game where you design cookies with wild textures, crazy requests, and tons of customization. The twist? You’re locked into your chosen shape, so think outside the box! Next was Hear Say, all about sound and visuals: get a prompt, mimic it with your mic, and watch the best interpretation play out. Mic required, laughter guaranteed. Finally, we hit Doominate, the most classic Jackbox-style game: start with a cheerful phrase and finish it with the funniest awful twist. The most “Debbie Downer” answer wins! All in all, this made for a very dope game night.
This is probably my favorite Jackbox Party Pack in years. If you’re looking to add something new to game night, this is it, regardless of whether you are new to the series or have a bunch of these packs in your library.
– Raymond Estrada
The Jackbox Party Pack 11
Jackbox Games, Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆ 6
★★★★★
$29.99
$23.99
The Party Pack is back!
The Jackbox Party Pack 11 catapults you and your crew into the best timeline of party game pandemonium. Whether you’re a trivia titan, a joke mastermind, or the resident undercover detective of your friend group, there’s something for everyone in this pack. No extra controllers needed – players simply join the game and play using phones, tablets or computers!
Five brand-new games will change the way you party this holiday season and beyond:
Doominate (Writing): Take a perfectly lovely situation and destroy it in this head-to-head joke game where it feels so good to be so bad. Doominate supports 3-8 players.
Hear Say (Sound Effects): Record sound effects and dialogue directly from your phone in a foley-inspired game where laughter is the soundtrack. Then, watch your voices come to life in a series of short movie clips! Hear Say supports 2-8 players.
Cookie Haus (Drawing): Play our coziest and kookiest drawing game yet by fulfilling cookie design orders for unusual clientele. Don’t play on an empty stomach! Cookie Haus supports 3-8 players.
Suspectives (Social Deduction): There’s been a crime, one player secretly did it, and the evidence comes from your own survey answers! Study the clues, defend your innocence (even if you’re lying), and put your friends on trial. Suspectives supports 4-8 players.
Legends of Trivia (Trivia): Assemble your team and put your trivia knowledge to the test in a fantastical world full of danger! Teamwork! Monsters! Do you dare take on one of the most challenging trivia games yet? Legends of Trivia supports 1-6 players.
If you’re after chaotic fun with a distinctly Southeast Asian twist, Sedap! A Culinary Adventure by kopiforge is the co-op cooking-combat game for you. It’s a vibrant celebration of our region’s food culture, where you and a friend race to serve up classics like chicken rice, beef rendang, banh mi and more, to hungry customers, all while exploring the mystical, monster-filled Khaya Island.
The magic of Sedap! (“delicious” in Malay) is in its joyful mayhem: you’ll be chopping, frying, plating, and (inevitably) yelling at your partner as orders pile up and monsters crash the kitchen. Whether solo or in co-op, every moment is a hilarious test of coordination, timing, and your ability to keep cool as the proverbial chili hits the fan during Rush Hour mode.
Sedap! cleverly builds on the Overcooked formula with its unique two-role system: Som the Cooker and Gon the Hunter. This means teamwork is essential as each has a job to do, but hilarity ensues when one must stop chopping mangoes to help the other hunt a chicken, or the other must stop hunting to go make boba. There’s also weapon and utensil upgrades, a Makanomicon to fill up with all sorts of dishes, and biomes with unique challenges to navigate.
With its whimsically fresh Southeast Asian vibes, cheeky character banter, and riotous gameplay, Sedap! is full of personality that’ll leave you hungry for more.
– Jun Shen Chia
SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure
kopiforge
☆☆☆☆☆ 3
★★★★★
$19.99
SEDAP! is a co-op cooking-combat adventure that combines the chaos of a co-op kitchen and the wonders of adventuring into an unexplored world. Embark on an exciting culinary journey, whip up delectable delicacies, and serve your way through a fantastical reimagination of Southeast Asia!
