Category: PlayStation

Experience the exhilarating platforming speeds of Sonic Frontiers, the magical and nimble traversal of Forspoken, the delightful chaos of Rabbids, and the realistic rally simulation of WRC Generations. These games and more form December’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup* and are available to play from December 17.

Joining that lineup on PlayStation Plus Premium is immersive PS VR2 experience Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge. Three timeless classics have also joined PlayStation Plus Premium just yesterday: Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves and Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy.

Finally, in case you missed it, PlayStation Portal released a system update that allows PlayStation Plus Premium members to test Cloud Streaming (Beta) for select PS5 games on Game Catalog. Learn more here.

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog

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Sonic Frontiers | PS4, PS5

Worlds are colliding in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest high-speed adventure. Uncover the mysteries of an ancient civilisation plagued by robotic hordes. In search of the missing Chaos emeralds, Sonic becomes stranded on an island teeming with unusual creatures. Battle hordes of powerful enemies as you explore a breath-taking world of action, adventure and mystery. Accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high-velocity, open-zone platforming freedom as you race across the five massive Starfall Islands.

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Forspoken | PS5

Forspoken is an action RPG that follows the journey of Frey, a young New Yorker transported to the beautiful and cruel land of Athia. In search of a way home, Frey must use her newfound magical abilities to traverse sprawling landscapes, battle monstrous creatures and defeat powerful matriarchs known as Tantas. Explore the vibrant realms of Athia, a striking land of remarkable vistas and otherworldly creatures brought to life through stunning graphics and cutting-edge technology. Scale walls, vault across canyons, leap from dizzying heights, and dash through vast landscapes. Frey’s unique abilities allow her to fluidly traverse the open world with ease. Take on twisted monsters in magical combat with numerous types of powerful abilities catering to a variety of playstyles – from fast-paced and exhilarating to strategic and methodical.

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Rabbids: Party of Legends | PS4

Embark on a legendary journey filled with colorful characters with the Rabbids in this uproarious party game. Gather with friends and family and jump into multiplayer mayhem with up to four players locally, sometimes partnering up and at other times, going head-to-head in a multitude of ridiculously fun mini-games. Anyone can get in on the action with customizable difficulty levels and intuitive controls.

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WRC Generations | PS4, PS5

Rise to the challenges of the most comprehensive, realistic and demanding rally simulation ever developed. Dive into the heart of the action and drive the cars from the WRC championship, including the new hybrid models. The hybrid era is a revolution for the rally world, significantly affecting performance, changing strategies and making drivers and teams adapt. In terms of gameplay, new mechanics have been integrated to represent the demands of the hybrid engines. In order to win, you have to carefully manage your battery by adapting your engine mapping throughout the special stages you take part in. For fans of competition, Leagues mode lets players challenge opponents with a similar level online. Finish ahead of your competitors to move up the ladder in the Legends category.

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F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch | PS4, PS5

Diesel-punk exploratory platformer F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is filled with intense combat, challenging puzzles and an anthropomorphic cast of vibrant characters. After the animals of Torch City were defeated by the invading Robotic Legion in the Resistance War six years ago, former Resistance fighter Rayton the rabbit has kept a low profile. The arrest of a friend meant he had no choice but to put on his giant metal fist and fight against those oppressing him. Little did he know that he would soon be caught up in a maelstrom of conspiracies involving the Legion, the Resistance, and the Rat Gang.

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Jurassic World Evolution 2 | PS4, PS5

Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s ground-breaking 2018 management simulation. Experience exciting new features, four engaging game modes and an expanded roster of awe-inspiring dinosaurs. Immerse yourself in a compelling and original Jurassic World narrative set after the earth-shattering events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Work alongside iconic characters from the films, including Dr. Ian Malcolm (voiced by Jeff Goldblum) and Claire Dearing (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) and lead the efforts to control, conserve and contain wild dinosaurs now rampaging across the USA. Avoid the mistakes of the past and build your own Jurassic World for dinosaurs and visitors alike.

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Coffee Talk | PS4, PS5

Coffee Talk is a game where you listen to people’s problems and help them by serving warm drinks made from the ingredients you have in stock. Immerse yourself in the stories of alternative-Seattle inhabitants, ranging from a dramatic love story between an elf and a succubus, an alien trying to understand humans’ lives, and many others modern readers will find strongly echo the world around them.

