Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 488: Wacky Tacos

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here


Hey y’all! This week the team is delighted to discuss Astro Bot gameplay coming out of SGF. Plus, the team gets into a listener letter and closes out the show with some Elden Ring talk.

Stuff We Talked About

  • The First Descendant Gameplay Blog
  • Concord Beta Early Access Blog
  • PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for July: Borderlands 3, NHL 24, Among Us
  • Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Blog
  • Astro Bot gameplay discussion
  • Listener letter
  • Balatro | PS5, PS4
  • Elden Ring | PS5, PS4

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: Summer

Last week, we asked you to soak up the gaming sun and share gaming moments inspired by summer using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

supersaturnn shares Astro wading in the pool with Kratos and Atreus in Astro’s Playroom

wingsforsmiles shares the beach and boardwalk rollercoaster from Cyberpunk 2077

CaGamer_07 shares Ichiban Kasuga swimming with a dolphin in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

NemesisNat shares a woman surfing near a vintage van in GTA Online

Diesmo16 shares Aloy sitting and smiling on a beach in Horizon Forbidden West

clerence_1993 shares Tifa, Aerith, and Cloud in swimsuits on the beach in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

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: Fireworks
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on July 3, 2024

Next week, we’re watching the gaming skies for bursts of color. Share in-game fireworks, sparks, or laser lights using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Zenless Zone Zero debuts on PS5 July 4– details on combat, new area and characters unveiled

Hello, Proxies! Greetings from the Zenless Zone Zero dev team. I’m Zhenyu Li, the producer of Zenless Zone Zero. After four years of development, three rounds of closed beta tests, and countless improvements, I’m thrilled that Zenless Zone Zero is officially launching July 4 on PS5! Hereby, I would like to share the most up-to-date game content with you in this blog post.

Alluring narrative with distinctive characters

Zenless Zone Zero is a new urban fantasy ARPG by Hoyoverse, in which a calamity called Hollows – an abnormal spherical dimension that appears out of thin air and swallows everything it touches – destroys modern society. New Eridu, the last remaining metropolis, has risen against the odds amidst this destructive catastrophe and become the remnant of contemporary civilization. In the game, players assume the role of Proxy, accompanied by unique characters to explore Hollows, combat enemies, complete commissions, and reveal the mysteries behind New Eridu.

Despite the post-apocalyptic setting, the world of Zenless Zone Zero is filled with fascinating stories and dynamic characters. After encountering the odd-job agency Cunning Hares and the remarkable industrial group Belobog Heavy Industries in early chapters, you can unlock the Chapter 2 Interlude and Chapter 3 of the main story, in which Officer Zhu Yuan makes her official debut and members from Victoria Housekeeping disclose their true colors.

On top of that, new characters Lucy and Piper from a faction in the outer ring of New Eridu known as Sons of Calydon are also prepared to join you in exploring the menacing Hollows as playable agents. Moreover, numerous newly designed Bangboos are under your command as companions with unique abilities in battle.

The bustling cityscape of New Eridu

In previous playtests, you may have seen Sixth Street, which is actually only a small part of New Eridu. In the global launch version, Lumina Square, the buzzing commercial district of New Eridu is ready for Proxies’ exploration. Strolling around the city, you will find adorable Bangboos in need of rescue, cargo trucks hidden in corners with various rewards and surprises awaiting.

As the adventure commences, the legendary Proxy named Phaethon has also expanded the video store Random Play’s second floor where you can rest in bed, play music, or customize the photo walls to transcribe precious memories along the journey. 

Dynamic combat system

Catering to both new and veteran players of the action genre, Zenless Zone Zero strikes a balance between accessibility and complexity. The consolidation of combat mechanics including Chain Attacks, Perfect Assist, switching characters, etc., offers players an opportunity to unleash their creativity and immerse themselves in the fast-paced combat.

