PlayStation | Game Infliction

Resident Evil Requiem interview: Chainsaws, reinvented zombies, fear balancing, and more

Resident Evil Requiem, launching on February 27 for PlayStation 5, is the ninth and latest entry in Capcom’s iconic Resident Evil series.

We recently sat down with the game’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, to chat about the latest and most immersive entry in the series yet.

Koshi Nakanishi Resident Evil Requiem director, Capcom

PlayStation Blog: When did development start, and how was the project greenlit?

Development began on a small scale six years ago, but it really took shape in its current form about three years ago. Ethan’s storyline concluded with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and the eighth mainline entry, Resident Evil Village. While both Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village were very well-received, they veered away from the main storyline leading up to Resident Evil 6. So, we decided it was time to steer the story back on track, and that’s how the development of this title started.

“Leon’s back in Raccoon City – the place where his bioterror nightmare began and caused his early struggles and losses.”

The demo threw us right into the game, so the story felt a little abrupt. Will the final product be accessible for players who haven’t played the earlier entries?

The game is designed to be welcoming to complete newcomers who don’t know anything about the Raccoon City Incident or haven’t played any Resident Evil titles before. While series fans will instantly recognize Leon, Grace is a brand-new character who’s never faced a zombie and only knows about the Raccoon City Incident through her mother’s involvement. New players can dive into their first Resident Evil adventure right alongside Grace.

This marks Leon’s first mainline return since Resident Evil 6, at which point he was a little over 30 years old. Exploring his character development is one of the central themes of this game. He’s back in Raccoon City – the place where his bioterror nightmare began and caused his early struggles and losses. Throughout the game, players will witness how the battle-hardened Leon feels and what he reflects on after all these years.

Did you explore any new approaches to horror in this game?

A big focus for us was reinventing the zombies. Zombies are so ubiquitous in games now that their weaknesses and behaviors have become predictable; for instance they’re typically weak to headshots. However, that familiarity kills the fear and tension. Zombies in this game retain some traces of human intelligence and instincts. Some obsessively repeat bizarre human behaviors, while others pick up weapons dropped by other enemies to attack. We wanted to transform zombies into threats that consistently defy player expectations and keep them on edge.

“Overall, this game may be scarier than Resident Evil Village, but it alternates between tension and relief, so it isn’t a continuous, suffocating experience.”

Many players found Resident Evil 7 intensely frightening, leading you to dial things back in Resident Evil Village. Where would you place Resident Evil Requiem on the terror scale?

Yes, some players found it hard to finish Resident Evil 7, so we toned down the horror a bit in Resident Evil Village. In Resident Evil Requiem, however, Leon’s segments lean more into satisfying action, which allowed us to really push the horror in Grace’s sections. Leon’s parts are still spooky, of course, but I’d say they’re more exhilarating than purely horrifying. Overall, this game may be scarier than Resident Evil Village, but it alternates between tension and relief, so it isn’t a continuous, suffocating experience.

The demo took place within a dubious sanatorium. Will the full game open up to more areas?

As you’ve seen in trailers, the game eventually takes you to present-day Raccoon City. Resident Evil games often switch up locations as you go, and Resident Evil Requiem does the same. Also, in the demo, Grace and Leon’s sections both took place in the same sanatorium, but their stories branch out to different spots later on.

“If you switch from Grace to Leon in the same location, any enemies Grace took down stay dead for Leon, and the same goes for items on the ground.”

Do one protagonist’s actions impact the other’s?

Yes, for example, if you switch from Grace to Leon in the same location, any enemies Grace took down stay dead for Leon, and the same goes for items on the ground. However, it’s tough for Grace – who’s always short on ammo – to wipe out all the enemies. Using Leon to take down enemies that Grace fled from is one of this game’s highlights.

With that in mind, it’ll be fun to strategize and maximize efficiency during subsequent playthroughs.

Exactly. The more you play, the more you discover how actions in one part affect the other, so it creates a different kind of replay value compared to previous games in the series.

Grace could collect antique coins, whereas Leon found them unnecessary and would not pick any up. Is the upgrade system using antique coins exclusive to Grace?

Antique coin upgrades in the sanatorium are exclusive to Grace, so Leon can’t pick any up. There are still traditional upgrades available for Leon, like weapon enhancements and modifications. The demo emphasized Leon’s action-packed gameplay, but as the game progresses, even he will face uphill battles. Properly upgrading Leon will become crucial too.

You were able to crouch and evade attacks as Leon in the Resident Evil 4 remake. Can you do that in this game too?

Absolutely. Try crouching when an enemy sweeps at you from above. This tactic works for both Leon and Grace, although Grace tends to lean more on survival and items rather than direct combat.

