Category: PlayStation

Attention, Helldivers!

Helldivers 2 x Killzone is back and this time, it’s back for good! It seems fitting that a year after their initial launch, we bring back this iconic content but now in a new and improved format and pricing – yes, we totally heard you all! 

Along with our partners at Guerrilla, we’re pleased to announce Helldivers 2 x Killzone is now officially a Legendary Warbond*, costing 1500 Super Credits. We couldn’t just add the same stuff as before and leave it, where is the fun in that(?!), so we’ve even added some extra content to round out the package.

Not only is the content returning with extra items, but we want to continue to do right by everyone who purchased Super Store content from last year, therefore a whole load of people will be able to unlock this Legendary Warbond at no extra cost. Check out if you’re eligible below.

Who gets what and how does it work: 

• Players who have previously purchased any (even one) of the Killzone items, will have the whole Helldivers 2 x Killzone Legendary Warbond unlocked at no extra cost! Additionally, there is no medal vacuum here! The items previously purchased (and those which were gifted last December) will be medal unlocked. So no need to spend medals on the items you already own!
• Players who received the gifted items in December 2024 but didn’t pay for any single item, will have to pay the 1500 Super Credits to unlock the full Legendary Warbond. 
• Not to worry, if you do pay for the Warbond; the gifted items will also be medal unlocked.
• Players joining after the Helldivers 2 x Killzone items left the store in December 2024 can access the Warbond by unlocking it for 1500 SC, and then enjoy redeeming medals on their favorite items just as usual.

Let’s recap all the items included and dig into those new items as well.

Weapons and stratagems

Arm yourself with some of the best weapons Stål has to offer.

Beginning with the StA-52 Assault rifle the pride of the Stål armory, providing you with the strength to decimate your foes. It boasts a high-capacity drum mag, great for providing sustained fire.

StA-11 SMG with a helical-feed magazine, which provides a higher ammo capacity whilst making it more front heavy. This close-range weapon is the nightmare of the enemies of freedom.

PLAS-39 Accelerator rifle, a high precision burst-fire rifle that will banish your foes after a short charging period.

Armors and capes

AC-1 Dutiful/ The Strength in Our Arms cape

This heavy armor boasts a breathing apparatus built in to help both soldiers and colonists thrive, even when assigned to planets with atmospheres rated “suboptimal”, “extreme”, and “character building”.

AC-2 Obedient/ Defender of Our Dream cape

The muted colors and relaxed, high mobility fit make this light armor a favorite among long-distance snipers and hide-and-seek champions alike.

Acclimated passive

The passive of these armors provides 50% resistance to fire, gas, acid, and electrical damage.

The Defender of Our Dream and Strength in Our Arms player cards are also returning along with the Assault infantry player title.

New patterns

The latest additions to round out this Warbond are the Extrasolar Ash patterns for your Exosuits, FRV, Hellpods and Pelicans.

So start saving your Super Credits for December 18 at 7am PT / 2pm GMT / 3pm CET when Helldivers 2 x Killzone Legendary Warbond will be available for purchase from wherever you enjoy our game! 

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

Please note you will not be able to claim the Helldivers 2 x Killzone Legendary Warbond with a Premium Warbond token.

This is Lindsey, game director at Timberline Studio. Today, I’d like to tell you more about how the concept of flavor is integral to how we built our cooking and gameplay systems in Beastro, our upcoming crunchy-cozy deck builder, coming to PS5 in Spring 2026.

We know that’s a lot to unpack up there, so let’s get into it.

Flavor as biomes

In the world of Beastro, our regions are broken up by flavor types: bitter, salty, sour, sweet, and umami. Each of these flavors has its own culture, creatures, and color palettes. And depending on where a character hails from, it will define their palate and what they want their food to taste like!

Over the course of our four chapters, you’ll venture into these various flavor biomes to fight off the monsters that have invaded from another realm. It’s up to you to fight them off and protect the flavor spirits in these lands.

You’ll first find yourself in The Marshlands, the nearest region of the Umami Wilds. The Umami lands, and its denizens are signified by their depth of life and heartier ingredients. Mushrooms are the foundation of this region and the mossy, mishmash of land they thrive in. This biome is full of deep greens and browns. We wanted it to feel dense, enveloping, and comforting at the same time. I often think of Umami as a big bowl of stew, and we seek to hit that energy in the characters and environment.