To satisfy players’ various preferences, newly implemented Combat Commissions allow combat-focused Proxies to dive in and start the battle right away. Meanwhile, avid action players can keep reinforcing their battle skills in combat challenges such as Hollow Zero and Shiyu Defense – find the Scott Outpost which overlooks the most massive and impactive Hollow existing in New Eridu to access them.

To celebrate the accomplishment of 40 million global sign-ups and to embrace the official launch of the game, we have prepared bountiful in-game rewards including up to 1600 Polychromes, 90 Master Tapes, 20 Encrypted Master Tapes, and 85 Boopons for global players. You can obtain all the rewards by advancing the in-game progress, participating in global launch activities, and experiencing numerous time-limited in-game events including Friendship Supervision and Watch Your Step.

Once again, as the launch date approaches, we want to express our sincere gratitude to all the players who’ve shown tremendous support and interest in Zenless Zone Zero. We can’t achieve any of this without you. Our joint journey begins when Zenless Zone Zero launches July 4 on PS5. Please stay tuned for more exciting details and stories we have conscientiously prepared for Proxies around the world. See you soon in New Eridu!

(For Southeast Asia) Concord Beta dates announced, Beta Early Access launching July 13

From the very first gameplay prototypes to getting the game ready before launch in August, playtesting Concord every day has been a defining aspect of development and core to our culture at Firewalk and our mission of delivering great-feeling multiplayer. There’s simply no substitute for getting your hands on a controller or mouse and keyboard, squadding up as a team, and experiencing the game for yourself.

That’s why we’re excited to share that your first chance to play Concord during our upcoming beta is just a couple of short weeks away! Here’s everything you need to know:

Concord Beta Early Access dates for Southeast Asia (July 13 – 15) and Open Beta (July 19 – 22)

In Southeast Asia, the Concord Beta will kick off with an Early Access weekend on PS5 and PC* from Saturday, July 13 through Monday, July 15. For those that pre-order, this early access weekend will be your opportunity to be among the first to play Concord—and you’ll get to bring your own crew. Those that pre-order any digital versions of Concord will get five codes for Concord Beta Early Access: one for you and four of your friends.

Following the Early Access weekend, the Concord Open Beta in Southeast Asia will be available to all players on PS5 and PC beginning on Friday, July 19 through Monday, July 22.

No matter what platform you play on, the Concord Beta Early Access and Open Beta will allow you to team up with friends on either PS5 or PC through optional cross-play support.


(For Southeast Asia) Concord Beta dates announced, Beta Early Access launching July 13

Play the full 16 Freegunner roster

You won’t have to wait until launch to find your favorite Freegunner(s). During the Concord beta weekends, you’ll be able to play as all 16 of the Freegunners that will be available at launch. Whether you like to run and gun, lock down an area, lay down fire from afar, or back up your team, there are Freegunners for players of a wide range of playstyles and skill levels.

From familiar faces like Haymar, Vale, Lennox, 1-0FF, and Star Child from the reveal trailer to other members of the Northstar crew, like It-Z, Teo, Bazz, and more, you’ll get to experiment and learn how each character brings distinct strategic abilities, traversal and gunplay feel, and, most of all, your own personality to the battlefield.

Explore (and Battle Across) Multiple Planets and Modes

Throughout both Concord Beta weekends, you’ll be able to visit and battle across multiple worlds and maps in the Concord Galaxy.

During the Concord Beta Early Access weekend, you’ll have a chance to play on four maps:·  Freewater: Set in a fortified outpost on the sun-scorched planet of Glance, Freewater features intersecting perimeter lanes and a large central courtyard in the middle of the map that serves as a prime convergence point and inspires intense combat engagements. 

Water Hazard: On the stormy water-covered planet of Leviathan, a massive, armored eel, known as a Morack, has been caught and is being harvested on a large floating fishing rig. Players will fight across the platform and within the jaws of the Morack in a primary harvesting site.

Star Chamber: Located atop the tallest mountain on the planet Gloom sits an ancient observatory with narrow corridors and a meteorite at the center, which creates great opportunities for team fights and one-on-one battles.

