Honkai: Star Rail update v2.3 brings new friends and Simulated Universe on June 19

Dear Trailblazers, greetings from the Honkai: Star Rail dev team. Today, we are excited to share the details of Honkai: Star Rail version 2.3, Farewell Penacony. This update introduces the highly anticipated Stellaron Hunter, Firefly, as well as a significant figure from the IPC, Jade. Additionally, under the guidance of Mr. Screwllum, the new update in the Simulated Universe – Divergent Universe – will be unveiled as well.

​​ 

After inheriting the Watchmaker’s Legacy and embarking on the new Path of Harmony, Trailblazers awaken in the real world following the climactic battle with Mr. Sunday. Now, the abrupt termination of the Charmony Festival has left The Family’s reputation in tatters, with numerous delicate issues urgently demanding attention. In response, aside from the Oak Family, the major lineages are preparing their strategies to address the aftermath. In the version 2.3 Trailblaze Mission, the Express Crew will be invited aboard the Radiant Feldspar, soaring into the skies above Penacony to witness crucial Family discussions firsthand.

Meanwhile, aboard the Radiant Feldspar, a new project within the Simulated Universe, Divergent Universe will be conducted under the guidance of Mr. Screwllum, utilizing technology from his home planet to bring gameplay improvements. For instance, the Arithmetic Mapping function in the Divergent Universe testing removes character download limitations. If a character’s level is below the current Equilibrium Level Cap, it will automatically increase to meet the cap. The update also introduces the Equation feature, where combining buffs from two different Paths grants corresponding combat abilities once the required amount is achieved. Additionally, when facing defeat in the Divergent Universe, Trailblazers can now restart challenges without needing to force-stop the game. With the new Restart Challenge option, players can regroup and give it another shot.

In the upcoming version, Origami Birds will also make their way onto the Radiant Feldspar, bringing a new mini-game. In this arcade challenge, Trailblazers must achieve eliminations within a set number of moves to boost the birds’ Combat Power. During the Origami Bird Clash event, Trailblazers can not only participate in Story Challenges, but also freely battle friends from across the universe!

After venturing alongside the Trailblazers for a time, we will uncover more about Firefly in version 2.3. Firefly is a member of the Stellaron Hunters, originating from the long-destroyed world of Glamoth. Once a prosperous and expansive empire, Glamoth was left thrashed and devastated by the calamity brought on by the Swarm. Firefly, a young girl encased in mechanical armor known as SAM, was created as a weapon against the invasion. Unfortunately, she suffers from Entropy Loss Syndrome due to genetic modification. Driven by the quest to find meaning in life and to defy fate, she joined the Stellaron Hunters to further her goals and calling.

As a 5-star Fire-Type character, Firefly possesses an immense power. After using her Technique, she can summon her SAM armor and leap into the air, moving freely, with SAM attacking all enemies within a set range to enter battle. Each wave of enemies can have Fire Weakness forced upon units without Fire Weakness, lasting for a set number of turns. In the heat of battle, SAM will be operating in two forms. In the initial form, using her Skill consumes HP but simultaneously replenishes her Ultimate energy. The less HP Firefly has, the less damage she sustains. Furthermore, when activating her Ultimate, SAM transforms into its second battle form — the dazzling Complete Combustion state! Alongside more potent Basic Attacks and Skills, her Speed and Weakness Break efficiency are also heightened. The Break DMG dealt by SAM is increased until the countdown for Complete Combustion ends. An aspect worth mentioning is that this state not only displays SAM’s might, but also provides players with a unique perspective from within the cockpit of the SAM mech. In this perspective, Firefly’s unwavering gaze is an embodiment of her fiery spirit, capable of setting the starry seas ablaze.

Another Quantum-Type 5-star character, Jade, is set to make her distinguished debut. As a senior manager in the IPC Strategic Investment Department and one of the Ten Stonehearts, she is recognized by her Cornerstone, Jade of Credit. Cold and elegant, Jade is a skilled moneylender with a keen understanding of the human heart. Her personal hobby, Bonajade Exchange, highlights her patience in waiting for high-value acquisitions through accepting pawning of assets and her ability to extract value from seemingly destitute clients.

​​Jade’s Skill allows her to forge a binding agreement with a single ally, making them her Debt Collector and bestowing upon them enhancements. Interestingly, if she selects herself as the Debt Collector, the only part of the enhancement will be applied. Each attack launched by Jade or her Debt Collector accumulates Charges for Jade. Once fully charged, Jade unleashes a follow-up attack against all enemies. Her Ultimate, however, enforces the terms of the agreement with unyielding precision, dealing damage to all enemies while also enhancing her follow-up attack.

