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Category: Xbox
Tips for Taking on Iconic League of Legends Champions in 2XKO, Available Today for Xbox
Summary
- 2XKO launches today on Xbox Series X|S as a free-to-play title.
- Team up with a friend or fight solo in 2v2 matches.
- Find your main with 12 different champions to play.
Finally. 2XKO, the free 2v2 fighting game featuring League of Legends champions, launches today on Xbox Series X|S.
If you’ve been dying to get your hands on the game, you probably want to jump in right away. At the same time, booting it up for the very first time can be a little overwhelming. From champions, to Fuses, to teamplay mechanics, there’s a lot of information to absorb – especially for anyone new to tag fighters, or fighting games in general.
Here are some quick tips to help you get in-game and start having fun right away.

Grab a Duo Partner
2XKO is a 2v2 game, which means you can team up and fight as a duo. Whether you’re testing combos in Training mode or climbing the Ranked ladder together, the highs and lows of fighting games are better with friends.
Use your champ’s Assist moves by pressing A or back + A when they’re offscreen. Each champion has unique Assists, but here’s how to use a few:
- When Braum uses Stand Behind Me Assist (back + A), he leaps to shield his ally from an attack. If you’re under pressure from the enemy team, this Assist can help you get some space back.
- When Blitzcrank uses Rocket Grab Assist (A), they’ll extend their robotic arm to pull an enemy champion towards your team. Use this Assist to bring in opponents and follow up with your big hits.
- When Vi uses Crater Maker Assist (back + A), she punches the ground and creates a hextech aftershock. It can hit opponents out of the air, so try this move if they’re jumping in.
When you’re playing with a friend, they can swap to you by hitting A right after your champion Assists. Coordinate to attack together, defend each other, and pull off tricky combos.

Find Your Main
Each character in 2XKO has a unique playstyle. For your first games, just pick the ones that look the coolest to you – you can always choose someone new in the next game.
Caitlyn, the Sheriff of Piltover, is our newest addition to the roster. Use her traps and deadly aim to stay ten steps ahead of the enemy duo.
Don’t forget that you’ll have two champions on your team, and they can play off of each other. If you’re looking for team-building suggestions, here are a few:
- Caitlyn and Vi
- Caitlyn uses her hextech-powered rifle to line up headshots, while Vi loves to brawl up-close. With their combined strengths, you’ll take down opponents at any range.
- Darius and Ekko
- Darius deals massive damage with his battle axe and makes opponents Bleed, but he’s on the slower side. Ekko can keep enemies guessing with fast movement and a teleport. Use Ekko to jump in (or out), and land big hits with Darius.
- Ahri and Braum
- Ahri is a quick spellcaster who excels in the air, while Braum is a supportive champion that can defend allies with a shield. Use Ahri’s magical foxfire to blast opponents, and if you find yourself under pressure, bring in Braum’s shield to retreat or position for your next move.
Try Pulse Combo
A combo is when you put together unique moves to damage an opponent. This can feel complicated when you’re still learning what your champion can do, but Pulse Combo is here to help.
In champion select, press RT to enable Pulse Combo. Once it’s on, you can press the same attack button repeatedly to automatically do a combo (if you land the first hit).
There are unique autocombos for the X, Y, and B buttons. Try each one to get an idea of the moves your champion can combine.