Shock Risk: Located beneath a massive conductive kite in the sky that harvests lightning on the planet Leviathan, Shock Risk features multiple unique arenas for battling with rival crews with pathways that converge on a large center tower.

During the Open Beta weekend, a new world and fifth map will be introduced: Bone Mines on the planet Akkar.

Bone Mines: The remains of massive vastadons on the tropical planet Akkar have become the site of a lucrative Guild mining operation, where you will fight through the excavated bones and mining caverns in a mix of close-quarters and mid-range combat.

The Concord Beta will also have multiple modes to fit your mood, whether it’s to jump in for a quick match after work or to team up with friends for more coordinated and competitive play.

The Concord Early Access Beta weekend will launch with three modes:

Trophy Hunt: A respawn-based mode where you fight to take down members of the rival crew and collect their bounty cards to earn points for your team. The first team to reach the target score before time runs out wins the match.

Cargo Run: A no-respawn mode where teams compete to retrieve the Blue Buddy robotic package delivery system, plant it at one of the zones, and defend it from the rival crew to win.

Clash Point: A round-based, no-respawn game mode where teams compete to control a single capture zone at a central location on the map.

Then, during the Open Beta weekend, you’ll be able to try out a new mode: Area Control.

Area Control: A respawn mode where teams compete to control multiple capture and control zones around the map. Control two or more zones to increase your team’s score and reach the point threshold to win.

Witness the beginning of the Northstar Crew’s Story

Alongside familiarizing yourself with the Northstar crew through gameplay, you’ll also be able to see the beginning of their story. When you play the beta, you’ll be welcomed with the very first of our cinematic vignettes—brief cinematics that, when Concord launches, will premiere every week in game. When the Beta Early Access launches and then when the Open Beta starts, we’ll introduce new cinematic vignettes in-game to give you a small glimpse into how the Northstar crew’s stories will unfold each week.


We can’t wait to see you all in-game during the Concord Beta to experience just some of the content that will be available when the game launches on August 24 (Asia time zone) and will grow over time through post-launch updates at no additional cost.

Be sure to stay tuned for more information about the beta, including pre-load and server availability timing, PC specs, and more, by following Concord on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as by joining the community in the Official Concord Discord.

*Account for PlayStation™Network and internet connection required. Beta terms and conditions apply.

Concord Beta dates announced, Beta Early Access launching July 12

From the very first gameplay prototypes to getting the game ready before launch in August, playtesting Concord every day has been a defining aspect of development and core to our culture at Firewalk and our mission of delivering great-feeling multiplayer. There’s simply no substitute for getting your hands on a controller or mouse and keyboard, squadding up as a team, and experiencing the game for yourself.

That’s why we’re excited to share that your first chance to play Concord during our upcoming beta is just a couple of short weeks away! Here’s everything you need to know:

Concord Beta Early Access (July 12 – 14) and Open Beta (July 18 – 21)

The Concord Beta will kick off with an Early Access weekend on PS5 and PC* from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14. For those that pre-order, this early access weekend will be your opportunity to be among the first to play Concord—and you’ll get to bring your own crew. Those that pre-order any edition of Concord will get five codes for Concord Beta Early Access: one for you and four of your friends.

Following the Early Access weekend, the Concord Open Beta will be available to all players on PS5 and PC beginning on Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21.

No matter what platform you play on, the Concord Beta Early Access and Open Beta will allow you to team up with friends on either PS5 or PC through optional cross-play support.


Concord Beta dates announced, Beta Early Access launching July 12

Play the full 16 Freegunner roster

You won’t have to wait until launch to find your favorite Freegunner(s). During the Concord beta weekends, you’ll be able to play as all 16 of the Freegunners that will be available at launch. Whether you like to run and gun, lock down an area, lay down fire from afar, or back up your team, there are Freegunners for players of a wide range of playstyles and skill levels.