“This time, we came up with the ‘chainsaws for everybody’ concept, which was a fresh take that unlocked a lot of creative possibilities.”

Were there any specific scenes or moments in the demo that your team put particular effort into?

Near the start of Leon’s section, you encounter a chainsaw-revving zombie doctor. Chainsaws are an iconic Resident Evil weapon, and with so many variations across past games, we always challenge ourselves to innovate. This time, we came up with the “chainsaws for everybody” concept, which was a fresh take that unlocked a lot of creative possibilities. For example, if a weaker nurse zombie swings a chainsaw, it’ll slip from her grip and go flying. The team put a lot of care into those kinds of details.

“We added third-person support with the Village DLC, and some players were finally able to play comfortably. That inspired us to offer the choice from the start, and our experience working on the DLC made it a pretty smooth integration.”

Why did you add the option to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives? Were there any challenges or discoveries that your team encountered during the development of the two viewpoints?

As you know, mainline Resident Evil titles were in third-person from Resident Evil 4 through 6, then shifted to first-person in Resident Evil 7 and Village. However, some players struggled playing in first-person. We added third-person support with the Village DLC, and some players were finally able to play comfortably. That inspired us to offer the choice from the start, and our experience working on the DLC made it a pretty smooth integration.

We recognized that some players found first-person mode too frightening but could still enjoy the game in third-person. That said, seeing Grace panic on-screen caught some players off guard and startled them unexpectedly, which was a nice surprise.

In first-person view, you can see Leon’s and Grace’s hands when aiming a gun, and their responses are clearly different. Grace’s hands shake because she’s not used to combat, and the recoil hits her harder, too. We encourage players to try a different perspective in subsequent playthroughs.

“Adaptive triggers dynamically adjust trigger resistance depending on the weapon, while gun reloads trigger vibrations and audio from the controller’s microphone.”

Previous games in the series, such as Resident Evil Village and the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4, were available on both PS5 and PS4. This title, however, is a PS5 exclusive. Did any PS5 features, including the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, contribute to the game’s performance and immersion?

Resident Evil thrives on evoking genuine terror, so we harnessed PS5 features to amplify the horror elements. For example, during a zombie attack, haptic feedback simulates the zombie’s grip and bite on your arm through the controller.

Adaptive triggers dynamically adjust trigger resistance depending on the weapon, while gun reloads trigger vibrations and audio from the controller’s microphone. In puzzles requiring players to rotate a box filled with gems, we simulated the clattering of gems through vibrations and controller audio to deepen the game’s realism and immersion.

3D audio’s immersive soundscape is crucial for pushing the boundaries of horror games. What techniques does this game implement to amplify terror through sound design?

This game’s ambient sounds are captured across 12 channels, including vertical positioning. Unlike simple mono or stereo IR waveforms, this approach offers far superior spatial reverb, creating an unprecedented sense of presence.

Are there any PS5 Pro enhancements?

On PS5 Pro, ray tracing can be turned on or off. With it enabled, players can enjoy the game in 4K at 60fps with full ray tracing. Disabled, it supports up to 120fps (averaging 90fps) on high-refresh-rate monitors. We spent a lot of time on optimization.

Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27 for PlayStation 5.

Cairn — 8 advanced climbing tips to make it to the summit

To make it to the top of Kami, the mountain at the heart of Cairn, you’ll need to develop skill and intuition for climbing and use all the tools at your disposal. There’s a lot in the game you’ll need to learn through experience, particularly as you reach the more treacherous challenges at higher altitudes. Here are a few tips that’ll help you reach greater heights and see fewer dangerous falls as you make your way to Cairn’s summit.

It’s all about planning, patience, and stamina

The climbing gym at the start of Cairn is a great way to get some training that will save you on Kami, and it’s worth trying all of its available walls to see what you’ll face ahead. The gym will teach you three things: to plan your route, climb slowly, and conserve your stamina.

You can check the wall ahead of you by angling the camera so that your protagonist, Aava, looks straight up, or by pressing L1 to get a zoomed-out view of the whole area. It’s always worth it to check your path so you don’t hit a point where you’re trapped or snagged and forced to climb back down, wasting energy and items.

Patience is a virtue in Cairn; you almost always want to climb slowly and carefully, even if you’re on what appears to be an easy stretch of wall. The trick to climbing successfully is picking good handholds and footholds. Aava’s limbs start to shake when one is getting tired, indicating that it’s in a bad position or her weight is distributed poorly. Stay in a position like that too long, and she’ll slip and fall. If you move too fast up the wall, you’re more likely to commit to bad holds without realizing it, only to find that Aava is tiring out and unable to move to a more solid position before falling. Going slow lets you be sure the holds you’re using are safe before moving on.