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Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly | PS4, PS5

It’s time to revisit your favorite late-night coffee shop and reconnect with your fantasy friends over a warm drink or two. Set in an alternate present-day Seattle where humans, orcs, elves, and other races have been coexisting since the beginning of time, you are a barista who listens to their stories and influences their hearts with a warm cup of coffee or two. It’s raining outside, brew yourself a warm drink, play some lo-fi chillhop beats, and listen to the coffee talk. In a time where people are isolated from each other, Coffee Talk is a place where we can reconnect over a cup of warm drink.

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A Space for the Unbound | PS4, PS5

A Space for the Unbound is a slice-of-life adventure game with beautiful pixel art set in the late 90s rural Indonesia that tells a story about overcoming anxiety, depression, and the relationship between a boy and a girl with supernatural powers. Follow two high school sweethearts, Atma and Raya, on a journey of self-discovery at the end of their high school years. When a mysteriously supernatural power is suddenly unleashed threatening their existence, they must explore and investigate their town to uncover hidden secrets, face the end of the world, and perhaps learn more about each other.

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PHOGS | PS4

Play as a duo of dogs linked by a stretchy belly in a captivating, puzzle-filled adventure. You’ll need to bark, bite and bounce your way through obstacles set across the themed worlds of Food, Sleep and Play. Supporting single-player and shared-controller gameplay, plus local and online co-op, Red and Blue are always ready to play!

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Biped | PS4, PS5

Biped is a co-op action-adventure game that emphasizes real-time collaboration between two players. Guide Aku and Sila, two charming bipedal robots, through intricate paths leading to planetary beacons. Using two sticks to control each robot’s legs, you can perform a variety of moves—from walking and sliding to operating machinery and cutting wood. Communicate and coordinate to overcome challenges together and discover how well you work as a team.

PlayStation Plus Premium

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Sly 2: Band of Thieves | PS4, PS5

Sly and the gang are back! Originally released in 2004 on PlayStation 2, Sly 2: Band of Thieves is now enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. They’re ready to pull off the biggest job of their lives, yet! Journey around the world and beat the Klaww Gang at their own game.

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Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves | PS4, PS5

Set one year after the events of Band of Thieves, and releasing on PS2 the following year, Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves brings the thieving gang back together for its greatest heist ever! Your favorite characters return as well as new playable specialists like Carmelita Fox and the Guru.

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Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy | PS4, PS5

Naughty Dog’s iconic duo started in 2001 with Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy on PlayStation 2. Here’s the deal: Daxter’s had a bit of an accident. He’s now much smaller, cuter, furrier and mouthier. In short, he’s now an Ottsel. When Daxter turns to best pal Jak for help – the daring double act sets off to find a cure, and winds up on an adventure packed with cool combat, radical vehicles and loads of cheeky humor. But fixing Daxter’s “problem” will be far from easy – especially with an army of baddies, evil masterminds and world-ending plots in the way…

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Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge | PS VR2

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge is a VR FPS experience where you step into the role of a Droid Repair Technician. After an emergency crash landing, you’ll embark on thrilling missions in the Batuu wilds, confront the Guavian Death Gang, infiltrate a First Order facility and journey through different eras of the galaxy. Become a Jedi in the Temple of Darkness, train with your padawan in The Sacred Garden, or even take on a bounty as assassin droid IG-88 in The Bounty of Boggs Triff… all in your own unforgettable Star Wars story.

*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. 

Since the launch of the original PlayStation console on December 3, 1994, PlayStation has redefined the gaming experience year after year, bringing three generations of lasting memories for players. To celebrate this milestone with our community, and look back at another momentous year for gaming, we’re launching PlayStation 2024 Wrap-Up today – featuring a retro PlayStation aesthetic and graphics that call back to PlayStation’s 30-year history.

From today through January 10, 2025, PS4 or PS5 players* can access their PlayStation 2024 Wrap-Up experience to view their gaming achievements, including most played games, a breakdown of monthly gaming stats, gaming style, and more.

New this year are personalized historical statistics, such as the total number of games a player has experienced since creating their account for PlayStation Network, as well as a look back at trophy milestones and personalized recommendations for games that are available on PlayStation Plus Game Catalog.

2024 Wrap-Up will continue to update through the end of 2024, so be sure to check back again before January 10 for your full-year summary. Players who complete the experience can redeem a unique 30th anniversary-inspired avatar and PlayStation Stars digital collectible, as well as a shareable Wrap-Up summary card. Check out my summary below:

Experience your PlayStation 2024 Wrap-Up today at wrapup.playstation.com and share your favorite PlayStation experiences in the comments section below.