Two aspiring culinary geniuses open a traveling food truck and venture out to Khaya Island – a long abandoned, dangerous island with no shortage of monsters and mysteries. Together, the duo explore Khaya Island in search of new recipes and tastes while slowly uncovering the veil of secrets that haunts the locale.
Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland is a whimsical indie adventure that blends cozy exploration with gentle, idea-driven puzzles and charming pixel-art aesthetics. You play as Lemon, a courageous polyglot navigating storybook versions of Iceland—windswept coasts, mossy trails, and quirky characters—while a warm, low-key narrative encourages curiosity over speed.
I started with a “quick play” and hours later realized it was well past midnight. The game layers new traversal tricks and puzzle concepts like friendly nudges: you learn, you smile, you try one more thing. What truly surprised me was how it sparked my love for languages. I found myself listening to Icelandic words (other languages too) and repeating them out loud. Those moments made Lemon’s world feel authentic and turned gameplay into a cultural adventure. It even reminds you that words carry power—something easy to forget in everyday life.
Knowing the backstory made the experience even more meaningful. This is a deeply personal project from founder Julio de Santi, inspired by his friend André Lima (“Limão”), a Brazilian polyglot who dreamed of learning Icelandic and visiting Iceland. After Limão fulfilled that dream, he tragically passed away. The game stands as a tribute to him and an invitation for players to chase their own dreams.
If you enjoy the calm exploration of A Short Hike, the playful mischief of Untitled Goose Game, or the quirky creativity of Donut County, you’ll feel right at home. It’s perfect for anyone seeking an imaginative space to unwind, learn by doing, and savor small discoveries. You’ll come for the charm, stay for the “aha” moments, and leave with a couple of new words rolling around your head.
– Jessica Ronnell
Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland
Pepita Digital
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$19.99
MASTER LEMON is a TRIBUTE TO MY POLYGLOT FRIEND who tragically passed away in an accident while pursuing his dream of living in Iceland. Experience his legacy in this NARRATIVE ADVENTURE. Harness the POWER OF WORDS and CREATIVITY to transform reality and save the world.
The opening music sets the tone immediately: lush, nostalgic, and evocative of epic tales. Paired with charming, cozy artwork, you know from the beginning that The Lonesome Guild is inviting you into an adventure with a heart. The story begins with Davinci, a quirky anthropomorphic rabbit inventor exploring the outdoors when the world is enveloped by a mysterious red mist that infects everything that it touches with Loneliness and turning them into evil beings. While escaping the chaos, you encounter a nameless ghost who fell from the sky without any memories.
Despite the title, as the story unfolds you recruit new guild members from all walks of life, each driven by their own reasons and motives but with the same goal of saving the world. The cast is wonderfully written, offering not only distinct combat styles but also charming personalities that genuinely balance one another. Before long, you’ll find a favorite character like the quiet archer, Mr. Fox or the stylish and spirited Capybara, Ran Tran Trum.
The combat is a top-down hack-and-slash RPG with each character possessing unique special abilities. You control up to 4 characters by using the ghost to “possess” the character you control, which adds an extra fun layer of charm and creativity for puzzle-solving and combat.
My favorite element were the campfire rest stops; these are memorable moments that serve not only to pause and reflect on the story so far but also to advance and progress your characters through Relationship Points. These moments feel warm and intimate giving you the space to bond with the characters, reminiscent of classics like Chrono Trigger where you feel invested in every storyline and ending.
If you’re looking for a cozy game with emotional depth to brighten and warm the winter days, or simply want a relaxing blend of puzzles, exploration and combat, The Lonesome Guild is an easy recommendation. Pull up a seat by the campfire and enjoy the company of its charming crew — you’ll be surprised how quickly the real foe, “Loneliness,” disappears.
– Oscar Polanco
The Lonesome Guild
DON’T NOD
☆☆☆☆☆ 10
★★★★★
$24.99
A TALE OF TOGETHERNESS IN A WORLD APART
The Lonesome Guild is a single-player top-down action-RPG all about togetherness. Embark on a heroic adventure as Ghost, a spirit who wakes to find they hold no memories. The world has become shrouded by loneliness and the mist just keeps spreading, corrupting everyone in its path. Now it’s up to you to get the band back together… even if they’re meeting for the first time.