As you go up a wall, you also need to manage Aava’s stamina. When you’re in a solid position, you can hit Triangle to have Aava shake out a tired limb, regaining stamina for the next push. You can tell how much stamina Aava has by the color that flashes when you press Triangle. Green means you’ve recovered well, while yellow indicates caution, showing you that you need a better rest position soon or you’re going to be in trouble. Stamina recovery is essential to avoid falling, so stop frequently for a quick rest.

Through it all, pay close attention to Aava’s reactions and what she says. Slowly, regular breathing means she’s doing well through the climb, but when her breathing starts to quicken, it means she’s tiring out and getting worried. You’ll need to find a more natural, comfortable position so she can rest and recover stamina.

Drop pitons frequently

Pitons are essential, and you’ll want to get into the habit of putting them down at regular intervals on every wall. Clipping into a piton stops you from falling off the mountain, while also acting as a checkpoint so you can quickly return if you should slip. You can also use pitons to rest by hitting X to “off belay,” which fully restores Aava’s stamina. And when you off belay at a piton, you can access items in your backpack, giving you a chance to eat food or refill chalk.

You can place a piton by holding Up on the directional pad, but you’ll then have to hit X at the right moment as a slider moves across a bar to complete the placement. It’s essential to practice your piton timing — getting the right timing doesn’t just save you from breaking pitons, it can allow you to place one fast in an emergency when Aava’s about to fall. But don’t wait to hear Aava panicking before you set a piton. Train yourself to place them regularly when things are going well, so you’re not trying to place one in a panic to avoid a fall.

You’ll find lots of pitons on Kami, and Climbot can make one piton from two sets of piton scraps, so don’t worry too much about running out or wasting them. They’re essential to a successful climb.

All holds aren’t equal

Especially when you’re first starting out, you might wonder why Aava keeps getting tired or falling when you’re climbing a wall that seems like it’s full of holds. The answer is that some holds are smaller and tougher to use than others, and it’s not always immediately obvious looking at them that a grip isn’t great. Vertical cracks, for instance, seem like they should be useful for climbs, but they can tire you out quickly. Look for big ledges to stand on and hold with your hands to provide Aava with more comfortable positions where she can rest, and try not to use smaller holds for very long. Listen for Aava to remark about whether you’ve picked a good position to know that she’s comfortable — and restore stamina often.

When you climb slowly, you can test each hold before moving to the next to see how Aava handles it, and you’ll be able to tell if you should move Aava back down to a more stable position. You always want to watch for how Aava places her hand or foot, also; you’ll sometimes place a hand or foot on what you think is a grip, only for Aava to flatten that hand or foot against the rock, which means she’s braced but not holding anything. It’s usually a good idea to stop and reset that limb before moving on, because she’ll tire out quickly without a solid grip.

Don’t forget chalk

Chalk greatly improves your grip and can be essential to get over tough walls. You’ll almost always have chalk available, and it’s almost always a good idea to use it. You can quickly add chalk to your hands by holding Right on the directional pad, making your next 12 handholds extra grippy. Chalk is great for making bad holds a little easier to grip, and even makes it possible to move over rock that doesn’t have good holds so you can reach a better spot, as long as you’re quick about it. You should use chalk often, especially when holds are small or spread out — Climbot creates more whenever you compost trash, so you’ll always have a healthy supply.

Manually choose Aava’s limbs for extra control

Cairn’s developers suggest you use its automatic system for choosing which limb Aava moves every time you take a new foot- or handhold, but there will be lots of moments when you’ll want to move a foot and the game will suggest you move a hand or vice versa, and moving the wrong limb can sometimes be disastrous. You can choose which limb to move yourself by holding R1 and highlighting it using the right analog stick. Choosing limbs manually is essential when you’re trying to quickly leave a dangerous position to get to a safer one, but it’s also just good practice to make sure you have complete control of Aava and are making exactly the moves you want to.

Change your approach depending on the kind of rock you’re climbing

Most rock walls are gray and craggy, but you’ll sometimes see smooth, glossy brown rock mixed in across a wall. This rock is more slippery, with holds that are often smaller, and it’s too dense for you to place pitons into it, making it potentially dangerous. Check your route and watch for patches of brown rock so you can either climb around them or plan a smart route over them. Chalk and food boosts are great for dealing with these climbs as well.

Be sure to explore

Kami was once home to a people called the troglodytes, and while you’ll find very few of them left during your climb, you can still visit their homes, temples, and villages. Making your way into different caves and structures can help you find save points, vital supplies, and special items to make your climb easier. Troglodyte pitons are the greatest prize — they’re indestructible and can burrow into any kind of rock — but you might also find things like upgrades for your chalk bag, recipes for different kinds of food, and lots more. Exploring caves and troglodyte structures can also help you find alternative, often easier or safer routes up the mountain.