*Users need to have an account for PlayStation Network in their region, be aged 18 years or over and, have played games on a PS4 or PS5 console for at least 10 hours between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

Users who have not consented to the collection of “Full Data” from their PlayStation 5 system settings in 2024, will be unable to participate in the Wrap-Up campaign.Users located in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australasia, India, and Russia, who have not consented to the collection of “Additional Data” from their PlayStation 4 system settings in 2024, will be unable to participate in the Wrap-Up campaign.

The year is ending on a high note with Beat Saber! The Metallica Music Pack is out now, and it’s our biggest and most challenging music pack to date, featuring 17 of the band’s biggest hits. This iconic metal band has been one of the most anticipated artists among our community, and we’re beyond excited for you to finally experience it. For the very first time, we’re launching a full music pack dedicated to the metal genre.

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We’ve got all the great hits – check out the full track list below:

• Atlas, Rise!
• Battery
• Blackened
• Creeping Death
• Enter Sandman
• Fade to Black
• For Whom the Bell Tolls
• Fuel
• Hit the Lights
• King Nothing
• Lux Æterna
• Master of Puppets
• Nothing Else Matters
• One
• Sad But True
• Seek & Destroy
• The Unforgiven

Which one will you try first?

The Beat Games team has outdone themselves again with this music pack. It’s a real challenge, bringing over an hour and 41 minutes of playtime across 17 songs that will keep you on your toes. The environment created for this music pack features new technology, where nearly every component can be moved and rotated to give mappers maximum control when creating unique light shows. 

Each pillar in the environment is made of a bent metal structure with supporting scaffoldings, and lasers and tiny light bulbs add more depth to the designs. Fire and lighting effects further elevate the visuals of the environment.

As usual, the challenging levels feature Arc and Chain notes and are available in multiplayer, so you can compete with your family, friends, or random opponents.

The Metallica Music Pack introduces a new gameplay feature: Variable Note Jump Speed. This means the speed of individual cubes coming at you in the beatmap will change depending on the intensity of the song. Going forward, we’ll be using Variable Note Jump Speed in our future beatmaps too.

In addition to this, we’re introducing a color override that lets you change the color of the cubes. This will be particularly useful for those who want to stick with their preferred colors or for players who might be colorblind.

Ready to shred? If so, you can get the full music pack now or grab the game + music pack bundle, discounted to $39.99 until January 31, 2025.

A lot is happening in Fortnite right now! If you’re in the mood to play shooters this holiday, we’ve got you covered. Relive the OG OG Battle Royale experience in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 Season 1. Become a Ronin to drive back the demons in Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters. Additionally, soon you’ll be able to prove your skill, precision, and teamwork in the new tactical 5v5 FPS, Fortnite Ballistic, launching December 11 into early access.

If you’re trying to keep up with the news, don’t worry — we’ll break everything down for you starting with the upcoming new mode.

Fortnite goes first-person with Ballistic

Ballistic brings a first-person, adrenaline-filled, round-based, 5v5 competitive mode to Fortnite.

Round up your squad because strategy, tactical teamwork, and prowess are essential for victory in this brand-new Fortnite experience.

All new gameplay

At the start of a Ballistic match, you’ll be sorted into one of two teams — attackers and defenders.

The attackers’ goal is to plant the Rift Point Device, a reality-tearing explosive that can be primed at one of two sites on the map. The defender’s goal is to.. defend! Do what it takes to thwart the attacker’s plan to plant and detonate the device.

Every bit of health matters in Ballistic. There are no respawns in this mode and the rounds come to a quick end if one of the following happens; The Rift Point Device detonates or a team is fully eliminated. After six rounds, the attackers become the defenders (and vice versa). Bring home the victory after winning seven total rounds with your team.

Light the fuse

Each player starts on a level playing field with 800 credits to spend and the Ranger Pistol weapon. Think strategy, how you choose to spend your Ballistic credits can determine your success in Ballistic. 

Rack up more credits by scoring eliminations or planting the Rift Point Device during your attacker rounds. At the beginning of each round, you can spend credits to unlock an arsenal of weapons such as Nemesis AR, Thunder Burst SMG, Reaper Sniper, and more to boost your chances of winning.  