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Our heroes, the Caretakers

Word spreads quickly that ravenous monsters have arrived and that they are wreaking havoc on the flavor wilds. Heroes from the flavor factions, the Caretakers, are sent to protect everyone and quell the tide of the invasion; however, none of them are capable of battling on an empty stomach.

Soon, these Caretakers arrive in our quaint little town of Palo Pori in search of a meal, but they get more than a full stomach. The food our chef, Panko, prepares with the help of the fire god, Flambé, unlocks the power of the flavor spirits from within the ingredients, granting magical abilities to the Caretakers, allowing them to engage in unique card battles with the monsters.

Each Caretaker has their own motivation that’s driving them to defeat the monsters. As champions for their people, they all seek to leave their mark on the world and show they can save the world on their own.  

The Umamis seek to bring everyone together, particularly the friendly creatures in the wilds who lack the skills to fight off the monsters. Oyshi, our Umami Caretaker, is always happy to offer a safe home to a small creature in need.

And our third playable Caretaker, Kalan, hails from the land of Bitter. The Bitters are known as the protectors of this world, entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the survival of all flavors… and they take this responsibility very seriously.

Kalan is very single-minded, looking to reinforce the Bitter’s role as the protectors. Kalan has less stamina than the other Caretakers, but his palate leads him toward the healing properties of many Bitter ingredients. It’s important to eat your leafy greens. Because of their devotion to a flavor many others would choose to avoid, they feel they’re just a little bit better than everyone else, and Kalan’s more than willing to remind you of that. They prefer their coffee black, as why would you ruin a lovely bitter thing with another flavor?

Unlocking the magic of flavor

While the first Caretaker may have arrived due to hunger, Oyshi soon helps recruit the others to Palo Pori to unlock flavor magic of their own. As the chef, it’s up to you to balance their desired flavors and the magic you think they’ll need to be successful in the wilds.

Palo Pori and the restaurant in Beastro are built around a concept of: from town to table. Many of the ingredients you use are grown, gathered, or fished out of the sea to cook up the meals for the Caretakers. As you sauté, chop, boil, roast, and assemble your meals through the various mini games, you’ll find yourself developing a nice flavor profile for your caretaker as you balance and enhance the flavors of your meal.

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This is all done through “mise en place,” where you place your ingredients and determine how to create the best well-rounded meal for your visitor and one that unlocks the magic and effects they’ll need to defeat the monsters, because not only does each ingredient have a flavor, it has a power level… and many of them have effects too!

You’ll have to discover, learn, and experiment with how different ingredients combine to unlock new powers that will make each caretaker stronger and allow them to battle more ferocious foes with every round.

We can’t wait to tell you more about our game, but for now, we’ll leave you with a new Gameplay Trailer that shares a bit more about the mechanics we mentioned above.

Time for me to get a snack! Thanks for taking the time to learn about Beastro!

Each year brings unforgettable memories for our PlayStation community across the globe, and 2025 was no different with the launch of memorable games like Ghost of Yōtei, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Blue Prince, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. To reflect on another momentous year in gaming, we’re launching PlayStation 2025 Wrap-Up starting today.

From today through January 8, 2026, PS5 and PS4 players can access their PlayStation 2025 Wrap-Up experience* to view their gaming achievements for the year, including most played games and genres, total hours played across single-player and multiplayer titles, a personalized PlayStation Plus playlist, and trophy milestones. There’s also insights around gameplay with accessories like PlayStation VR2, PlayStation Portal remote player, as well as your most used DualSense wireless controller design.

The 2025 Wrap-Up experience will continue to update through the end of the year, so be sure to check back again before January 8 for your full 2025 summary. Players who complete the experience can redeem a unique glass-themed avatar as well as access their summary card – check out my 2025 summary below:

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Explore your PlayStation 2025 Wrap-Up at https://wrapup.playstation.com – and share your favorite gaming moments from 2025 in the comments below.