From familiar faces like Haymar, Vale, Lennox, 1-0FF, and Star Child from the reveal trailer to other members of the Northstar crew, like It-Z, Teo, Bazz, and more, you’ll get to experiment and learn how each character brings distinct strategic abilities, traversal and gunplay feel, and, most of all, your own personality to the battlefield.

Explore (and Battle Across) Multiple Planets and Modes

Throughout both Concord Beta weekends, you’ll be able to visit and battle across multiple worlds and maps in the Concord Galaxy.

During the Concord Beta Early Access weekend, you’ll have a chance to play on four maps:

Freewater: Set in a fortified outpost on the sun-scorched planet of Glance, Freewater features intersecting perimeter lanes and a large central courtyard in the middle of the map that serves as a prime convergence point and inspires intense combat engagements.

Water Hazard: On the stormy water-covered planet of Leviathan, a massive, armored eel, known as a Morack, has been caught and is being harvested on a large floating fishing rig. Players will fight across the platform and within the jaws of the Morack in a primary harvesting site.

Star Chamber: Located atop the tallest mountain on the planet Gloom sits an ancient observatory with narrow corridors and a meteorite at the center, which creates great opportunities for team fights and one-on-one battles.

Shock Risk: Located beneath a massive conductive kite in the sky that harvests lightning on the planet Leviathan, Shock Risk features multiple unique arenas for battling with rival crews with pathways that converge on a large center tower.

During the Open Beta weekend, a new world and fifth map will be introduced: Bone Mines on the planet Akkar.

Bone Mines: The remains of massive vastadons on the tropical planet Akkar have become the site of a lucrative Guild mining operation, where you will fight through the excavated bones and mining caverns in a mix of close-quarters and mid-range combat.

The Concord Beta will also have multiple modes to fit your mood, whether it’s to jump in for a quick match after work or to team up with friends for more coordinated and competitive play.

The Concord Early Access Beta weekend will launch with three modes:

Trophy Hunt: A respawn-based mode where you fight to take down members of the rival crew and collect their bounty cards to earn points for your team. The first team to reach the target score before time runs out wins the match.

Cargo Run: A no-respawn mode where teams compete to retrieve the Blue Buddy robotic package delivery system, plant it at one of the zones, and defend it from the rival crew to win.

Clash Point: A round-based, no-respawn game mode where teams compete to control a single capture zone at a central location on the map.

Then, during the Open Beta weekend, you’ll be able to try out a new mode: Area Control.

Area Control: A respawn mode where teams compete to control multiple capture and control zones around the map. Control two or more zones to increase your team’s score and reach the point threshold to win.

Witness the beginning of the Northstar Crew’s Story

Alongside familiarizing yourself with the Northstar crew through gameplay, you’ll also be able to see the beginning of their story. When you play the beta, you’ll be welcomed with the very first of our cinematic vignettes—brief cinematics that, when Concord launches, will premiere every week in game. When the Beta Early Access launches and then when the Open Beta starts, we’ll introduce new cinematic vignettes in-game to give you a small glimpse into how the Northstar crew’s stories will unfold each week.


We can’t wait to see you all in-game during the Concord Beta to experience just some of the content that will be available when the game launches on August 23 and will grow over time through post-launch updates at no additional cost.

Be sure to stay tuned for more information about the beta, including pre-load and server availability timing, PC specs, and more, by following Concord on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as by joining the community in the Official Concord Discord.

*Account for PlayStation™Network and internet connection required. Beta terms and conditions apply.

Jango Fett returns in enhanced Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, coming to PS5 August 1

On August 1, let the hunt begin; Star Wars: Bounty Hunter releases on PS5 and PS4. Let’s dive into what to expect, including unique PlayStation 5 features, visual enhancements, and the ability to play as another iconic bounty hunter…

For the uninitiated, you play as Jango Fett in Star Wars: Bounty Hunter. The most-fearless bounty hunter in the galaxy is hired to capture a deranged Dark Jedi. Jango takes on the bounty armed with an array of deadly weapons and tools, including dual blasters, a flamethrower, toxic darts, jetpack missiles, and more. Suit up and hunt your quarry, dispatching galactic scum along the way.