SIX MISFITS, ONE GOAL
The ragtag group of unlikely friends you’ll recruit each will bring their own story, quirks, motives, and abilities. Switch seamlessly between the 6 of them during exploration and combat to navigate Etere, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies!
BOND & BATTLE
Relationships are the heart and soul of The Lonesome Guild – it’s a party, literally. As your friendship grows, so does your power with new abilities and combos. A party can only be strong if each member is strong too – unravel your new friends’ stories and help them find peace. Unlock side quests, new abilities, and heartfelt chats by the campfire. Together, we’re unstoppable!
FIGHTS THAT KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES
Three difficulty levels, a roster of cool abilities, one very powerful Ghost power. Test your might in intense battles where you can switch between characters whenever you fancy and ambush enemies with clever combos. Build your dream team and fight your way through Etere.
A WORLD WORTH FIGHTING FOR
Etere is full of charm and secrets, mystery and treasures to uncover. From unearthing old secrets in the ruins to gathering round campfires in the forest, there’s always something new around the corner in The Lonesome Guild. Solve puzzles, explore vibrant landscapes, and find shiny things as you restore balance and hope to the world.
The world might be lonely, but you don’t have to be.
We’re bringing Xbox to more players around the world across devices including console, PC, and mobile, making it easier than ever to connect and play. With more ways to play, thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming, more people can jump in and play their favorite games, meaning more people to ready up with, throw down against, and build memories with.
Players are streaming their games more than ever — cloud gaming hours from Game Pass subscribers has increased 45% compared to this time last year. And, console players are embracing flexibility, spending 45% more time cloud streaming on console and 24% more on other devices.
People play across the globe in many different ways and our ambition at Xbox is to reach players wherever they live and however they choose to play. Earlier this month, we expanded Xbox Cloud Gaming to India, the fastest-growing gaming market in the world, which surpassed 500 million gamers this year. With the addition of India, Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available in 29 countries. We’re also seeing exciting momentum in Latin America in countries like Argentina and Brazil which have shown double digital growth in play time and active players. Players in Argentina and Brazil can also now stream using the Xbox app on LG TVs and Amazon Fire TV, adding even more ways to play. To keep pace with this demand, we’ve expanded in-region server capacity, delivering shorter wait times for gamers. This expansion is all about meeting the community’s enthusiasm and making sure every session is instant and seamless.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Brings Great Games to a Variety of Devices
What sets Xbox Cloud Gaming apart is the ability to quickly jump in and play great games on devices you already own, including consoles, PCs, handhelds, smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, Fire TV, VR headsets like Meta Quest, and yes, even coming soon to cars! This fundamentally changes how and where players experience games, from action-packed adventures like The Outer Worlds 2 to independent gems like Ball x Pit and Blue Prince.
Our library keeps growing with hundreds of games ready to stream through Xbox Game Pass, plus over a thousand more in the Stream your own game catalog, with new games being added all the time. Xbox Cloud Gaming allows players easy access to games they already own, with no downloads required, on any screen. And now, multiple Xbox Game Pass plans include access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, offering more choice, flexibility, and ways to play.
This expansion reflects our commitment to making gaming more fun and accessible no matter how, where, or what you play – and this is just the beginning, with more great experiences and games to come across devices.
Game-mode: enabled. Xbox and Crocs have teamed up to release an exclusive collection.
Ready up with this controller-meets-clog design that reimagines the iconic Xbox controller with fixed buttons and joysticks into the perfect shoe for couch co-op and kicking back – complete with cushioned footbeds adorned with Player Left and Player Right, which give expert-level comfort to support your next session.