*Users need to have a PlayStation account in their region, be of adult age or over and, have played games on a PS4 or PS5 console for at least 10 hours between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.

Users who have not consented to the collection of “Full Data” from their PlayStation 5 system settings in 2025, 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 2025, will be unable to participate in the Wrap-Up campaign.

Two iconic franchises have come together to combine the authenticity and realism of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with the exciting, mysterious world of Stranger Things.

An adrenaline-packed journey into the universe of the cult series awaits fans and simmers alike, led by Murray Bauman, from the original cast, and his team! Enter the world of Netflix’s Stranger Things to help Hawkins, a town under lockdown, heavy patrols, and supernatural threats. 

Think you have what it takes to fly a Bell UH-1H Huey and help the residents of Hawkins in their latest encounters with the dangers that destroyed their hometown? Try your hand at five exhilarating missions, shady supply ops, close-call chases, and high-stakes rescues… all of it pulling you deeper into the city’s worst fears. No spoilers, but “Yeah, it gets intense!” as Murray would say.

And, if you’re ready to visit Hawkins, Indiana, even after the credits roll on the crew’s last strange adventure, you will be able to explore a highly detailed map and re-creation of the town with more than 40 iconic locations made famous by the show.

Starcourt Mall

Hawkins Middle School

Hawkins National Laboratory

Hawkins Junkyard

The legacy of Hawkins will live on, long past the airing of the final episode. Come see for yourself in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Stranger Things expansion available December 9 and watch Stranger Things Season 5 only on Netflix.

The sky is calling!

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here

Hey, y’all! Sid, Tim, Brett, and Kristen are back this week after the Thanksgiving holiday, and diving right into Arc Raiders and Ghost of Yōtei NG+.

Stuff We Talked About

• Next week’s releases:
  • Skate Story| PS5
  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | PS5
  • Terminator 2D: No Fate | PS5
• PS Blog 2025 Game of the Year Polls — The polls are now open! Make your voice heard by casting your vote in 19 categories before Monday, December 8
• DualSense Wireless Controller – Genshin Impact Limited Edition – Pre-orders begin December 11, with launch starting from January 2026.
• What we’ve been playing:
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
  • Ghost of Yōtei New Game+
  • Ball x Pit
  • Arc Raiders
  • System Shock remake

The Cast

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Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE

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Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE

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Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE

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Kristen Zitani –  Globlal Content Content Communications Manager, 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.]

Last week, we asked you to share snow-filled views from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here’s this week’s snowy highlights:

SheikhSadi80 shares Atsu riding out to a shrine on a snowy hill in Ghost of Yōtei

rorottino shares Sam snowboarding on a carrier in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.

RhodWulfLeon shares Kratos on the ice with a wolf in God of War Ragnarök.

secondcapture shares a student riding a Hippogriff over snowy grounds in Hogwarts Legacy.

treeblazah shares Aloy overlooking a snowy vista in Horizon Forbidden West.

discophotomode shares a glamorous snow-themed outfit from Infinity Nikki.

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: Zoomed Out
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on December 10, 2025 

Next week, zoom all the way out and share panoramic shots using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Hi, this is Emeric Thoa, creative director at The Game Bakers, and I’m joined by Art Director and Writer Mathieu Bablet. Today, we’d like to tell you a bit about the story of Cairn and its main character, Aava.

So far, we’ve been highlighting the ultra-realistic climbing simulation in Cairn — a completely new climbing system that’s easy to pick up but creates surprising tension when you venture onto the walls of Kami, the mountain no one has ever reached the summit of.

But Cairn is more than just a climbing game. As you climb Kami, you’ll also have to survive in the mountain — finding food, water, and places to rest. It’s also a human adventure: the story of a determined alpinist, and perhaps more than that — a reflection on mountaineering itself, on what drives people to push themselves beyond their limits to climb mountains.

Cairn tells the story of Aava, an experienced mountaineer determined to do the impossible: reach the summit of Kami, alone.

Emeric: How would you describe Aava — her personality, her motivations?

Mathieu: Aava is a climber with a mind of steel, forged through years of climbing that have demanded a lot from her as she kept breaking records. She’s demanding, perfectionist, and can’t stand failure. And when she conquers a difficult route, when she pauses for a moment on a ledge with a breathtaking view, she feels free. It’s for moments like these that she climbs — that’s her main drive.