Jango Fett returns in enhanced Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, coming to PS5 August 1

Visual improvements

Improved environment textures: To give more depth and texture to the environment, we’ve added bump maps. The result is a richer environment that feels a bit more modern.

New lighting effects: With dynamic lighting, we now see more color and impact throughout the environment. Every bolt from Jango’s blasters will illuminate throughout the entire velocity.

New flashlight equipment: If you ever thought some areas felt dark, we did too. We added a flashlight to navigate these darker areas.

PlayStation 5 features

Unique to players on PS5, we’ve taken full advantage of the DualSense wireless controller technology to enhance your bounty hunter experience. Let’s take a look.

Integrated adaptive triggers: Each weapon in Jango’s arsenal now has a unique rhythmic feel.

Voice comms: We’ve routed Jango’s in-game radio communication to play through the DualSense wireless controller’s speaker for an all-new immersive experience.

Lightbar meets health bar: Use the lightbar display on your controller as a visual indicator of Jango’s current health status.

Restoring Boba Fett

The most devoted fans of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter may have heard about an easter egg left in the game. A very low-resolution texture with a message written in Aurebesh— “Cash in all bounties to play as Boba.”

While the message did exist, the feature did not. So even if you hit 100% on your save file, you were only able to play as Jango Fett.

We’ve brought this easter egg to life, so after completing the campaign, you will be able to equip a new Boba Fett skin for your next playthrough.

We hope you enjoy revisiting Jango’s origin story! We’ll see you August 1 on PS5 and PS4.

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for July: Borderlands 3, NHL 24, Among Us

July brings a billion guns, puck slapshots and the threat of sabotage to PlayStation Plus with the Monthly Games lineup. From July 2*, all PlayStation Plus members** can add the sci-fi looter shooter carnage of Borderlands 3, on-ice action of NHL 24 and the spaceship-set party game Among Us to their game libraries. In addition to those, there’s a Genshin Impact in-game reward bundle available July 16 which is exclusive to PlayStation Plus members. 

Let’s take a closer look at each game. 

Borderlands 3 | PS4, PS5 

Shoot and loot your way through a mayhem-fueled adventure. At the hard edge of the galaxy lies a group of planets ruthlessly exploited by militarized corporations, and brimming with loot and violence. This is your home – the Borderlands. Now, a crazed cult known as The Children of the Vault has emerged and is spreading like an interstellar plague. Only you have the allies and arsenal to take them down. Play as one of four all-new, deeply customizable Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands. Customize your Vault Hunter with tons of personalization options, and use their distinct skill trees to tailor abilities to your preferred playstyle. Play with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.

NHL 24 | PS4, PS5 

Feel the intensity of hockey, as EA Sports NHL 24 brings you closer to authentic on-ice action with a wealth of new game features and upgraded modes. The new Exhaust Engine recreates the rush and fatigue of high-pressure games, rewarding extended offensive play with game-changing effects. Refreshed Total Control Skill Moves and a revamped Vision Passing System broaden your moment-to-moment strategies and allow you to execute them with complete precision. Build your NHL 24 Ultimate Team and recreate moments from classic matches and recent highlights in HUT Moments, and explore the expanded World of Chel, which offers cross-play, a redesigned EASHL and much more.

Among Us | PS4, PS5

Use teamwork, persuasion and maybe even betrayal in this unique online party game… in space! Prepare for departure, but beware the Impostor! Complete tasks to hold your spaceship together and return to civilization, but keep an eye out as one or more random players among the crew are Impostors determined to sabotage the ship and kill everyone. It’s up to the remaining humans to finish their tasks and identify the Impostors to eject them into the abyss. But watch out! The Impostors will use every trick in the book to convince everyone they’re a crewmate, so don’t believe everything you hear. Get your alibi straight or else you might be the one wrongfully ejected! 