Ice can be easier to climb, but slower

Late in your ascent up Kami, you’ll start to come across ice walls. Aava is ready with ice axes and spikes for her feet, and these are automatically equipped whenever you aim a limb at ice. These walls can be easier to deal with than rock because you can make a handhold or foothold anywhere, but you’ll need to go more slowly and recover stamina more often as you climb, because overall, climbing ice takes more effort. Try to pick cracks in the ice to place your ice axes and shoes. If an axe or shoe bounces off the ice before settling, that’s a bad hold, and you should move it to a better one, because Aava will soon slip. If you’ve got no crack to dig into, you can create one by holding down Square and then releasing it, kicking your foot or slamming your axe into the ice. The effort drains your stamina faster, though, so be sure to take frequent breaks.Making your way to the top of Kami is a tough journey, but it’s also a rewarding one. Take your time and be careful and you’ll keep the climb from going from challenging to frustrating. You can start your ascent today — grab Cairn today at the PlayStation Store.

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for February: Undisputed, Subnautica: Below Zero, Ultros, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

February’s PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup is a bumper one, with four titles available to PS Plus members*. Battle to victory in the ring in boxing sim Undisputed, survive an alien world in Subnautica: Below Zero, mix combat and gardening in Ultros, and take to the skies in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. All these titles will be available to PlayStation Plus members from Tuesday February 3 until Monday March 2.

Undisputed | PS5

Become Undisputed and rule the ring in the most authentic boxing game to date! Featuring true to life visuals, bone-jarring action, and 70+ licensed fighters, Undisputed gives you unprecedented control to master every inch of the ring. 50 Attributes & Traits to differentiate styles and capabilities of fighters. Play through the epic journey from amateur boxing tournaments, all the way to becoming Undisputed Champion, in the true-to-life Career Mode. Create your own fighter with Character Creator, customizing everything from build, to tattoos, to shorts and gloves.

Subnautica: Below Zero | PS5, PS4

Submerge yourself in an all-new, sub-zero expedition in an arctic region of Planet 4546B. Arriving with little more than your wits and some survival equipment, you set out to investigate what happened to your sister. Below Zero presents entirely new environments for you to survive, study, and explore. Survive the harsh climate by constructing extensive habitats, scavenging for resources, and crafting equipment. Keep your wits about you: not all creatures in this strange world are friendly.

Ultros | PS5, PS4

Grounded in science fiction, Ultros comes wrapped in both an eccentric art style from the visionary El Huervo, renowned for his work on Hotline Miami, and a mystical soundtrack composed and performed by Ratvader – Oscar Rydelius. Experience brutal, intimate, close-quarter combat with cosmic lifeforms. Yet this intense combat is juxtaposed with cultivating the greenery and tending to plant life in The Sarcophagus, providing precious moments of contemplation and peace. In turn, this grants deeper access to obscured paths. A unique loop-based mechanic will allow you to start over at key moments in the story, providing opportunities to unfold such secrets, unlock different areas of the world and new abilities on a branching skill tree.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown | PS4

Strap yourself into the cockpit of some of the world’s most formidable fighter planes and skim through the clouds engaging in daring aerial stunts and nerve-shredding tactical dogfights. In Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, you take on the role of an Ace – an elite fighter pilot tasked with patrolling the most open and intimidating space on Earth: the sky. Choose from an array of authentic modern and futuristic aircraft and load them up with an arsenal of cutting-edge super weapons as unfolding events drive you into ever more dangerous aerial face-offs.

Last chance to add January’s PlayStation Plus Monthly Games to your library

PlayStation Plus members have until Monday February 2 to add Need For Speed Unbound, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Core Keeper to their game library.

*PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day for more information.

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.67 out today, Online Qualifiers Jan 31

Two race-bred machines that breathe octane, plus a high-powered EV curveball from one of the world’s biggest phone companies—that’s how Polyphony kicks off 2026.

The ’22 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) arrives as a full-send, no-compromise, pure race car. The ’24 Hyundai Elantra N TC follows with a car built for touring-car domination, while leveraging the reliability of the road car. And then there’s the wildcard: the ’25 SU7 Ultra from Xiaomi, the tech giant’s vision of absurd-speed, 1,527 BHP EV.

All three models join the ever-growing garage, alongside three new World Circuit events, a fresh Extra Menu, and California Roadsides landing as the latest Scapes curation. New year, still free, same Gran Turismo energy.