You can hold two weapons, one being your primary weapon and the other being the Ranger Pistol. You’ll be able to keep your weapons, shields, and non-consumed items for the next round..if you survive. Just took out an enemy? Feel free to pick up their weapon to use in the next round, finders keepers.

While the Rift Point Device can secure your team’s victory, make sure you’re taking shelter at a fair distance away. The blast is unforgiving and being eliminated by it means you’ll lose any items and weapons you have. You have 45 seconds, after successfully arming the device, to take cover. 

Sharing is caring in Ballistic, assist your teammates by dropping your weapons and items at any time during rounds. Explosives more their style? You can also drop flashbangs and smoke grenades. If one teammate is making more bank on eliminations, they could drop you a weapon by spending their credits.

Fortnite Outfits, Kicks, Wraps, Sprays, and Emotes from your Locker are also available to equip. The cosmetics you can’t bring with you to the matches are Black Blings, Pickaxes, Contrails, Instruments, Vehicles, and Jam Tracks.

Gadgets supreme

With every start of a Ballistic match, you’ll choose one of five Flex Gadgets — the Proximity Mine, Bubble Shield, Frag Grenade, Recon Grenade, and Impulse Grenade. Choose wisely, once you lock in your gadget, you’ll be the only player on your team who can purchase and use that gadget during the match. If you use your Flex Gadgets correctly, you just might clutch a win. 

Early access and Fortnite Ballistic

Ballistic is launching with the Skyline 10 map, a starting set of weapons, and a limited number of items. After launch, adjustments may be made based on player feedback, in addition to major updates such as new maps, weapons, and features. 

At launch, Ballistic will be available on all platforms and regions where Fortnite is supported, with the exceptions of South Korea and Russia. 

Welcome back Fortnite OG – always on, every day

Relive the classic Battle Royale experience in Fortnite OG! Fortnite OG takes you back to day one of Season 1 and this time, it’s here to stay! Grab your squad, hop on the Battle Bus, and get ready to experience OG loot and locations from the original launch of Battle Royale in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 – Season 1.

Fortnite OG Chapter 1 features the initial Seasons of Battle Royale, faithful down to the feature additions and loot pool swaps. While Fortnite OG seasons are shorter than the current Battle Royale seasons, you can still drop into all the fun with Solos, Squads, and Zero Build at launch. 

Some of the rough edges from Chapter 1 have been preserved, while others have been polished. For example, you’ll find Reboot Vans and be able to see the glare from a sniper scope, but Max building resources are set to 999

Last but not least, the original map that launched in 2017 is making its grand return, with classic locations like Retail Row, Pleasant Park, Loot Lake, and more.

An era-defining armory

The loot pool available from over seven years ago will be accessible on day one of Fortnite OG, including the Pump Shotgun. Yes, the Double Pump playstyle is returning in Fortnite OG along with more items that will become unvaulted as the season progresses! Traps are returning with some key choices such as the Wall Dynamo, Ceiling Zapper, and Damage trap. 

Kick it old school with the Fortnite OG Pass

The Fortnite OG Pass is giving all the feels by featuring 45 tiers of modern twists on classic rewards. Earn the Aerial Assault Bomber, Skull Commander, and Renegade Rebel Outfits, which also include an unlockable alternate style for each and more nostalgic items in Season 1. You can either get the OG pass in-game or by becoming a Fortnite Crew member, which includes this pass and a ton of other benefits, like the Battle Pass, LEGO Pass, and Music Pass.

You can complete the Chapter 1 — Season 1 Fortnite OG Pass until January 31, 2025, at 2 AM ET by earning XP across any Fortnite experience.

Drive back the demons as a powerful Ronin in Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters

A beautiful new island shrouded in mystical energy and mystery appears, but lurking demons are using masks of power to unleash chaos across the Island. Rise to the challenge as a great hero to cast out ancient evils in Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters.  

Legends come to life

Cherry blossoms fall on the new Chapter 6 map — soil long-protected by spiritual forces and timeworn magic. It’s here you’ll make a name for yourself as a demon hunter.

Journey through ancient, modern, and supernatural scenery 

Demon’s Dojo

On the path to becoming a great Ronin, hone your combat skills at the legendary Demon’s Dojo, force the demon lord’s servants out from the grand sanctuary of Warrior’s Watch, or put your fortitude to the test on the mountain peak of Shogun’s Solitude, where powerful foes await your arrival.