Genshin Impact PlayStation Plus Pack 

PlayStation Plus members can also claim in-game rewards for Genshin Impact with an exclusive PlayStation Plus bundle. You’ll be able to find and download this bundle in addition to the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games line up on PlayStation Store when it becomes available on July 16***. Download Genshin Impact from PlayStation Store to access. 

Purchase this product and obtain the following Genshin Impact in-game rewards:

– Primogems × 160

– Fragile Resin × 4

– Hero’s Wit × 20

– Mystic Enhancement Ore × 30

– Mora × 150,000

Last chance to download June’s games

PlayStation members have until July 1 to add SpongeBob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake, AEW Fight Forever and Streets of Rage 4 to their game libraries.

PlayStation Plus offer for Sony Pictures app movie credits  

Purchase any 12-month PlayStation Plus membership and get movie credit(s) to use on the Sony Pictures Core app. This offer will be available from later today.*****

From new releases to timeless classics, choose from a selection of up to 2,000 films, including the largest library of IMAX Enhanced movies. Watch the best of Sony Pictures Entertainment, including Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, Bad Boys and more.****** 

PlayStation Plus Premium members also get access to additional benefits. 

*All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on July 2 until August 6.

**PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup may differ in certain regions. Please check the PlayStation Store on launch day for your region’s lineup.

***You need to log in to Genshin Impact via PlayStation Network within 365 days of purchase to claim the bundle. If you log in to the game via the PlayStation Network after that time, you will be unable to claim it.

*****Offer valid between June 26, 2024 to July 10, 2024. Number of movie credits varies based on plan and membership status. PS Plus is subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms. Separate download of the Sony Pictures Core App is required to redeem Movie Credits. Must be 18+ to register for a Sony Pictures Core account. Movie Credits must be claimed and redeemed in App by July 10, 2025. Sony Pictures Core terms apply: https://www.sonypicturescore.com/termsofservice

****** Titles and availability vary by market. 

The First Descendant launches on PS5 and PS4 July 2, new character gameplay revealed

Descendants, after a long wait, The First Descendant releases worldwide July 2 on PS5 and PS4. To help you prepare for the action, we’re here with new gameplay details for characters Bunny, Valba, and Ajax, ​​along with insights into the unique graphic features available on PS5 .

Not familiar? The First Descendant is a third-person online co-op looter shooter. In the game, you will become a Descendant, inheriting mysterious powers and tasked with protecting your homeland – the continent of Ingris – from alien invaders.

Launch content

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, The First Descendant is a next-generation looter shooter that focuses on the fun of grinding and growth. It’s a game where you collect and enhance various characters, unique-effect firearms, external components that boost character and skill performance, and modules to tune the performance of characters and weapons, presenting you with the challenge of creating your own unique build.

At launch, five new fields that have not been previously revealed will be added, along with 16 types of new end-game content called Instance Dungeons. Additionally, 16 types of Void Intercept Battles – large boss raids considered the highlight of The First Descendant – will also be introduced.

Additionally, Descendants, who are central to the game, will be added. In total, 19 Descendants will be introduced, including 14 original Descendants and 5 high-performance versions known as Ultimate Descendants.


The First Descendant launches on PS5 and PS4 July 2, new character gameplay revealed

Our most popular Descendant, Bunny, is known as an iconic mascot with a helmet resembling rabbit ears. Bunny wears a unique suit that can charge and discharge electrical energy, allowing her to run at incredible speeds. This suit not only enhances Bunny’s agility but also enables her to release stored electrical energy around her or concentrate it into a powerful focused beam, making her a formidable force on the battlefield.


The First Descendant launches on PS5 and PS4 July 2, new character gameplay revealed

Valby is my personal favorite character. She has a special ability to transform into water and create puddles at will, anytime and anywhere. While on water, Valby can use skills with reduced MP, allowing for more efficient use of abilities. This ability enables Valby to create puddles among enemies for quick movement or to liquefy and pass through obstacles, providing advantages in both offense and defense.