Update 1.67 for Gran Turismo 7 is available beginning today, January 28 at 10:00pm PT / January 29 at 6:00am GMT / 3:00pm JST.*

Additionally, the Gran Turismo World Series Online Qualifiers are underway. Drivers are competing in the final rounds of the Manufacturers Cup for a chance to qualify for the live Events.

New Cars**

Hyundai Elantra N TC ’24

Can be purchased from Brand Central

Engineered for victory, the Elantra N represents Hyundai’s high‑performance N brand, with the Elantra N TC developed specifically for motorsport. The road car’s 2.0‑liter turbocharged engine delivers 276 BHP and 40.0 kgfm, achieving 0–62 mph in 5.3 seconds, forming a strong foundation for racing evolution. Modified to meet international touring car regulations, the TC gains a wide‑body aerodynamic package, carbon‑fiber splitter, and large rear wing for increased downforce. A six‑speed sequential gearbox, adjustable racing suspension, and endurance‑spec brakes ensure adaptability and durability. Weight reduction, added rigidity, and a regulation roll cage complete a focused race car that retains the agility and reliability of the production model.

Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) ’22

Can be purchased from Brand Central

The Porsche 911 has defined sports‑car performance since 1963, earning legendary status on road and track. That heritage continued with the 992‑generation 911, launched in 2018, featuring evolved styling, a 3.0‑liter turbo flat‑six, and an eight‑speed PDK transmission. From this platform emerged the 911 GT3 R, introduced in 2022 as a pure race machine.Powered by a 4.2‑liter flat‑six producing up to 557 BHP, it features carbon‑fiber and aramid construction, RSR‑derived suspension, and a longer wheelbase for improved stability. AP Racing brakes and a modernized cockpit complete a car built to dominate GT racing.

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra ’25

Can be purchased from Brand Central

Xiaomi’s leap from smart devices to electric mobility culminates in the SU7 Ultra, a BEV designed to redefine performance expectations. Using a three‑motor all‑wheel‑drive system, it delivers up to 1,527 BHP, with rear motors spinning to 27,200 rpm. Performance is staggering: 0–62 mph in 1.98 seconds and a 217.5 mph top speed. Advanced construction includes carbon‑fiber body panels, cell‑to‑body architecture, and gigacasting for exceptional rigidity and low weight. A carbon‑fiber aero kit generates 285 kg of downforce, while high‑performance brakes stop from 62 mph in 30.8 meters. With luxury, active suspension, and advanced ADAS, the SU7 Ultra marks a turning point for high‑performance EVs.

Café / Extra Menus

The following Menu will be added to the Extra Menus section:

Extra Menu No. 52: ‘Hyundai N‘ (Collector Level 58 and above)

World Circuits

The following new events have been added to ‘World Circuits’:

World Touring Car 600 – Nürburgring Nordschleife
World Touring Car 700 – Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
World Touring Car 800 – Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit

Scapes

‘California Roadsides’ has been added as a featured Curation in Scapes.

Gran Turismo World Series Online Qualifiers

The road to the Gran Turismo World Series is officially underway, and the Online Qualifiers are delivering intense competition. Drivers have already gone head‑to‑head across four thrilling rounds of the Manufacturers Cup, proving both their speed and sportsmanship as they chase a coveted place on the world stage. With a spot in the live main events on the line, every race counts. Round 5 is happening right now, and the final round takes place on Saturday, January 31. The spotlight then turns to the Nations Cup Online Qualifiers, also taking place over six rounds from Wednesday, February 11 to Saturday, February 28. For more details visit the Gran Turismo website.

Whether you’re chasing the dream of becoming one of the world’s best or simply looking for high‑level competition and unforgettable racing, everyone is welcome. Strap in, hit the track, and be part of the action.

*Internet connection required for update.
**Credits (paid or via game progression) required to purchase vehicles.

Aaron Judge is your MLB The Show 26 cover athlete

This year, MLB The Show is all about leaving your mark like never before. More than any single game, it’s about The Journey. It starts by putting in the hard work in high school, with a continuous drive to be better than the day before and a hunger for a Hall of Fame career. That drive was top of mind throughout the development of this year’s game, which is why San Diego Studio and MLB The Show are proud to welcome back 3x American League MVP, Aaron Judge.

His journey has taken him from high school to college, then the minors to the majors, and on to the world stage. We’ve mirrored the same journey in our game, striving to create the most authentic MLB experience outside of actually being on the field.

Aaron continues to rewrite history. He was our cover athlete in 2018, after a record-breaking rookie year in 2017. He’s now a 3-time AL MVP, 7-time All-Star, 5-time Silver Slugger award winner, AL single-season home run record holder with 62 homers, and the 2026 Team USA World Baseball Classic Captain.