Play Tutorials
If you’re looking to improve your game, there are tons of tutorials to choose from in the Learning Hub. Here are the different types available:
- Bot Beatdown: Win battles against bots to unlock chromas that change the color palette of four champions.
- Tutorial: A series of fights to teach the basics of 2XKO, including movement, attacking, blocking. Completing this unlocks a set of cosmetics for your avatar.
- Combo Trials: Learn combos for each champion, from beginner to expert-level difficulties.
- Advanced Lessons: Level up with more advanced techniques for offense, defense, teamwork, and movement.
You can also find Training mode in the Learning Hub, where you can play against bots at your own pace.
Experiment with Fuses
Fuses are playstyle modifiers that change how your team works together. You pick your team’s Fuse after choosing your champions, so you can try each one out to see what suits you best.
Here are the Fuses that are available when you launch 2XKO for the first time:
- Juggernaut: Play as a single champion with extra power. You can’t use Assists, but gain a few buffs, including bonus health, damage reduction, and additional bars of meter.
- Sidekick: Your Point champion gains health and a defense boost. Your Assist champion can’t tag in, but gains supporting abilities.
- Double Down: Combine your Point and Assist champions’ Super attacks.
There are two more advanced Fuses that can be unlocked by completing tutorials in the Learning Hub: 2X Assist and Freestyle.
2XKO is available for free in the Microsoft Store for Xbox. Check out the 2XKO website and YouTube channel for more on how to play and to get a look at each champion. See you in the lobby!
2XKO
Riot Games
Welcome to 2XKO, the free-to-play fighting game from the makers of League of Legends and VALORANT.
2V2 COMBAT
In 2XKO, good teamwork makes the difference between victory and defeat. Fight solo to control both champions on your team, or grab a friend to duo with. Switch up your game every match with Fuses, powerful playstyle modifiers that change the rules your team plays by.
LEGENDARY FIGHTERS
League of Legends’ iconic champions take the stage with fresh movesets inspired by the MOBA and reimagined for fighting games. Immerse yourself in the world of Runeterra with beautifully crafted stages, cutting-edge 2D graphics, and original music tracks that bring your battles to life.
LOBBIES & MATCHMAKING
Step into a virtual arcade where your next duo partner—or rival—awaits. Ranked, Casual, and Private lobbies let you play your way whether you wanna compete, spectate, or just mash. Plus, with best-in-class rollback netcode and anti-cheat systems, 2XKO delivers fair, lag-free gameplay every time you queue up.
The post Tips for Taking on Iconic League of Legends Champions in 2XKO, Available Today for Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Play Anywhere, Slay Everywhere: Greedland XPA Hits Windows with a Major Update
Commanders,
VaMP He here — the lone creator behind Greedland — and this isn’t just another launch. Today, Greedland arrives on Windows PC with full Xbox Play Anywhere support, and it brings with it the massive Version 1.0 Update — a true milestone in our journey together.
Buy once, own it everywhere: Xbox Series X|S and Windows. Your progress, your arsenal, your relentless runs — all seamlessly synced across platforms.
First — Thank You.
Your support has been the fuel for this four-year journey. Greedland 1.0 is here, and this update represents a major milestone in our fight together.
What’s New in 1.0 — The Fire Rises
New Map: Lava Area
You’ve survived the Jungle, Desert, and Icefield. Now descend into the molten core of Greedland. The Lava Area introduces ten fiery new levels, plus endless mode, with new environments, deadlier mutants, and greater rewards. The heat is truly on.
New Mode: Base Defense
The alien swarm is launching a counterattack. Defend our mercenary outpost in this brand-new gameplay mode. Hold the line — and when overwhelmed, call in the Titan Mechas.
Titan Mechas: Unleash the Giants
Customize your loadout like never before. Pre-equip two devastating mechas:
- Bipedal Titan

- Light Titan

Build “Titan Power” during your run and summon these war machines from the sky to break enemy sieges.
New Equipment & Arsenal Expansion
The Logistics Department has delivered:
- Two new Power Armors
- Two new wide-area damage weapons
- Five new equipment items
- Three new fused equipment
Gear up — the Lava Area won’t go easy on you.