Seaport City

If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of city life, the Seaport City offers a tightly packed commercial district. See which bun shop serves the best and freshest in the village of Canyon Crossing, or meet travelers like yourself as you move across the Shining Span.

Turtle Landmark

Travel further along lesser-known paths, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by sacred obelisks and hidden treasures within the overgrown Magic Mosses. Wander amongst the endless darkness of the Nightshift Forest, or pay tribute to The Great Turtle, who watches over the land.

Enchantments on medallions, blades & firearms

Enhance your mastery of vanquishing evil by claiming the Wanderer Medallion from the rampaging demon warrior Shogun X. This medallion aids your trials by giving you invisibility and stamina while sprinting. If you hunt down the relentless spirit Night Rose within her domain, you’ll earn the Night Rose Medallion for your efforts, which automatically reload your weapons. 

All traditional weapons that support your endeavors are of the hitscan variety, with damage immediately colliding with your enemies from weapons such as the Veiled Precision SMG, Oni Shotgun, and more. If blade work is more your style, wield the destructive Typhoon Blade and unleash a flurry of strikes against your enemies. 

To add more magic to your arsenal, seek out lesser demons around the island and defeat them to claim their masks of power! The Fire Oni Mask launches homing projectiles at your opponents and the stealthy Void Oni Mask lets you transport short distances to sneak around your foes. 

Make an offering to Sprites and gain powerful boons at Sprite Shrines

May fortune be on your side if you encounter charming Air, Water, and Earth Sprites roaming around the island, which grant you unique effects to increase your luck during battle. 

By guiding a Sprite to one of the island’s overlooked Sprite Shrines, you can gain a strong Fire, Water, Void, or Wind Boon that grants a unique power for the duration of the match. Boons can also drop from bosses and be found in Chests.

Ride in style

If you want to get enemies off your trail more quickly, then look no further with the modern, wheely-popping Rogue Bike. The sporty, high-performance Void Burn coupe also leaves them in the dust and adds to your road menace notoriety.

New traversal maneuvers

If you ever wanted to Ledge Jump, Wall Kick, Wall Scramble, or do a Roll Landing, these features are now a part of Fortnite’s core movement, available across Battle Royale, Reload, Fortnite OG, and creator-made islands. 

Conquer the darkness with the 鬼 Hunters Battle Pass

Unlock levels of premium rewards in the 鬼 Hunters Battle Pass when you spend 1,000 V-Bucks and earn XP across various Fortnite modes. By progressing the pass, you can earn up to 1,500 V-Bucks and also some formidable Outfits, including:

• Nyanja (ニャンジャ): Two-tailed trickster
• Jade: Discover the Island’s myths
• Kendo: A wandering rōnin with a restless spirit
• Daigo: Man of a thousand faces
• Shadow Blade Hope: See through the shadows
• Disney’s Hero Baymax: Ready to be your hero
• The Night Rose: A fearsome demon warrior, bound by ancient duty

The legends are true. Become a true Titan as Godzilla! The Godzilla Evolved Outfit will be available from Battle Pass Quests in January, which you can complete in any experience. This Battle Pass will be available to progress in until February 21. Join the fun in Fortnite OG Chapter 1 Season 1 and Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 1: 鬼 Hunters today. Fortnite Ballistic launches December 11 into early access. 

Explore the dark, twisted realm of Wraeclast when Path of Exile 2 Early Access launches today on PS5. With extensive endgame systems, customizable skill and build progression, new Ascendancies, and more – there’s lots to explore and uncover. Players have six character classes, each of whom has been cast aside for various reasons. 

A redefined combat system

Command legions of the dead from a distance, or wield a hammer, bow, or go full-on artillery. Six classes stand before you, each one a gateway to untold carnage:

• Monk: Swift and deadly, a blur of motion that leaves nothing but mangled bodies in its wake.
• Sorceress: A master of destruction, weaving spells that tear through enemies and scorch the earth itself.
• Warrior: A savage force, wielding deadly weapons with brutal efficiency, tearing foes apart with raw power.
• Ranger: Silent, swift, and deadly, a hunter in the shadows who strikes with lethal precision.
• Mercenary: Crossbow in hand, ready to bring ruin from afar, a relentless force of calculated destruction.
• Witch: A dark sorceress who commands the minions of the abyss, bending them to her will as they tear apart all in their path.