These are just a few highlights from his long list of achievements, and Aaron’s performances have not only inspired players on the diamond, but athletes and fans around the world. We’re excited to have him back as the cover athlete of MLB The Show 26. It’s now up to you; how will you leave your mark?

Official gameplay trailer drops next week

Check back next week, on February 3, to see our gameplay trailer featuring everything new we have in store for ‘26. We’ve got updates on the features you know and love, plus a few special surprises.

MLB The Show 26 launches on March 17, 2026 (*Early access begins March 13)

Get ready for launch with a few key updates:

Pre-orders for the Standard Edition and *Digital Deluxe Editions open on February 3, 2026 at 12 am EST/ 9 am PST on TheShow.com, platform stores, and participating retailers.
Purchasing the Digital Deluxe Edition gives you 4 days of Early Access starting on March 13, 2026.
Starting March 17, the Standard Edition of MLB The Show 26 is fully available.

The World Baseball Classic Tournament returns to Diamond Dynasty

This year’s cover features Aaron Judge in his Team USA World Baseball Classic uniform, so stay tuned to learn more about what this means for Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show 26.

Homage x MLB The Show Returns

We’re also excited to announce the return of our Homage x MLB The Show apparel partnership! Since 2007, through crafted design, deep-cut storytelling, and Legendary Comfort, Homage has been helping fans pay homage to the people, places, and moments that matter most to them.

Similar to last year, we have an exciting variety of new drops that you can look forward to this year. Today’s drop is our Cover Athlete t-shirt, featuring Aaron Judge. In addition to adult sizes, we’re also excited to have youth sizes available! Cop the latest drop and own the show in style. Wear Homage and share your love for MLB The Show.

Purchase here: homa.ge/MLBTS

Stay in the know: Sign up for The Scouting Report & Your Show Account

Want the inside track on everything coming to MLB The Show 26? Sign up for the MLB The Show Scouting Report and get rewarded all season long with exclusive monthly Scouting Report Packs. From April through December, subscribers receive an exclusive Scouting Report Pack each month delivered straight to their inventory and filled with rewards you won’t want to miss.

Make sure you don’t miss your at-bat, sign up today on TheShow.com.

And while you’re at it, get ready for opening day by setting up your MLB The Show account. In ‘26, whatever platform you’re on, you can keep access to your entire inventory of cards. Step up to https://account.theshow.com and create your MLB The Show Account. Once you’re done, log in with your platform account and link it to your MLB The Show account. And that’s a win.

The journey is just beginning

Starting March 17, MLB The Show will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch with some special perks.

For more info on new features and sneak peeks on MLB The Show 26, check out our most recent blog post. And if you’re still game for more, keep reading here.

We’ll keep the action coming with regular updates, so keep an eye out for the Gameplay Trailer reveal next week, weekly feature reveals, Feature Trailer deep dives, updates on the Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions, a new pre-order loyalty discount and more.

Until then, sign up for The Scouting Report, and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram. And be sure to visit TheShow.com for more details about all things MLB The Show.

Helldivers 2 Siege Breakers premium Warbond drops February 3

Helldivers, do you ever find the squad standing before a towering foe with impenetrable fortifications and wish you had something to smash through them? The Ministry of Defense has just the Warbond for you. Let’s get to smashing, divers!

Weapons & Stratagems

So what are the tools that will break down the door to the enemy compound? Let’s start with the new and improved version of a beloved Helldivers weapon: the LAS-16 Trident! This big, bold, and shotgun-like updated classic fires six beams compared to the original’s three! Nothing’s gonna stand in the LAS-16 Trident’s way.

But if you need to make a statement when you break down the bulwark, you might want to bring the CQC-20 Breaching Hammer stratagem. This sledgehammer can do straight smashing, or it can have an explosive charge attached to its head to drive the point home.

Let’s say you get tired from all the hammer-swinging, though, and you need a way to simplify your destruction. Why not use the GL-28 Belt-Fed Grenade Launcher that lets you continuously fire grenades in a non-stop, explosive barrage?

And if you’re only interested in sending a single, strong message, we’ve also included the EAT-411 Leveller that fires one high-yield missile.

Finally, the perfect companion to an offensive loadout like this one is a good defense. The G/SH-39 Shield is a throwable emplacement that generates a spherical, projectile-blocking shield. Make your own barrier while you bust down all the others.

Armor & Capes

As for the rest of your defense, we have the heavy SA-8 Ram armor, evoking heavy plate armor and blast shields, to turn you into a blockade-battering force. Similarly, the medium armor, SA-7 Headfirst, still looks well-defended, but allows for the flexibility and speed you might need to get past the roadblock.

These armors are outfitted with the Supplementary Adrenaline passive, which allows the wearer to regain some stamina whenever they take damage, turning you into the tireless battering ram at the enemy’s wall.