The First Descendant launches on PS5 and PS4 July 2, new character gameplay revealed

Our creative director’s top recommended Descendant is Ajax. As a tank dealer, Ajax provides a unique strategic element to the team. He possesses the incredible ability to distort physical space and summon protective shields for allies. These shields effectively block enemy attacks while allowing allied attacks to pass through unhindered, protecting allies and providing a tactical advantage. He ensures the safety of teammates on the battlefield while enabling them to launch attacks without interference.

PS5 Graphical features

 Additionally, we are pleased to introduce the graphical features available at launch for the first time, specifically for PS5. Since last year’s Crossplay Open Beta, we have invested significant effort into optimizing and enhancing graphic quality for PS5.

Firstly, we added a Balanced Mode to the graphics settings, which was unavailable during the Beta.  PS5 users can now choose from three modes: Fidelity, Balanced, and Performance, offering a variety of options to suit your preferences.

 Additionally, we have implemented the high-resolution shadow mapping technique, Virtual Shadow Map (VSM), provided by Unreal Engine 5 after extensive optimization efforts, enhancing the overall visual quality.

Furthermore, we added options for Ray Tracing and AMD Frame Generation, offering choices for those who desire higher visual quality or improved performance.

The First Descendant’s development team is always listening to your feedback. Therefore, we invite you to the continent of Ingris to explore and share your valuable insights with us. The First Descendant launches July 2 on PS5 and PS4.

Everything you need to know about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone Season 4 Reloaded, live June 26

The DNA bomb has detonated at Popov Power Plant, releasing powerful mutagens in the Season 4 Reloaded mid-season update for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone. Deploy across new mutated modes, maps, Unstable Rifts, events, and more, and get your hands on new weapons and Aftermarket Parts to help face the challenges ahead.


Everything you need to know about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone Season 4 Reloaded, live June 26

Season 4 Reloaded of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone launches on June 26 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Multiplayer Overview

Three Core 6v6 Maps

Incline (New Core Map): Battle over frozen ground on this small-sized research outpost deep in the Caucasus Mountains of Urzikstan. Fire down from the cable car in the central transit station and prepare for long-ranged encounters along the northern road.

Bitvela (New Variant): Experience Multiplayer like never before in this pixel-art inspired version of Favela appearing in the Bit Party Playlist modifier. Pixelated cars, buildings and trees, jagged clouds, and pixel smoke particles perfectly mimic the original map, without a curved edge in sight. When competing in Bit Party, your Operator’s head will grow after every elimination, making you a bigger target while also granting objective bonuses.

Das Gross (New Variant): A vile infection has enveloped downtown New York City, sending bloody tendrils over the ceiling and walls of Das Haus. An alien planet looms overhead in the night sky. Try to keep your wits about you in this map variant arriving with a new Vortex Playlist.

New Mutation Mode, Havoc, and more

Mutation: Take turns playing as humans and mutants in a moshpit of game modes. Mutants can choose from a variety of classes including the Mutated Leaper, Radioactive Beast, Contaminated Slugger, and Camouflaged Sneaker.

Havoc: In this twist on Team Deathmatch inspired by classic arena shooters, random modifiers activate throughout the match, dramatically altering gameplay in a mode where no two matches are the same!

Plus, perfect your aim in the Headshots Only mode, wield powerful weapon blueprints in Blueprint Gunfight, and flex your parkour skills with the limited release of G3T_H1GH3R.

Zombies Overview

Face Waves of Enemies in an Unstable Rift

Gear up for a new wave-based challenge via the appearance of unstable rifts. Squads must race to be the first to enter: reports of [[REDACTED]] in the Exclusion Zone may lead the way.

After entering an unstable rift, squads must defend against increasingly difficult waves of enemies. Survive the onslaught to reset the cooldown on all your insured weapons and schematics. Squads who gain access to multiple unstable rifts can repeat the activity within the same match.