It’s worth noting that the limited 5-star characters — Ruan Mei and Argenti — will make their appearances in event warps during the first and second halves of version 2.3, respectively. Their formidable strength ensures they will remain powerful allies in your future adventures.

That wraps up our insights on Version 2.3. While there are still more surprises in the wings, we’ll keep this update brief and delightful. We hope you’re enjoying your cosmic adventures, that Firefly and the new Simulated Universe will bring surprises to everyone, and look forward to rendezvousing with you in the next one.

(For Southeast Asia) Concord is now available to pre-order, Early Access and beta detailed

Hey everyone! After revealing Concord last week, we’re excited to continue unpacking more about the game and answering your questions in the days and weeks ahead, beginning today with more information about how you and your friends can check out our upcoming beta, details on the physical and digital editions of the game for PS5 and PC¹, and how you can get early access to Concord when it launches in August.

From the very beginning, we wanted Concord to be a complete multiplayer-focused experience that combines engaging gameplay, rewarding progression, and a robust roster of characters, maps, and game modes right out of the gate, while also creating a platform for us to evolve and expand the game and universe over time.

When it launches in August, Concord will debut in a standard edition (available in both physical and digital versions for SGD 55 / MYR 169 / IDR 579,000 / THB 1,290 MSRP) that provides the full Concord experience, including all 16 playable Freegunners, 12 unique maps set on various worlds, and six distinct team-based game modes, which will expand shortly after launch with regular, post-launch updates for all players at no additional cost. 

Alongside the Standard Edition, we will also have a Digital Deluxe Edition (SGD 80 / MYR 249 / IDR 879,000 / THB 1,990 MSRP) that includes additional cosmetics to personalize your Freegunner crew and, for those eager to jump in and play, early access to Concord when it launches this August. The Digital Deluxe Edition will grant up to 72 hours of early access before Concord’s global launch on August 24 (Asia time zone). It also includes the Northstar Freegunner’s cosmetics pack, which grants you 16 Northstar themed Freegunner outfits; one for each of the 16 playable Freegunners available at launch.

Get Vale’s Monarch Pack and early access to the Concord beta

We’re excited for you to meet and learn more about the characters of Concord, including Vale—an adept sniper who you saw in our gameplay reveal trailer using her biomechanical legs to leap above the battlefield and land precision shots on enemies. To receive the Monarch Pack cosmetic pack, which includes the Monarch Frontliner outfit for Vale and Dead Reckoner weapon skins for her sniper rifle and side-arm. You can pre-order the standard edition of Concord or purchase the Digital Deluxe at any time.

Seeing Vale and the other Freegunners in action in gameplay footage is one thing, but there’s no substitute for experiencing the game for yourself. That’s why we’re hosting a pre-launch beta, simultaneously on PS5 and PC with cross-play support. Those that pre-order will have an opportunity to be among the first to play Concord—and you’ll be able to bring your friends.

Pre-ordering any edition of Concord will grant you five codes for our Beta Early Access weekend in July, allowing you to team up with your friends on PS5 and PC and take on rival crews across the galaxy. Stay tuned for more details about the Beta in the coming weeks, including the dates of Early Access and Open Beta, and more. 

Pre-orders for PS5 are now live at PlayStation Store. Pre-Purchase for PC on Steam and the Epic Store. Physical pre-order for Concord starts from 7th June 2024, please check with local retailers for availability and more information.

Stay up-to-date on all things Concord by following Concord on X/Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as by joining the community on the Concord Discord.

¹ Account for PlayStation™Network and internet connection required. Paid for PlayStation®Plus membership (sold separately) required on PS5. PlayStation Plus membership subject to recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Age restrictions apply. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms.

©2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Developed by Firewalk Studios. 
Concord is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC.

Astro Bot pre-order begins June 7, features PaRappa Lovestruck Lyricist outfit and more

Hi everyone, this is Nicolas from Team Asobi. How are you all doing?

Last week, we announced that our upcoming game Astro Bot is coming to PlayStation 5 on September 6. Reactions to the announce trailer have been amazing and we cannot thank you enough for all the kind comments we received. The little robots of Team Asobi are now working harder, faster, and stronger to put the final touches to the game. So, what a perfect time to officially open the pre-orders for the game

Starting Friday, June 7, you can pre-order Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 in different 3 editions: 

  • Physical Standard Edition
  • Digital Standard Edition 
  • Digital Deluxe Edition

By pre-ordering any of the above, you will receive early unlocks to customize your experience. 