With the new Uncut Gems, your power knows no bounds. Unlock a vast array of skills, mixing and matching Support Gems that transform your abilities — making them faster, deadlier, and more destructive, depending on your playstyle. 

Epic boss fights

Every step leads you closer to unspeakable horrors. The Iron Count will test your resolve with a barrage of vicious attacks. And beware of Zicoatl, the Warden of the Core, whose snaking heads writhe with malice, ready to strike down anyone who dares challenge it. 

And if you think you’ve mastered it all, completing Act 1 through Act 3 will unlock Cruel Difficulty for the endgame which requires you to complete the campaign all over again. Expect a whole new level with more brutal challenges, but better rewards for those who can survive the carnage.

In-depth endgame systems

Seven distinct endgame systems await. Players can also access special passive trees which boost the reward of your maps and change how various mechanics work in the endgame. To become stronger, complete the Trials of Ascendancy. The Trial of Sekhemas will challenge your limits and grant unimaginable power that boosts character progression. The Trial of the Chaos God is another way of Ascending but requires a token from a strange entity. As you enter each room of the Trial, the stakes are high. The same also goes for the downsides as it becomes more perilous than the last. 

Co-op with a friend

You are not alone in this, though. Journey into the deadly continent of Wraeclast with a companion, or go in a group of six. 

Take the first steps into Path of Exile 2 Early Access on PS5 today and face the horrors that await.

Last week, we asked you to dive into Stellar Blade’s newly released photo mode to highlight the Nier: Automata DLC costumes using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

marka_game shares Eve in 2B’s classic outfit, and Adam’s themed bot at her shoulder.

sorathluna shares Lily, Eve, and Adam’s Nier themed costumes.

sirevanztheduke shares Eve wearing 2B’s outfit in combat

FrameCaptureVP shares Eve approaching Emil in the Wastelands.

crisg_art shares Eve striking a heart pose in 2B’s outfit

Valkyrion126 shares Eve strike a pose in the A2 YoRHa Type A No.2 outfit.

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: PlayStation 30th Anniversary

SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on December 11, 2024 

Next week, celebrate 30 years of PlayStation history! Share pics of your favorite PlayStation consoles, games, or collection through the years using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

It’s a special time of year in the GT calendar as we head to Amsterdam in the Netherlands for the World Finals of the Gran Turismo World Series 2024. After three rounds of spectacular racing in Montreal in July, Prague in August and Tokyo in September, the points at the top of the tables are tantalizingly close as the action returns to Theater Amsterdam, the scene of 2023’s World Series Showdown.

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As ever, the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup final is the warm-up event for World Finals weekend and takes place at 16:00 CET on Friday, December 7. Always competitive, the TGR GT Cup will feature a mix of established World Series stars, aiming to make a winning start to their weekends, with some newcomers to the international scene keen to establish themselves. The 24 racers from around the world race in two heats before a Grand Final decides the 2024 champion.

Team Lexus heads the points table in the Manufacturers Cup. But its talisman, Igor Fraga (BRA), winner of Round 1 in Montreal, will not be at the World Finals due to Super GT racing commitments in Japan. Harald Walsen from Chile deputises, but second-placed Team Porsche hopes to make up the four-point deficit while warding off Team BMW, just a further point adrift.

With a single driver having represented each team in Rounds 1-3, all three will join forces in Amsterdam and share the racing and team strategy duties. The Manufacturers Cup action can be seen live at 19:00 CET on Friday.

On Sunday, December 8 at 16:00 CET the Nations Cup takes centre stage. Frenchman Kylian Drumont’s flawless win in Tokyo propelled him to the top of the standings. He leads by a single point from a three-way tie for second made up of three former champions: Spain’s Jose Serrano; Montreal winner Takuma Miyazono of Japan; and the winner of Round 2 in Prague, Italy’s Valerio Gallo.

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All the action will play out in front of a live audience at Theater Amsterdam. If you can’t make it don’t miss out and watch the live streams:

Saturday, December 7

Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup – PST 07:00 | EST 10:00 | UTC 15:00 | local time CET 16:00 | JST 00:00 (Sun) 

Manufacturers Cup – PST 10:00 | EST 13:00 | UTC 18:00 | local time CEST 19:00 | JST 13:00 (Sun)

Sunday, December 8

Nations Cup – PST 07:00 | EST 10:00 | UTC 15:00 | local time CET 16:00 | JST 00:00 (Mon)

Head to the World Finals special page for more information and watch all the action at https://www.gran-turismo.com/world/live/.