New Equipment – Ice Cyclone

Fused Equipment – Phantom Guard
New Achievements — 1000G Added
For the completionists and the glory seekers: the 1.0 update brings a full 1000 Gamerscore in new achievements. Master the Lava Area, dominate in Base Defense, unleash the Titans, and collect every piece of new gear to prove your mercenary legacy.
But a Quick Note on Multiplayer
While XPA lets you play anywhere, local co-op remains a shared-screen experience. This means cross-platform play between Xbox and PC is not supported — the mutant-slaying partnership is designed for couch-to-couch chaos, not cross-play.
The Time to Act Is Now
Whether you’re a PC veteran or a dual-platform devotee, Greedland is ready for you. Suit up, sync up, and unleash devastation — anytime, anywhere.
Get it once, play it everywhere with Xbox Play Anywhere.
Your progress travels. The mutants don’t rest. Neither should you.
– VaMP He

Greedland
E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd.
$12.99
$9.09
Commanders,
VaMP He here — the lone creator behind Greedland — and this isn’t just another launch. Today, Greedland arrives on Windows PC with full Xbox Play Anywhere support, and it brings with it the massive Version 1.0 Update — a true milestone in our journey together.
Buy once, own it everywhere: Xbox Series X|S and Windows. Your progress, your arsenal, your relentless runs — all seamlessly synced across platforms.
The post Play Anywhere, Slay Everywhere: Greedland XPA Hits Windows with a Major Update appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Jump into the Biggest THQ Nordic & Handy Games Sale Yet, Running Until February 2
Featuring limited-time savings on almost 200 different games and DLCs, THQ Nordic’s 2026 annual Publisher Sale is its biggest to date!
From January 20 through February 2, Xbox players can take advantage of savings of up to 90% across a robust catalogue of action, racing, adventure, platform, puzzle, horror, RTS, RPG, wrestling, and yes, even singing, games! Plus, the highly-anticipated Reanimal is available to pre-order with 10% off!
Check out just a few highlights from the THQ Nordic 2026 Publisher Sale below:
Reanimal Pre-Order – 10% Off!

The highly-anticipated co-op mystery horror adventure Reanimal is scheduled to release worldwide on Friday, February 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day. From the creators of Little Nightmares I & II, Reanimal features the relentless journey of orphaned siblings trying to survive a hellish gamescape to rescue their lost friends. Reanimal has already won critical praise for its haunting, cinematic environment, and features couch and online co-op multiplayer options.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide – 25% Off!

Just released this past November, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is an all-new adventure through Bikini Bottom. Prepare to be scared as a clash between the Flying Dutchman and King Neptune has unleashed ghostly mayhem all over Bikini Bottom. Titans of the Tide features the ability to switch from player from SpongeBob to Patrick and back again – a long-time request from SpongeBob gamers and a first for the franchise!
Wreckfest Complete Edition – 60% Off!

Wreckfest, the high-octane, no-rules demolition derby and racing franchise was made famous by its realistic damage model and unique blend of arcade and simulation style. Sophisticated driving dynamics and in-depth vehicle upgrading meet demolition derby and traditional track races to deliver breakneck racing and over-the-top crashes. Wreckfest requires that every driver Drive Hard to Die Last!
Way of the Hunter: Ultimate Edition – 50% Off!

Way of the Hunter quickly became the go-to hunting experience for hunting enthusiasts that value authenticity, realism, and the most immersive and ethical of online hunting worlds. As the new owner of a hunting lodge nestled among varied, gorgeous habitats with rich animal populations, players can explore vast, open environments and hunt with a premium selection of licensed firearms. Hunt on your own or with friends in co-op mode.
MX vs ATV Legends – 70% Off!

MX vs ATV Legends challenges every off-road racing fan to become a world-famous professional rider. Race your way to victory on bikes, ATVs, and UTVs. Experience the risks and rewards of world-class competition in the robust career mode or explore the varied terrain in massive open environments. Become an off-road racing legend in MX vs ATV Legends – your time is now!
AEW: Fight Forever – 65% Off!

AEW: Fight Forever combines nostalgic arcade-wrestling with All Elite Wrestling finishers and moves. Featuring a big roster of AEW talent, multiple match types, robust career mode, tons of customization options, more than 40 weapons, and so much more!
Alone in the Dark – 45% Off!