  • The Astro Lovestruck Lyricist outfit
  • The Glorious Graffiti Dual Speeder paint color
  • 2 Astro Avatars 

Physical Standard Edition + pre-order items

  • Physical poster
  • PaRappa Lovestruck Lyricist outfit
  • Glorious Graffiti Dual Speeder paint color
  • 2 Astro Avatars

Here’s a sneak peek at the insert poster inside the Physical Standard Edition 

Digital Standard Edition + Pre-Order Items 

  • PaRappa Lovestruck Lyricist outfit
  • Glorious Graffiti Dual Speeder paint color
  • 2 Astro Avatars

Digital Deluxe Edition + Pre-Order Items

On top of this, the Digital Deluxe Edition also adds the following early unlocks:

  • Astro’s Yharnam Tourist outfit
  • Astro’s Golden outfit 
  • The Neon Dream Dual Speeder paint color
  • The Champion’s Gold Dual Speeder paint color
  • The official Soundtrack and Digital Art Gallery
  • 10 Astro Avatars

The outfits and the Dual Speeder paint colors listed above will become available during the adventure as you unlock their respective buildings on the crash site.

Now showing slide 1 of 4

We had a blast designing these, between glamour and nostalgia and we hope you also enjoy showing them off in your game. As for the game soundtrack, it is once again composed by Kenneth C.M Young, who has once again been making some super catchy tunes. Special mention to the Tree of Funk!

That’s all for today, before going back to polishing our little treasure, let me take a second to thank you all on behalf of Team Asobi for the months of support you have given us. We have been blessed with nothing but kind comments online and touching family stories from the Astro community. We treasure these memories very dearly, never forgetting why we make video games and we hope we live up to your expectations with this new Astro Bot game!

See you on September 6. Team Asobi out.

Hogwarts Legacy free update brings Photo Mode, available today

Since the launch of Hogwarts Legacy last year, we’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support and love from players and fans. There are millions of new students now attending Hogwarts themselves, and we wanted to give a small thank you to everyone with a free update bringing a highly requested feature to the game: Photo Mode!

Photo Mode image of Hippogriff over the Black Lake at sunrise.

Hogwarts Legacy’s Photo Mode lets you harness your inner photographer to compose and capture screenshots of your favorite characters, moments, and locations throughout the game. Whether inside the halls of the eponymous castle or out in the rolling hills of the surrounding Scottish Highlands, players can now use a variety of camera tools to get the perfect shot and remember their experiences in the wizarding world.

Photo Mode image of Hippogriff flying past Hogwarts.

Hogwarts Legacy Photo Mode Features

To enter photo mode, simply pause the game and tap the Square button. Once you are ready to take the screenshot, hide the Photo Mode UI with the Square button and tap the Create button on your DualSense wireless controller or Share button on your DualShock 4 controller.

Check out the full list of features at the bottom of this article.

Photo Mode image of Hippogriff over the Black Lake during daytime.

Additional update features

Along with the Photo Mode, we have a few other small additions and features included in this update. 

Talent point reset

Players can now reset their talent points from the Field Guide menu to try out different playstyles. You can either fully reset your allocated talent points, or individually undo specific talent points. Each talent point you reset will cost 200 gold. 

New cosmetics

We’ve brought a few new cosmetic items to Hogwarts Legacy to add a fresh look to your next playthrough. Our artists were inspired by one of the wizarding world’s most famous Azkaban escapees to make the Azkaban Coat and Azkaban Prisoner’s Outfit.

Last year, we showed off The Glasses That Lived in our Hogwarts Legacy Easter Egg video. Many players asked us how they could get their hands on them, and we’ve finally rescued these circular taped spectacles from the cupboard under the stairs so you can wear them for yourself. You’ll also get the Onyx Hippogriff mount, as well as the new Lavender Borealis broom.

In addition, we’ve made several bug fixes and optimizations for players.

Thank you for all your support for Hogwarts Legacy! The Hogwarts Legacy Summer 2024 update is available to download now on PS5 and PS4, free for all players! Share your favorite captures from the Photo Mode with us using the hashtag #CaptureTheUnwritten, and we’ll see you at Hogwarts.