Emeric: What I love about Aava is feeling her determination — even though it sometimes makes her a bit tough. Was it intentional to make her somewhat solitary?

Mathieu: After watching a lot of documentaries about climbers and mountaineers, one clear pattern emerged: this discipline, as liberating as it is, comes with its share of sacrifices and trade-offs. You have to harden your body, harden your mind, and sometimes set your emotions aside. Such individual feats often leave marks on the people around these athletes.

Emeric: That said, not all climbers are the same. In Cairn, Aava crosses paths with a certain Marco — who is he?

Mathieu: Marco is also a climber, younger than Aava. In fact, he’s a bit like Aava before she became the accomplished mountaineer she is in the game. He’s carefree, someone who climbs purely for the joy of it, not for the pride of reaching the top. Through him, Aava rediscovers a bit of the simple pleasure of climbing.

Emeric: And there are other characters and encounters Aava will have along her ascent?

Mathieu: Cairn is a true adventure game, with an emotional and meaningful story. Even though it’s a solo ascent, Aava will meet people on the mountain and reveal more of her personal story. This happens through exchanges with those she’s left behind — Naomi, who regularly checks in on her, and her agent Chris, who’s constantly chasing after her! But also through encounters with other climbers on the mountain — those alive like Marco, and those who never made it back down. And then there’s the troglodyte civilization, or what remains of it — incredible climbers and rock carvers who lived in seclusion high in the mountains. Cairn is the story of Aava and her passion for the mountains, told through these encounters and places to discover — showing what drives humans to go beyond their limits to reach new heights.

Emeric: We could have made Cairn just a climbing simulation, but for the whole Game Bakers team it was important to go further — to tell a story that moves us. Mathieu, for you, what’s the most important part of this story?

Mathieu: For me, Cairn is about Aava’s obsession — a kind of relentless drive that keeps her from thinking about anything but the ascent of Kami. That feeling of determination is what I want players to experience throughout the game, along with all the consequences that come with such a quest for the absolute.

Emeric: That’s also what made me want to create a game like Cairn. I was fascinated by that very tangible sense of determination you find in mountaineering stories (like in Taniguchi’s manga The Summit of the Gods). It made me wonder — what would I be willing to give everything for? What’s my summit? And what’s yours?

Get ready for the climbing thrill when Cairn hits PS5 on January 29!

The gods created man, and man created stories.

In the beginning there was Romancing SaGa, the first entry in a classic 16-bit RPG trilogy. The beloved adventure was later remade on PS2, titled Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song-. On December 9, Red Art Games will release an enhanced version of the PS2 game on PS5 and PS4, titled Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered International.

This new International version is the most comprehensive, featuring new characters, tougher challenges, as well as numerous QoL improvements including French, Italian, German and Spanish localization, the ability to switch between English and Japanese voices and more, making it perfect for longtime fans and first-time SaGa players.

Before we head back into the world of Mardias, I was honored to have the opportunity to interview Akitoshi Kawazu, the original creator of the SaGa series and both producer and director of the 2005 version. Kawazu-san was kind enough to answer a few questions we had about the game, the SaGa series’ grand 36-year history, and his personal thoughts in the process.

Could you tell us how the idea of the first Romancing SaGa title came into being? 

I had always wanted to make a grand fantasy RPG in the style of The Lord of the Rings. With our previous experience and the new hardware available, I knew that now was the time to take on that challenge.

And then came Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song-. What were the challenges associated with the development of the 2005 version for PlayStation 2 ?

The biggest challenge was figuring out the limits to which we could push the PS2’s expression capabilities. New team members wanted different expressions than those found in the original version, but if we strayed too far it wouldn’t be faithful to the original. Development was all about striking a balance.

In the PS2 version, the original 2D pixel art was completely remade into a full 3D game. In terms of battles, new systems such as BP management and combos were introduced, adding greater strategy and drama to each encounter. The music, composed by Kenji Ito, was also boldly rearranged, giving players a fresh and powerful listening experience even if they were familiar with the original. In addition, features such as the class system and proficiencies were added, reflecting the trends of the time and making the game more accessible and comfortable to play.