Everything you need to know about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone Season 4 Reloaded, live June 26

Call of Duty: Warzone Overview

Explosion at Popov Power Plant

The DNA bomb has exploded at Popov Power Plant in Urzikstan, altering the environment and releasing a toxic chemical agent in the vicinity. Approach the site with extreme caution.

New Gameplay Features

[Redacted] Weapons: Look for [Redacted] Weapons now found within Loot Hot Zones and Bunkers in Urzikstan. These extra-powerful weapons hold more than the normally five allowed attachments, granting their owner an edge in combat.

Runaway Train Public Event: Each match within Urzikstan has the chance to trigger the Runaway Train public event announced around the sixth gas circle. When active, the safe zone will remain over the moving train until the end of the match. Hop aboard and clear out enemy stowaways.

Mutated Playlists: Plus, wield mutant powers in two limited-time modes arriving in the mid-season: Mutation Resurgence Quads and Mutation Buy Back Quads.  

General Overview

Two New Weapons

Reclaimer 18 (Shotgun, Battle Pass): The Reclaimer 18 supports two firing modes. Activate pump-action for extended damage range and semi-auto for increased fire rate. Toggle between them as the situation demands to reign in close-ranged fights.

Sledgehammer (Melee, Challenge): Smash skulls with the Sledgehammer, sporting a 20-pound carbon steel head with a variety of attack moves including swings, an overhead attack, and a pole butt.

Season 4 Combat Pack for PlayStation Plus members

PlayStation Plus members don’t forget to grab the Season 4 Combat Pack. This pack grants Élodie, Lockpick a new operator skin Chemical Warfare.

PlayStation Plus members will also receive the following: the Composition Carbine weapon blueprint, the Brushstroke Ballistics weapon blueprint, the Fuming with Pashion Large Decal, the Toxic Artist Weapon Sticker, the Mini Infiltrator Charm, and the Infectious Vision Emblem.

Plus, PlayStation players will receive a 2XP Player boost in-game from June 26 – 27 and from July 4 – 5.


Everything you need to know about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone Season 4 Reloaded, live June 26

New Challenges and Events

Check for new weekly challenges throughout the mid-season to unlock more Aftermarket Parts plus the animated Molten Obsidian weapon camo for completing all eight Weekly Challenges.

Earn more rewards across a variety of in-game events, including Altered Strain, Retro Warfare, Redeployment Missions, Vacation Squad, and Vortex: Death’s Grip.

New Store Offerings: 8-Bit Task Force 141 and More

Deploy as 8-Bit versions of Task Force 141 with the Tracer Pack: 8-Bit Blitz bundle and suit up in astronaut gear with the Out of This World Pack. Look for other wild bundles arriving in the mid-season, including a crabby Zodiac-themed Pro Pack.

Season 4 Reloaded launches June 26th

Purchase Modern Warfare III on PlayStation to enjoy the benefits of two additional loadout slots, monthly exclusive Double XP events, +25% PlayStation Party Bonus XP, +5 bonus Battle Token Tier Skips with a BlackCell purchase, and a free in-game bundle each season with the Combat Pack. 

Stay frosty. Available on PS5 and PS4.

Share of the Week: Alan Wake 2 – Photo Mode

Last week, we asked you to shine a light on Alan Wake 2 and the recent release of its photo mode using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s haunting highlights:

arashikages shares Alan standing at the center of black swirling handprint motif splattered on a hotel’s walls

Yuric83 shares Saga moving through a distorted section of forest

jdbolzan shares diner waitress Rose in control during the Night Springs DLC, holding a rifle in front of a banner in town

CamisGui shares the sunlight fading as FBI agent Alex Casey takes in a crime scene

hazelgreen_vp shares a portrait of FBI agent Alex Casey sipping on coffee

denisjurison shares a black and white portrait of Alan staring out the lake house window

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: Summer
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on June 26, 2024

Next week, we’re celebrating the warmth and sun of summer. Share moments from your favorite game filled with summer vibes using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.