Full list of Photo Mode features:

  • Camera Functions
    • Move
    • Rotate
    • Tilt
    • Field of View
  • Visual Controls
    • Depth of Field
    • Focus Distance
    • Focus Amount
    • Exposure
    • Contrast
    • Saturation
    • Vignette Strength
  • Visual Filters and Effects (the strength of all filters can be adjusted with a slider)
    • Black and White
    • Dusty
    • Gryffindor
    • Slytherin
    • Ravenclaw
    • Hufflepuff
    • Sombre
    • Frozen
    • Taupe
    • Deathly Hallows
    • Portrait
    • Canvas
    • Chromatic Aberration 
    • Film Grain
  • Hide Character
  • Hide NPCs
  • Character Poses
    • Standing 1
    • Standing 2
    • Standing 3
    • Sitting 1
    • Sitting 2
    • Sitting 3
    • Fighting 1
    • Fighting 2
    • Fighting 3
    • Fighting 4
    • Taunt
  • Frames
    • Letterbox (2:1)
    • Letterbox (2.4:1)
    • Letterbox (4:3)
    • Letterbox (1:1)
    • Letterbox (9:16)
    • Classic
    • Ornate
    • Wooden
    • Parchment
    • Paper
    • Gryffindor
    • Slytherin
    • Ravenclaw
    • Hufflepuff
    • Clouds
    • Veil
    • Floo Flames
    • Pensieve
  • Hogwarts Legacy and House Crest Logos
  • Adjust Time of Day and Season
    • Any changes made here will revert once you exit Photo Mode
  • 3×3 Grid
    • Allows players to compose their shots by the rule of thirds
  • Photo Effects
  • UI Toggle
  • Reset all settings except camera position

Concord is now available to pre-order; Early Access and beta detailed

Hey everyone! After revealing Concord last week, we’re excited to continue unpacking more about the game and answering your questions in the days and weeks ahead, beginning today with more information about how you and your friends can check out our upcoming beta, details on the physical and digital editions of the game for PS5 and PC¹, and how you can get early access to Concord when it launches in August.

From the very beginning, we wanted Concord to be a complete multiplayer-focused experience that combines engaging gameplay, rewarding progression, and a robust roster of characters, maps, and game modes right out of the gate, while also creating a platform for us to evolve and expand the game and universe over time.

When it launches in August, Concord will debut in a standard edition (available in both physical and digital versions for $39.99 / £34.99 / €39.99 / ¥4,480 MSRP) that provides the full Concord experience, including all 16 playable Freegunners, 12 unique maps set on various worlds, and six distinct team-based game modes, which will expand shortly after launch with regular, post-launch updates for all players at no additional cost. 

Alongside the Standard Edition, we will also have a Digital Deluxe Edition ($59.99 / £49.99 / €59.99 / ¥6,480 MSRP) that includes additional cosmetics to personalize your Freegunner crew and, for those eager to jump in and play, early access to Concord when it launches this August. The Digital Deluxe Edition will grant up to 72 hours of early access before Concord’s global launch on August 23. It also includes the Northstar Freegunner’s cosmetics pack, which grants you 16 Northstar themed Freegunner outfits; one for each of the 16 playable Freegunners available at launch.

Get Vale’s Monarch Pack and early access to the Concord beta

We’re excited for you to meet and learn more about the characters of Concord, including Vale—an adept sniper who you saw in our gameplay reveal trailer using her biomechanical legs to leap above the battlefield and land precision shots on enemies. To receive the Monarch Pack cosmetic pack, which includes the Monarch Frontliner outfit for Vale and Dead Reckoner weapon skins for her sniper rifle and side-arm. You can,  pre-order the standard edition of Concord or purchase the Digital Deluxe at any time.

Seeing Vale and the other Freegunners in action in gameplay footage is one thing, but there’s no substitute for experiencing the game for yourself. That’s why we’re hosting a pre-launch beta, simultaneously on PS5 and PC with cross-play support. Those that pre-order will have an opportunity to be among the first to play Concord—and you’ll be able to bring your friends.

Pre-ordering any edition of Concord will grant you five codes for our Beta Early Access weekend in July, allowing you to team up with your friends on PS5 and PC and take on rival crews across the galaxy. Stay tuned for more details about the Beta beta in the coming weeks, including the dates of Early Access and Open Beta, and more. 

Pre-orders for PS5 are now live at participating retailers, PlayStation Store, and direct.playstation.com. Pre-Purchase for PC on Steam and the Epic Store. 

Stay up-to-date on all things Concord by following Concord on X/Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as by joining the community on the Concord Discord.

¹ Account for PlayStation™Network and internet connection required. Paid for PlayStation®Plus membership (sold separately) required on PS5. PlayStation Plus membership subject to recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Age restrictions apply. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms.

©2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Developed by Firewalk Studios. 
Concord is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC.