These armors have coordinating capes and player cards, starting with the Rags of the Fashionable, which comes pre-tattered to signal your participation in previous enemy sieges. There’s also the Wedgeful Tricorn, which has a saw-tooth shape along the bottom edge.

Emotes, patterns, and more

To coordinate your squad, we have also included a pattern for your shuttle, exosuits, hellpods, and FRV called Churned Earth. Siege Breakers also includes the Display of Brawn emote, for both regular and victory poses! And when you show it off, why not equip the Bunker Buster player title, too, to look like the formidable opponent you are.

Hold your ground just a bit longer, Helldivers. The walls will crumble at your feet on February 3!

*Requires base game, paid purchase of Super Credits, and game progression to unlock.

Ball x Pit: The Regal Update launches today

Hello PlayStation Blog community, my name is Kenny Sun and I’m the lead developer of the Ball x Pit, and I’m here to share with you development on the game’s concept, inspiration as well as what players can expect in the first content update that releases today for FREE for all owners of the game!

This journey begins back in November 2021, and while I was on the subway, I saw an ad on my phone for a game called Punball. It looked like a roguelike version of Holedown, a game I enjoyed a lot, so I decided to give it a download. Fifteen minutes later, I looked up and realized that I had missed my stop. I knew that the core of the game had something special, but as I continued to play it I felt that there were a number of elements I wished were different. So, a few weeks later, I decided to make a version of my own. The gameplay for the prototype that would become BALL x PIT wasn’t too different from its original inspiration. But, there were a few key moments in its development that shaped it into a unique fusion of mechanics.

Initially, gameplay in Ball x Pit was turn-based. You would fire a series of balls, they would bounce at incoming enemies, and after all bouncing was complete, enemies would advance and a new row would spawn. I thought the gameplay was fun and wasn’t really considering ways to improve it. But, in February 2022, I downloaded Vampire Survivors, and the idea to try making it into a real-time action game was sparked. I made the change a few weeks later, and immediately the gameplay clicked, I knew I made the right decision.

Another important mechanic in Ball x Pit is the fusion system, where any ball can be combined with any other ball to synergize their abilities. This stemmed from the way I coded the ball mechanics. In code, each ball has 3 categories of ability types: status effects, area-of-effect, and unique effects. So, it was obvious that combining status effects and area-of-effect abilities would be a great way to power up the balls. And naturally, an alternative to this was the evolution system, which combines certain sets of balls into a whole new one. This new stronger ball in turn can be fused with any other ball. For inspiration of different evolutions, I looked at online guides for games in the Doodle God series to see what combinations they had.

The last defining system of Ball x Pit I want to talk about is the base building layer. Other games in the survivors-like genre usually handle meta progression by letting players spend resources in a simple UI, but I wanted this section to stay thematically relevant to the core gameplay. I’ve always loved the feeling of meta progression in games like Loop Hero and Metal Gear Solid V, and wanted to integrate those ideas into Ball x Pit. Naturally, it was clear that buildings could act like bricks in gameplay, and from there I had the idea that characters should be able to bounce around to upgrade things.

As we keep building on this foundation, the next step is our newest content update, titled Ball x Pit: The Regal Update. Take a look below on what to expect from this content heavy update as it’s one of three completely free updates we’re planning throughout the year.

2 new characters

Players of Ball x Pit: The Regal Update will come across two new unlockable characters.
The Falconer fires off two balls launched by a pair of birds flanking the screen, giving their attacks a wide, swooping spread. The Carouser, a medieval royal troublemaker, twists ball trajectories with a personal gravity field that pulls shots off their usual paths.

8 New Balls

– Banished Flame adds yet another burn status—shorter than the standard burn, but packing a much heavier punch.

– Fireworks burst outward in bright, unpredictable patterns, scattering damage in every direction.

– The Stone Ball hits like a truck on impact but slowly crumbles as it keeps bouncing.

– The Brimstone Ball behaves like an Inferno shot but laces its flames with poison for extra lingering harm.

– Landslide triggers a cascading wave of debris in front of the first impact point and deals damage that lasts for a few seconds to surrounding enemies.

PLUS MORE! Because why would we want to spoil the rest?

3 New Passives

– Deadeye’s Impaler cranks up your critical hit chance, and when those crits hit, enemies that are not the boss do not get back up. Well, that’s because they instantly kill.

– Grotesque Artillery pulls from your own gear, firing off a random ball from your equipped lineup every time it triggers

– Iron Onesie rewards chaos, boosting the damage of special balls based on how many baby balls are bouncing around the field.