Alone in the Dark is a love letter to the 90’s cult classic, survival horror game. This return to Derceto Manor features a single-player narrative set in the 1930’s. Players can choose to play as Edward Carnby or Emily Hartwood as they make their way through the mansion to uncover mysteries.
Take advantage of special savings on these games and many more!
- Wreckfest Complete Edition – 60% Off
- MX vs ATV Legends – 70% Off
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide – 25% Off
- South Park: Snow Day! – 55% Off
- Wreckreation – 25% Off
- Way of the Hunter: Ultimate Edition – 50% Off
- Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure – Ultimate Edition – 20% Off
- Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed: Dressed to Skill Edition – 70% Off
- Alone in the Dark – 45% Off
- Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning – 75% Off
- Darksiders III – 75% Off
- Reanimal Pre-order – 10% Off
The post Jump into the Biggest THQ Nordic & Handy Games Sale Yet, Running Until February 2 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, and More
Welcome back to your routine “what am I going to play next?” suggestion list! We’ve got some favorites, some surprises we snuck in last week (and a cheeky reminder to join us for our fourth Developer Direct for even more games coming your way). Let’s get to the games!
Available Today
Resident Evil Village (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass
Resident Evil Village is the eighth main entry in the Resident Evil series. Set years after Resident Evil 7 biohazard, players follow Ethan Winters into a haunting European village, fighting for survival against brutal enemies as danger and mystery lurk around every corner.
MIO: Memories in Orbit (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass! A hand-crafted metroidvania set within a vast, decaying world reclaimed by nature and robots. Play as Mio, a nimble android exploring labyrinthine environments, battling rogue machines, and uncovering lost memories in a richly atmospheric adventure filled with secrets and danger.
Coming Soon
Death Stranding Director’s Cut (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) – January 21
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass

Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now available on Xbox Game Pass! Take on the role of Sam Porter Bridges on his mission to deliver hope to humanity. Are you ready to unite the divided – one more time?
RoadCraft (PC) – January 21
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass
In the wake of natural disasters, RoadCraft calls on you to rebuild what’s broken. Operate a fleet of over 40 authentic construction vehicles to clear debris, repair roads and bridges, and restore essential infrastructure. Tackle realistic challenges solo or in cooperative play across expansive, physics-driven environments shaped by destruction and recovery.
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 21
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass
A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the Ninja Gaiden series from the team behind Blasphemous, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.
The Talos Principle 2 (PC and Xbox Series X|S) – January 27
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass
A thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands the first game’s philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges. Born into a new world where biological humanity is extinct but human culture lives on in a city of robots, get swept up in a mind-bending adventure involving a mysterious megastructure hiding enormous powers.
Anno: Mutationem (Cloud, PC, and Console) – January 28
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass
Welcome to the neon-covered, 2D-meets-3D Cyberpunk world of Anno: Mutationem. In thisAction-Adventure game with RPG elements you become Ann: a highly skilled, combat-trained lone wolf on a personal mission in the giant Metropolis, full of sinister mega-corporations, mysterious fringe groups and creatures more bizarre than words can express.
Drop Duchy (Cloud, PC, and Console) – January 28
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass
Build your duchy piece by piece in this refreshing hybrid rogue-lite game. Use block-dropping mechanics to collect resources, recruit troops to fight against belligerent armies, and let every block shape your realm, leading your path to victory! Complete Edition includes all additional content.
MySims: Cozy Bundle (PC) – January 29
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Befriend cute characters and discover creative adventures across retro re-releases of two lovable games in MySims: Cozy Bundle. Use your imagination to rebuild a town in MySims and help a cute magical land become an even better place in MySims Kingdom. There are stories to uncover, locations to explore, and lots of characters with big personalities to meet.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 29
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass

Your craft is death. Purge the relentless Tyranid swarms as legendary Space Marine Demetrian Titus in a spectacular new campaign, solo or in three-player co-op, and save the Imperium as your own Space Marine in endlessly brutal PvE and PvP games with 6 playable classes to choose from!
Indika (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) – February 2
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Indika is a story-driven adventure set in an alternative 19th-century Russia, following a young nun on a surreal journey of self-discovery. Blending dark humor with serious themes like faith, morality, and religious authority, the game mixes exploration, light puzzles, brief action moments, and symbolic RPG elements. Its narrative is enriched by retro-style arcade flashbacks and a strange companionship with the devil himself, creating a unique experience that balances comedy and tragedy while pushing the boundaries of conventional game design.
Final Fantasy II (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – February 3
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass
A remodeled 2D take on the second game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Our epic tale begins with four young souls orphaned during the struggle between the Palamecian Empire and the rebel army. On their journey, the youths join forces with the white wizard Minwu, Prince Gordon of Kashuan, Leila the pirate, and many others. Behold the beautiful and sometimes tragic twists of fate that await you on your adventure.
In Case You Missed It
Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (PC) – Play today!
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Command the checkpoint in a collapsing city. Screen survivors, manage scarce resources, and hold back the undead. Every choice matters and one mistake could unleash the plague beyond your walls.
DLC / Game Updates
The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle (PC) – January 22
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Celebrate a Sim-sational New Year with EA Play on the Xbox PC app. This month, embrace classic chaos with re-releases of The Sims and The Sims 2, coming to EA Play on January 22. Keep the cozy vibes rolling with MySims: Cozy Bundle joining The Play List on January 29.
Grounded 2 Garden Update (Cloud, PC, and Console) – January 27
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Explore the new Community Garden biome in The Toxic Tangle update, packed with hidden paths, twisting trellises, and earthy caverns. Battle new creatures, craft Tier III gear, and ride the Ladybug Buggy with its water cannon as you face fresh challenges across the Garden.
Dead by Daylight – Stranger Things DLC – January 27
The battles fought. The pain endured. All of it leads back to him. Stranger Things Returns To Dead by Daylight: Vecna, Dustin, & Eleven Enter The Fog.
Sea of Thieves Season 18, Act 2 (Cloud, PC, and Console) – January 22
Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, PC Game Pass
The Trading Companies are calling on Emissaries to raid Molten Sands Fortress and recover valuable treasure from its vault! During the event, those who reach Emissary Grade 5 can accept a special quest that will awaken this fiery fort. Which flag will you fly?
Leaving January 31
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Jump back in to tie up any loose ends, or save up to 20% off your purchase to keep the fun going!
- Shady Part of Me (Cloud, PC, and Console)Cataclismo (PC)
- Starbound (Cloud, PC, and Console)
- Lonely Mountains Snow Riders (Cloud, PC, and Console)
- Paw Patrol World (Cloud, PC, and Console)
- Citizen Sleeper 2 Starward Vector (Cloud, PC, and Console)
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Excited to see you all back here in just a few days for our next Developer Direct! In the meantime, go charge your batteries and get those games downloaded. Cheers!
Note: Games with a ‘Handheld’ designation represent those that are optimized for handheld play.
The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Escape from Ever After: When Storybooks Meet Corporate Hell
Escape from Ever After: When Storybooks Meet Corporate Hell
Hey Xbox players! With Escape from Ever After launching fairly soon, we thought now’s the perfect time to dive into what makes this game tick. So, if you’ve ever wondered what happens when classic storybook heroes get stuck in a soul-crushing office job, you’re about to find out.
Escape from Ever After is a Paper Mario-inspired RPG that takes the hero’s journey and tosses it straight into corporate bureaucracy. It’s equal parts adventure game, turn-based combat, and workplace satire—and it’s weirder than it sounds.
Meet Flynt Buckler, your typical storybook hero out to settle the score with his nemesis, Tinder the dragon. But when he finally reaches her castle, things get weird. The fire-breathing villain he expected? Nowhere to be found. Instead, her once-majestic fortress has been gutted and rebuilt as a soulless office complex, complete with fluorescent lighting, mandatory coffee breaks, and employees trapped in the worst kind of grind.
Turns out Ever After Inc.
—a megacorporation from the real world—has discovered storybooks make for excellent cheap labor. Dragons file TPS reports. Knights optimize synergies. Heroes attend team-building exercises. And there’s no dragon to slay that can fix this mess.
So Flynt does the only logical thing: he joins the company. To take down Ever After Inc.
, he’ll need to climb the corporate ladder from within, rallying other trapped storybook characters and figuring out how to rewrite the rules before it’s too late.