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – details on new dungeon, jobs, areas, and more

Hi all – Mark Buckley from the FFXIV PR team here to give you a look at some of the content that we recently showed off at our Dawntrail media tour, which just wrapped up last week!

As we very quickly approach the launch of our fifth expansion, Dawntrail on July 2, we wanted to provide a first look at some of the town and field areas you’ll be exploring, a sneak peek at the level 91 dungeon, and also some footage of Viper and Pictomancer in action!


Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – details on new dungeon, jobs, areas, and more

The adventure our intrepid Warrior of Light is about to embark upon in Dawntrail takes them to the shores of a new continent: Tural! Adventures in Dawntrail begin with a voyage across the Indigo Deep where a visitor from this land seeks your aid in a rite of succession to determine the land’s next ruler, with rumours that events could even lead to the fabled gates of a city of gold…

Take a look at a 360° view of the new Dawntrail Artifact Gear for all jobs

Now showing slide 1 of 21

Paladin
Warrior
Dark Knight
Gunbreaker
Dragoon
Monk
Ninja
Samurai
Viper
Reaper
Bard
Machinist
Dancer
Black Mage
Summoner
Red Mage
Pictomancer
White Mage
Scholar
Astrologian
Sage

As you can imagine, there is an awesome amount of new things to experience in Dawntrail but I’d like to take you through some key areas which were showcased during the tour!

New Areas

Tuliyollal 

The city of Tuliyollal marches up the side of a mountain, the path from its coastal harbor to the lofty palace at its summit marked by a profusion of slopes and stairs. Embodying the ideals of the nation with which it shares its name, this ever-bustling metropolis is home to a population drawn from all the lands of Tural.   

Urqopacha

This mountainous region of Yok Tural is inhabited by two peoples of vastly different stature: the child-sized Pelupelu, and the gargantuan Yok Huy. Such disparities, however, shrink into insignificance before the brooding majesty of Worqor Zormor, the tallest peak in Tural.

Kozama’uka

To the south of Tuliyollal stretch the verdant forests of Kozama’uka. Rivers great and small flow from mountains to the west and pour into the region, creating breathtaking waterfalls. Although the peoples which inhabit the region resemble goblins and the Vanu Vanu, they have each built unique cultures within this vast wilderness. 

Dungeon: Ihuykatumu

We also showed off the level 91 dungeon as part of the Dawntrail media tour. While we don’t want to spoil why Warriors of Light will travel here, needless to say the entire dungeon looks gorgeous, and even starts with a cruise down a jungle river!

Face challenging new dungeons and unprecedented threats. With perils and pitfalls at every turn, it will take steadfast unity and careful coordination to emerge victorious.

New Jobs

Arriving with Dawntrail are two brand new jobs, Viper and Pictomancer! Read on for a taste of what to expect when you can play these jobs on July 2!

Viper

The viper’s close-range fighting style, passed down by Turali hunters for generations, uses quick and decisive strikes with two one-handed blades alongside powerful flourishes from a combined two-handed weapon. Once a foe is weakened, they empower themselves with the strength of their ancestors to deliver a powerful and decisive finishing blow.

Viper’s Limit Break in action

Pictomancer

With brush in hand, a pictomancer weaves the aether of their imagination into the fabric of reality, allowing them to manifest their myriad motifs into living muses. Yet every work of art takes time to perfect, and thus their palettes are ever prepared with a colorful arsenal of instant-cast abilities and spells.

Pictomancer’s Limit Break in action

New Playable Race – Female Hrothgar

The Hrothgar people hail from Ilsabard. A Turali people with shared ancestry, the Xbr’aal, call Yak T’el home. 

Females number relatively few among the population, but are readily identified by their lithe, muscular forms. Equally distinctive is their predisposition for leadership.

First major graphical update

The game’s first major graphical overhaul adds a host of visual improvements, including enhanced texture and shadow resolution, and improved material qualities for characters and environments. Experience the world of Eorzea and beyond like never before! We’re positive all of these updates will look stunning on the PlayStation 5, and we can’t wait for you to experience it for yourselves!


Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – details on new dungeon, jobs, areas, and more

As you can see, there’s so much to be excited about in Dawntrail but what we’ve shared with you today is just a small piece of the expansion. We hope you’re just as excited as we are about the adventures that will come with Dawntrail, and we hope to see you for early access on June 28th, 2024 ahead of the official launch on Tuesday, July 2nd! Remember, you’ll need to pre-order to unlock early access, along with some other goodies. 

We can’t wait to see you in Tural!