Endless Mode

Players demanded an Endless Mode so much, it grew to the top of the priority list. This mode unlocks once you’ve finished the game, opening the door to a new way to play for even longer! Each level can now be pushed as far as you can handle, continuing indefinitely as long as you manage to stay alive once finishing the boss in that area, and agreeing to continue deeper into the pit. There’s no finish line here, just escalating pressure, longer runs, and the chance to see how far your skills and builds can really go.

Thanks for reading and we hope you’re excited! Ball x Pit: The Regal Update is now available for free for all Ball x Pit players on PS5.

Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 532: Refreshed, Rejuvenated

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here

Hey, everybody! Sid, Kristen, and I are back this week to talk about the new Marathon DualSense and all the new info surrounding the title, a look at how remakes and remasters have brought many respected classics to the forefront, and our current gaming adventures.

Stuff We Talked About

Next week’s release highlights:
- Cairn | PS5
- Code Vein II | PS5
- I Hate This Place | PS5
- Highguard | PS5
Marathon pre-orders and DualSense — A plethora of Marathon content dropped this week, including the limited edition DualSense controller, Destiny 2 crossover content, a new gameplay trailer, and more details on the extraction shooter ahead of its March 5 release date.
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake Interview — We speak to the game’s Directors, Hidehiko Nakajima, and Makoto Shibata on revitalizing a PS2 classic for the modern audience, coming to PS5 March 12.
Fable is coming to PlayStation — The action role-playing franchise is coming to PlayStation with its latest entry that will be a new start for the series.

The Cast

Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE

Kristen Zitani – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE

O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE

Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Share of the Week – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Portraits

Last week, we asked you to focus on the characters of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and share detailed portraits using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here’s are this week’s highlights:

sorathluna shares Lune weaving a lightning attack in an elaborate crowned outfit

techanako shares Gustave crying out to something out of frame

gh_holy_mash shares Sciel in the swing of an attack

__Auron__ shares a black and white close up portrait of Maelle’s expressive face

forgottenjasmine shares Verso with a glowing halo around his head

kerplaaaah shares a black and white moment of Alicia looking downcast

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Speed
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on January 28, 2026

Next week, we’re speeding away. Share quick and speedy moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Fable launches on PS5 Autumn 2026

For the first time in the franchise’s history, Fable is coming to PlayStation 5 in Autumn 2026. Today we’re excited to reveal the most detailed look yet at our fresh take on Albion – a world that’s familiar in spirit, but newly reimagined for modern RPG players.

Fable is not a remake or a sequel. It’s a new beginning for the franchise, designed to capture the heart and humor that defined the original trilogy while bringing contemporary storytelling, world design, and player agency to the forefront. Fans of the classic games will recognize the series’ signature blend of choice and consequence, dry British wit, and playful moral chaos – yes, chickens included.

In Fable’s fairytale land of Albion, heroism is less about spotless morality and more about navigating the ripple effects of your decisions. The game embraces the small, messy, often hilarious choices that shape who you become. Even the tiniest actions can snowball into stories that townsfolk remember, judge, and gossip about.

Today we showcase an early narrative setup: the pursuit of a mysterious stranger who has frozen an entire village. In the game, you assume the role of hero – and your resulting journey winds through dark forests, picturesque villages and rolling fairytale countryside – blending fantasy, comedy, combat and consequence.

For the first time, Albion is fully open world. Rather than being a backdrop, the world itself participates in the story. NPCs have routines, relationships, and evolving opinions. They react not just to major plot choices but to your smallest actions. Some decisions change conversation paths; others can reshape portions of the world itself, leaving physical evidence of your journey for hours to come.

Combat is built around a new style weaving philosophy, which allows players to fluidly blend melee, ranged, and magic to create their preferred fighting identity. Classic Fable creatures make a return, alongside new threats that fit the tone of a world balancing fairytale charm with modern action RPG depth.

Fable still embraces its hallmark self-awareness — its ability to poke fun at hero tropes, the world, and sometimes the player. It’s this mixture of sincerity and silliness that gives Albion its unmistakable personality, and the reboot aims to preserve that spirit while giving it room to grow for new players.

That makes the PS5 launch particularly meaningful. Fable has always been defined by player expression – by the ways different people interpret heroism, mischief, kindness or chaos. Launching on PS5 opens the world of Albion up to an entirely new community of players, expanding the range of stories, decisions, and unlikely heroes that will take shape.

With today’s reveal, we’ve shown just a fraction of what’s coming in Autumn 2026. More details about characters, quests, and gameplay features will arrive in the months ahead, but for now, there’s just one thing to know: Fable is back, reinvented for modern audiences, and ready to welcome new adventurers.

If you’re excited to carve out your own legend in Albion, you can wishlist Fable today at PlayStation Store. Fairytale ending not guaranteed.