It must be something special to see the game brought back to life in the PS5 version. What was it like to be in the room when Square Enix was discussing remastering the game? What was at the forefront of your minds then?

Another full remake would be required to fully use the capabilities of the PS5, and that wasn’t the goal of this project. That said, we knew that we didn’t want to waste the potential of its high specs, so we tried various approaches to see what was possible. We also discussed what kinds of additional elements we wanted to include.

In the remastered version, several new elements and improvements have been introduced to further enhance the player experience. New playable characters have been added, along with high-difficulty bosses designed to challenge even veteran players. A newly written scenario by Akitoshi Kawazu expands the story and world of the original, while Kenji Ito’s music has been boldly rearranged, offering a fresh and dynamic listening experience. In addition, various quality-of-life features—such as improved UI, a battle speed-up option, and post-clear data carryover—make the game more accessible and enjoyable for both new and returning players.

Romancing SaGa has a long history. Over 30 years and counting! What makes the game such a reference in the JRPG genre that it even now remains so fun to revisit?

I think it’s because we highly prioritized giving the player a large degree of freedom. Games are enjoyable because they operate under a certain set of rules, but those rules aren’t fun if they’re there only to suit the designers’ whims. A big part of the game’s appeal is in getting the player to remember their playing experience long after they’ve finished.

How does Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered International’s story differ from the original Romancing SaGa’s?

The basic premise and story flow remain the same, but we added multiple elements reminiscent of short fantasy stories so that players would be able to enjoy the world’s lore a little more.

In this remastered version, numerous new events have been added that were not present in the original 1992 release. New storylines include the introduction of the Volunteer Brigade, which guides players through basic game systems and progression, as well as additional episodes that further develop certain characters — such as Marina and Flammar, who are now playable. There are also special events that can only be experienced on a second playthrough or later, offering players more depth and replay value.

Among the many protagonists of Minstrel Song, who’s your favorite? Can you explain why?

I think the most protagonist-like of them all is Albert, a young man battered about by the whims of fate.

One of the most striking elements of this title is its artistic direction by Tomomi Kobayashi. Could you tell us why you chose to feature her art in the game?

We went with Tomomi Kobayashi because her use of delicate lines and bright colors inspire the player to use their imagination. I would go so far to say as the development team—myself included—were even more stimulated than the players. The reason the characters come to life can be directly linked back to Kobayashi-san’s designs.

Regarding the “Minstrel” mentioned in the title. In the Romancing SaGa series, a Bard always appears in each installment. What would you say is the role of the Minstrel?

The minstrel is there to provide an objective view of the world. While he does empathize with the protagonists, he is someone who loves everything about the world, including the fiends that reside there. I don’t like it when a story overemphasizes the protagonists’ emotions to the exclusion of other aspects of the world, so I make a concerted effort to include characters who are able to provide a more universal outlook.

Regarding the music in this title — the remaster seems to have further enhanced its presence, elevating the overall gameplay experience. In the PlayStation 2 version of Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song-, many tracks were boldly rearranged from the original Romancing SaGa, and new compositions were also created. Could you share any particular stories or memories about the process of arranging or composing these new pieces?

We rearranged the music in order to take better advantage of the PS2’s breadth of sound and music capabilities. Kenji Ito, who composed the original, did a lot of work on the overall project, with his fresh arrangements and new songs often bringing our sound engineers to tears.

For a long time, the Romancing SaGa series has mainly been developed with Japanese players in mind. How do you feel about Red Art Games’ overseas release of Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered International, which now includes additional localizations in four European languages?

My decisions at the time meant that the original didn’t make it overseas for a very long time. I am incredibly pleased that this work can now be enjoyed in the land where the fantasy genre got its origins in the  languages of the people who live there.

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How would you like to see the SaGa series develop in the future? Are there any new directions or challenges you would like to explore?

I would like to continue bringing fantasy RPGs with a modern flair to audiences, including by remaking previous titles.

Thank you so much for your time, Mr. Kawazu!

And thank you, dear reader, for coming this far! The game will be available December 9 on PlayStation Store for PS4 and PS5.