Just when we thought we were settled into the new normal of tariff-borne PC and gaming console price hikes, next year’s devices are set to be even more expensive. You can blame the current favorite buzzword—AI—for the increasing cost of RAM and flash storage. All computers depend on memory to some extent, but those who want the biggest, best PCs or gaming devices will feel the sticker shock worst of all.
We’ve been reporting about the spiking cost of RAM prices since October. Essentially, AI data centers have such a demand for memory that the prices of SSDs (solid state drives), DRAM (dynamic random access memory), and HDDs (hard disk drives) are all ballooning in price. This is most keenly felt in the discrete PC RAM market. Corsair, one of the most popular brands for fast, gaming-ready RAM sticks, told Gizmodo over email, “Our DRAM prices have increased in response to the severe supply shortage we are seeing across the industry.”
And it just keeps getting worse. A pack of 64GB DDR5 RAM from memory brand Crucial spiked from $150 to more than $400 in just two months, as evidenced by the Amazon price tracking site camelcamelcamel. Other, lower-end RAM sticks may see less of a bump, but users will inevitably find the more RAM they want, the more it will cost. Four sticks of 16GB DDR5 RAM from Corsair now sell for an astronomical $688. The same sticks in white demand $948. And they’re not even the priciest RAM available.
Memory prices will inevitably impact the laptop industry as well.
PCs are getting hit the hardest, especially if you had hopes of finally upgrading your desktop tower with new components. After months of scarcity, the price of GPUs from both Nvidia and AMD has normalized closer to the original suggested retail price. A Radeon RX 9070 XT remains a hot commodity and is still going for more than $600 MSRP at most retailers. However, numerous leakers have proposed that GPUs could see price hikes due to the ballooning cost of VRAM.
PowerColor, one of AMD’s board partners who makes discrete GPUs, took to Reddit last week (via VideoCardz) to tell users to “buy before the last week of the year before prices kick up.” The PR rep in this case was referring to possible deals happening before Black Friday but added in an update that this was in response to consumers “asking for advice on if they should ‘buy now’ because of market conditions.”
Taiwanese media outlet UDN further claimed, based on anonymous sources, that AMD GPU prices could go up from several major board partners, including Gigabyte and Asus, as well as PowerColor.
Consoles won’t be spared of potential price hikes, either. Microsoft’s Xbox brand pushed the cost of tariffs onto consumers twice in 2025 with its Xbox Series X and Series S. Now, the high-end console with a disc drive costs $650, $150 more than it did at launch five years ago. YouTuber “Moore’s Law Is Dead,” who has consistently leaked information on unreleased AMD hardware, claimed in a recent video that Microsoft is telling partners that it may need to jack up prices for Xbox consoles once more, or else stock could significantly diminish “sooner rather than later.”
The YouTuber further claimed that Sony “planned ahead, bought up gobs of RAM near the bottom of the pricing, and thus they should be fine for months.” That’s small comfort, however, for those who still plan to buy a Nintendo Switch 2. The system comes with 256GB of internal storage, and you need Express-level microSD cards to expand that limited storage capacity. Technohouse Toei, a Japan-centric computer store, told the Japanese outlet IT Media (read by machine translation) that it’s getting more difficult to acquire large-capacity microSD cards.
Analysts anticipate that flash storage prices will climb through the roof in early 2026. Citing reports from the Commercial Times and Reuters, analyst firm TrendForce reported late last week that the makers of NAND storage are “taking turns raising prices.” And this situation may not get any better over the following months. Sure, TrendForce said the memory sector is going to grow as fast as the tale of Jack’s beanstalk, but that won’t necessarily fix demand. Earlier this month, Korean-centric newspaper Chosun Biz reported that major flash storage manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix actually cut supply in the second half of 2025. Samsung is “internally reviewing” price hikes of 20% to 30%, according to Chosun.
Either memory production has to increase to meet demand, or else the AI data centers have to stop sucking down the world’s supply of SSDs and HDDs. The sooner the AI bubble bursts, the better it will be for PC prices.