2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

We’re only halfway through 2024, and it’s already been a banner year for indie games. These games from small developers offer big-time fun, showcasing new and unique approaches to gameplay, visuals, and storytelling. This year’s bounty of indie goodness offers an amazing variety of experiences, from old-school throwbacks to bold new experimental designs. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the foreboding wilderness on your big screen monitor or make some poker hands on the PlayStation Portal before bed, something here is sure to please.

Ultros


2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

As you awaken in the depths of a ship floating in space, a stunning neon landscape spreads before you, teeming with bizarre lifeforms and untold mysteries. What happened here, and what has transformed this craft into a womb of cosmic horror? Combat vicious foes with an arsenal of hard-hitting combat skills, then nurture the strange seeds you discover on your travels to sprout secrets. Strengthen yourself and explore all you can before a time loop engulfs everything and begins anew. Will you be able to escape the cycle of birth and destruction?

Publisher: Kepler Interactive | Developer: Hadoque | PS5, PS4

Penny’s Big Breakaway


2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

A rollicking 3D action adventure for all ages, Penny’s Big Breakaway sees the titular heroine getting up to comical shenanigans in a bright, colorful fantasyland. Small-time performer Penny thinks she’s found her path to success with a special string that brings her yo-yo to life, but when her newly sentient accessory pulls a humiliating stunt on Emperor Eddie, her freedom’s left hanging by a thread. Use Penny’s yo-yo to attack, swing around, and ride through the numerous skill-testing stages in this speedrunning-focused platformer that’s packed with charm.

 Publisher: Private Division | Developer: Evening Star | PS5

Pacific Drive


2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

Take it from a resident–the Pacific Northwest is a very strange place. There’s the constantly changing weather, the bizarre terrain, and so many trees. As beautiful as nature and wilderness are, it’s very easy to isolate and consume you, so how will you survive when it’s just you, your trusty station wagon, and a handful of other humans stationed in an abandoned garage against bizarre phenomena transforming hundreds of miles of wilderness into a life-sucking hellscape? Each trip is unique, exciting, terrifying, and perhaps the one where you’ll finally escape.

Publisher: Kepler Interactive | Developer: Ironwood Studios | PS5

Harold Halibut


2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

Stop-motion animation’s distinct look and feel combined with Harold Halibut’s narrative-driven gameplay. Set in an alternate history where a space colonization expedition was launched in the 1970s, things went disastrously wrong, and now the ship’s stuck at the bottom of a hostile planet’s sea. As Harold, a wholly average handyman, you meet and befriend the various personalities onboard while doing your duties, learning about the various ideas everyone has to escape this decades-long rut. When the time to act comes, what role will Harold play?

Publisher: Slow Bros. | Developer: Slo Bros. | PS5, PS4

Balatro


2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

So, you think you’re a real card shark, huh? You might think you have an unbeatable poker face, but we all know the house always has the advantage, or does it? The first (and only) poker roguelike sees you constructing decks with special Jokers, Vouchers, Tarot, and Planet cards. Play your cards well, score big, beat the Blinds (or even strategically skip them), and take on the Bosses who have some of their own aces up their sleeve–then earn new decks to expand your strategic possibilities even more.

 Publisher: PlayStack Limited | Developer: LocalThunk | PS5, PS4

Tales of Kenzera: Zau


2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

Journey through a gorgeous world inspired by African tribal art, music, and culture. Abubakar Salim, the voice behind Beyek in Assassin’s Creed Origins, weaves a story of loss and self-discovery inspired by his experiences. As the headstrong shaman youth Zau, you must pass an arduous trial, offering up the souls of three beasts to the God of Death to revive your fallen father. Switch seamlessly between the Sun and Moon masks with different navigation and combat skills as you amass the power you need for your goal.

Publisher: Electronic Arts | Developer: Surgent Studios | PS5

Another Crab’s Treasure


2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

Do you love the gameplay and exploration of games like Demon’s Souls and Elden Ring, but feel a bit weary of dark fantasy? Another Crab’s Treasure is an undersea adventure with a colorful, cartoony aesthetic and all the skill-testing challenges you’ve come to love. Take over the claws of hermit crab Kril, whose underwater paradise is ravaged by pollution. Use the trash you find as weapons and armor to take on the nastiest underwater baddies on this side of Amity Bay. Find the legendary treasure and get back your precious shell!