Race like the best in Gran Turismo 7

There are plenty of ways to get involved in the World Series in Gran Turismo 7. By clicking on the Predict the Winners campaign banner on the GT7 World Map, players can receive one million credits for each of the TGR GT Cup, Nations Cup, and the Manufacturers Cup with votes cast right up to the start of the final race of each.* 

Simply watching the broadcast in-game also unlocks some special gifts in GT7 through the Viewers Gift campaign. 

Players can also take part in two special challenges in Gran Turismo 7 that reflect car and track combinations on show at the World Finals: Red Bull X2019 on Nürburgring 24h and Gr.3 on Spa-Francorchamps.

*Entry limit to one per account for PlayStationNetwork. Once an entry has been submitted it cannot be withdrawn or changes. See https://www.gran-turismo.com/us/gt7/events/gtws2024/campaign/ for more information.

My name is Jenny, and I’m the Communications Director for Ivy Road, the indie studio currently developing Wanderstop. Our team is proud to announce that Wanderstop will be released on PlayStation 5 on March 11, 2025. We are eager for the chance for players to step into Alta’s shoes and contribute to PlayStation’s tradition of representing impactful, emotional storytelling in games.  

A Mysterious Tea Shop

In Wanderstop, you’ll play as a former tournament fighter named Alta who has to put her troubled past aside to tend a charming shop and brew tea for its various customers. One would anticipate that after a lifetime of dedication, determination, and constant competition, Alta would welcome the opportunity to slow down. But Alta isn’t quite like everyone else, and this golden opportunity for rest is something she wishes she could escape. Instead of fighting, Alta must spend time growing and harvesting the ingredients needed for tea and mixing them in an unusual tea-making contraption, speaking with the many travelers who pass through the shop, learning their stories, and making tea to match their unique requests. 

In your downtime, you might tidy up around the clearing, decorate the shop in your style, or just sit on a bench with a cup of tea and listen to your own thoughts. Maybe doing nothing at all is okay. The shop demands patience and rejects those who have come only in the pursuit of growth unchecked. 

Inspired by Personal Experience

Creative Director Davey Wreden’s experience with burnout initially inspired the concept of Wanderstop, and as the team and project grew, each member brought their perspectives to the table. We also drew from the groundwork of many narrative and cozy games that have also explored challenging topics.

In our release date announcement video, we had the opportunity to share a bit of Davey’s journey. Years ago, he wrote and directed two games – The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide – and after finishing those games, he felt incredibly burnt out. In the hopes of bringing some balance to his life, and to inspire a healthier work/life balance, he started to explore making a cozy game. As he progressed, he discovered that playing cozy games can provide lots of relaxation – making them still contain the stresses and challenges that all game development holds.

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After collaborating with other members of the team, like co-founder and writer, Karla Zimonja, art director Temi Olujobi, and lead designer, Steve Margolin, the game’s central themes and questions evolved. Rather than simply creating a cozy experience, there was a tension that they began to explore. What happens when you have a protagonist who isn’t excited about or willing to engage with a cozy world? The coziness, rather than simply being the solution to her inner turmoil, became a point of contention for our protagonist, Alta, and it also became an interesting design element for us as a team.

We looked towards many of the games already out that’ve explored these intersections of burnout, grief, fatigue, and healing, as well as previous research articles on topics like player motivation and the work on coziness from Project Horseshoe. Our hope was to continue expanding on the ways that these types of games provide spaces for players to reflect and address potentially challenging issues.

Let Your Mind Wander

In Wanderstop, there are ample activities a player can do to pass the time. Let your interests guide you to the tasks that bring you the most fulfillment. Players who enjoy decorating can take their time arranging plants in the garden and around the shop, petting adorable pluffins, and finding trinkets scattered about the glade. Periodically, visitors will arrive, providing an opportunity for conversation. Talk with them, see what’s on their minds, and perhaps take on a request to brew their favorite tea. Need a moment to yourself? Create your own cuppa, find a spot to sit, and take in the sights and sounds of the clearing. The music – composed by C418 — shifts dynamically based on your actions in-game and provides a relaxing soundtrack to reflect on.

These verbs of Wanderstop – brew, decorate, talk, sit, drink tea – all support our goal for you: that you find your own sense of meaning and connection to this world and Alta’s journey when it comes to PS5 March 11, 2025.