Publisher: Aggro Crab | Developer: Aggro Crab | PS5

Animal Well


2024’s must-play PlayStation indie games so far

The debut game from new publisher Bigmode takes players on a dark, wild exploration adventure. Here in the labyrinth, there’s very little light–but plenty of creatures, several of which are less-than-docile, let’s say. You control an odd little something and are here to delve into the labyrinth’s mysteries, assuming you can survive. Beautiful, atmospheric pixel art blends with exquisite exploration and an atmosphere that’s both beautiful and terrifying to create a game packed with secrets, discovery, and replayability.

Publisher: Bigmode | Developer: Billy Basso| PS5

Crow Country

Edward Crow’s famous amusement park, Crow Country, shuttered years prior, and its founder went missing, but something remains in this wonder-wasteland. Travel back to the 90s in this survival horror adventure inspired by ‘90s PlayStation classics. As special agent Mara Forest, you’ll traverse the abandoned park to discover why it abruptly closed, savoring the creepy atmosphere packed with brain teasers, environmental storytelling, dangerous encounters, and terrifying surprises.

Publisher: SFB Games | Developer: SFB Games | PS5, PS4

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance launches June 14 on PS5 and PS4 – full details on enhanced gameplay

Hello, I’m Shigeo Komori, the Game Director at Atlus and we are excited to bring Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance to PlayStation fans. In celebration of today’s new trailer, I want to share more details about the game ahead of its June 14 launch on PS5 and PS4.  


Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance launches June 14 on PS5 and PS4 – full details on enhanced gameplay

Battle system 

SMT V: Vengeance introduces a multitude of new skills across 270 new and familiar demons, including powerful new Magatsuhi Skills. These unison skills are unlocked after receiving a new kind of talisman called a periapt, which states the skill and demons required to use it. Gather these demons as your allies to command the tactical advantage in battle: unleash fearsome attacks, improve your chances with support skills, or bestow life-saving healing effects on your team. 

More powerful skills mean more powerful foes – explore the apocalyptic netherworld known as Da’at and encounter glowing red enemies called Magatsuhi demons. These enemies are stronger than your typical demon and will hunt you down if you’re not careful! Emerge victorious and you will be rewarded with higher amounts of Macca, EXP, and even stat-boosting Incense. Be on your guard, as unlike normal enemy encounters these demons will wield fierce Magatsuhi Skills.  

As a reward for our devoted fans, when certain conditions have been met the level cap will be increased from 99 to 150. Additionally, upon completing specific tasks the game will unlock the punishing Godborn difficulty mode, with all enemy demons now level 150 – a challenge that will test the prowess of even the most hardened SMT veteran. 

The battle system has also received various updates and adjustments, such as being able to use magic skills during auto-battle. These system updates and new elements will be applied to Canon of Vengeance and Canon of Creation. 

New demon experiences 

Players can now take control of an individual demon during special side quests. During these quests the player will guide the actions of a demon, such as fan-favorites Alice and Pixie, as well as new characters like Nahobeeho, to complete a variety of non-combat tasks around various locations throughout the game. These quests give players a better understanding of an area by using each demon’s particular skills for exploration and allow players to spend more time with their favorite demons. They also allow players to better understand demons and their personalities, especially their thoughts about humans. Upon the quest’s completion, the demon may become your new Demon Navigator! 

SMT V: Vengeance also adds more ways to interact with demons through a new feature called Demon Haunts. Here the player can enjoy special conversations with demons, friends, and even Aogami to improve the Nahobino’s abilities. Receive new rewards and level up through conversations, and even take a nostalgic picture of your favorite demon or ally with the free camera mode (available only in Demon Haunts). Talking with your demon party members will increase their stats as well, so be sure to return to these safe areas to chat often and create an unstoppable team! 

Greater field exploration

Map exploration has been enhanced by including elements like Magatsuhi for fast travel, a sky view for a wider look around the area, and a full map view unobstructed by the Abscesses that previously blocked the path. Magatsuhi Rails provide shortcuts and open more areas to explore compared to the original, including secret locations that can only be discovered via rail travel. The Canon of Vengeance storyline includes entirely new locations in Da’at, and we hope players feel a sense of wonder as they explore the vast Shinjuku Ward and mysterious dungeon Shakan. 

Traversing Da’at is never a chore with a Quest Navigator by your side, and with a greatly increased number of friendly allies we know you’ll find the perfect companion to accompany you on your epic journey. Netherworld investigation is also even easier with the addition of two support features for Quest Navigators: they now leave a vapor trail to track their movements, and stopping points will emit a pillar of light from the spot where they are first discovered. Reading the map is also easier with additional unique icons and quest markers.

New accessibility features

There have been dozens of small updates and revisions to make things more interesting and accessible, such as the increased pick-up range of relics, the ability to read tutorials at any point, gaining the initiative even after enemy detection by striking them from behind, reduced ambushes from aerial enemies, an increase in the number of Miracles (which have various positive effects), and the further enhancement and variety of actions for demon encounters.

Lastly, there are two big changes from the previous game: the ability to save anywhere on the map rather than the limited leyline founts, and Estoma, a shield to avoid enemy encounters has been updated from a skill to a Miracle, allowing the player to spend Magatsuhi instead of MP, freeing up a valuable skill slot. 

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance launches June 14 on PS5 and PS4. I hope you enjoy the game!

(For Southeast Asia) PlayStation VR2 players can access games on PC with adapter starting on August 7

When PlayStation VR2 launched last year, we were thrilled to introduce PS5 players to a new generation of VR games with innovative gameplay and immersive sensory features. Inspired by our passion to bring gamers even more content options, we’ve been working to enable access to additional games on PC, complementing the diverse PS VR2 games lineup available on PS5. Today, we’re happy to share that we’ll be rolling out this support on August 7.

Players will have access to buy and play Steam’s expansive library of thousands of VR games, including fan favorites like Half-Life: Alyx, Fallout 4 VR, and War Thunder.

To start, players will need to purchase a PlayStation VR2 PC adapter, which will be available at Suggested Retail Price of of SGD 89.90 / MYR 279 / IDR 999,000 / THB 2,090 / PHP 3,290 / VND 1,599,000 at local retailers.  Players will also need a commercially available DisplayPort cable (sold separately) that is compatible with DisplayPort 1.4, as well as a Steam account and a PC that meets the minimum requirements below.*

Minimum PC requirements

Here are the minimum requirements for PS VR2 gameplay on PC:

Operating systemWindows 10 64-bit / Windows 11 64-bit 
ProcessorIntel Core i5-7600 / AMD Ryzen 3 3100 (Zen 2 or later architecture is required)
RAM / memory8 GB or more
GPU / graphics card-NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or later (Turing or later architecture is required)
-NVIDIA RTX series
-AMD Radeon RX 5500XT or later / AMD Radeon RX 6500XT or later
(For the best performance, we recommend that you use an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or later or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT or later graphics card)
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.4 (must have a standard DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort output port)
USBDirect connection only
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0 or later**

Setup is easy: simply connect PlayStation VR2 to your PC using the PS VR2 PC adapter and the DisplayPort 1.4 cable. Then, download the PlayStation VR2 App and the SteamVR App from Steam. This will allow you to set up PS VR2 on your PC, customize your settings and play area, and start purchasing and playing games in SteamVR.

As with all PC gaming technology, performance may vary depending on your PC setup, including system compatibility and the quality of your DisplayPort 1.4 cable. Please ensure your setup meets the minimum requirements. SteamVR titles also have individual system requirements, so please refer to the game information on Steam.

Feature differences with PS VR2 on PS5

PS VR2 was designed from the ground up specifically for PS5 – so you’ll notice that some key features, like HDR, headset feedback, eye tracking, adaptive triggers, and haptic feedback (other than rumble), are not available when playing on PC. However, other high-fidelity and sensory immersion features of PS VR2 are supported, including 4K visuals (2000 x 2040 per eye), 110-degree field of view, finger touch detection, and see-through view, as well as foveated rendering (without eye tracking) and 3D Audio in supported games.***

While the most immersive way to experience PS VR2 gaming remains on PS5, we hope players will enjoy the ability to play an expanded lineup of VR games on PC using the same headset. You can check out Steam’s huge library of multiplayer open worlds, survival horror and stealth action games, sports sims, puzzlers, and free-to-play fan favorites on the Steam Store

Additionally, as part of our Days of Play celebration, gamers in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam can get PS VR2 at discounted price until June 12. Please check this blog for details of the offers.

Let us know which games you’re excited to try!

*While DisplayPort 1.4 is a common standard, be sure to check that your PC supports it before purchasing a cable.

**Some Bluetooth adapters may not work due to Bluetooth adapter compatibility. We will share more details closer to launch.

***The 3D Audio experience uses SteamVR’s audio technology instead of Tempest 3D AudioTech, which is only supported on PS5.

Players’ Choice: Vote for May 2024’s best new game

May saw a wide variety of games, from indie retro horror to mascot brawlers and fast-paced shooters. What did you enjoy most out of the diverse lineup of titles? 

How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog. 

What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake.

How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll. 

Players' Choice: What Was May’s Best New Game? (Poll Closed)