Combat That Keeps You In the Fight
Escape from Ever After builds on classic turn-based RPG combat but keeps you engaged every single turn through timing-based action commands. When Flynt throws his buckler or an enemy winds up for an attack, you need to nail your button presses. Perfect timing means extra damage on offense and flawless blocks on defense. Mess up your inputs and you’ll pay for it.
It’s the kind of system that makes every turn feel active rather than passive. No sitting back and watching animations play out—you’re always involved.

More Than Button-Mashing
Raw damage only gets you so far. Enemies have their own tricks: armor that shrugs off weak hits, metal shields that deflect certain attacks, poison that chips away at your health, and battlefield hazards that punish careless aggression.
The Research system lets you study enemies mid-battle, permanently revealing their health and weak points. That information gets saved to your Bestiary, giving you an edge in future encounters. The more you learn, the smarter you can fight.

Build Your Party Your Way
Between fights, you can customize your team through the Trinket system. Each character can equip trinkets that unlock new abilities, passive bonuses, or utility effects, limited only by their Trinket Points. Want a glass cannon? Stack damage. Prefer a support build? Load up on buffs and healing.
You can also upgrade individual attacks using resources scattered throughout the world. These systems reward experimentation over min-maxing, letting you find builds that match your playstyle.

Every Book Tells a Different Story
Combat is only half the game. Escape from Ever After is structured around distinct storybook worlds, each with its own genre and atmosphere. One chapter might be a cozy fairytale forest under threat of corporate development. The next could dive into noir mystery or Lovecraftian horror.
Exploration pays off. Hidden items, optional quests, environmental puzzles, and side stories are tucked into every corner. And it all connects back to the Castle—formerly a fairytale landmark, now the headquarters of Ever After Inc.
. It’s your hub between chapters, where you’ll meet recurring characters, take on side missions, manage upgrades, and watch the megacorp’s influence spread.

A Story About Fighting the System
Beneath the humor and absurdity, Escape from Ever After tells a story about what happens when someone realizes their entire world has been quietly rewritten by forces beyond their control. Flynt starts out confident in his role as a hero, only to discover that “hero” and “villain” don’t mean much when everyone’s just another cog in the machine.
To fight back, he’ll need to make uncomfortable alliances—including with Tinder herself. The game balances sharp satire with character-driven moments that land harder than you’d expect from a game about storybook characters stuck in corporate hell.

Worth Turning the Page
Escape from Ever After thrives on contrast. It’s storybook whimsy meets office dystopia, classic RPG mechanics meets modern design sensibilities, and lighthearted satire meets genuinely thoughtful storytelling.
We’ve spent years building this world, and every character, combat system, and storybook chapter was designed with one goal: giving players something worth discovering. Whether you’re here for the timing-based battles, the exploration, or just the absurd premise of fairytales stuck in corporate hell, we believe there’s definitely something in here for you.
Thanks for reading, and we can’t wait to see you jump into the chaos!
Escape from Ever After
HypeTrain Digital
$24.99
$19.99
When Flynt Buckler, a classic fairytale adventurer, storms the castle of his evil dragon arch-nemesis Tinder, he finds the once intimidating fortress has been converted into… corporate offices? The villainous dragon is nowhere to be found and her castle is full of mindless coffee-sipping, report-filing drones. What happened?
It turns out that storybooks are an untapped market ripe with valuable resources, cheap labor, and profit to be had—so naturally, real-world conglomerate Ever After Inc.
found a way to intervene! With Tinder’s Castle as their new corporate headquarters, Ever After Inc. is hellbent on taking over every storybook they can. With no choice but to get a job, Flynt Buckler must team up with his former nemesis Tinder in order to climb the corporate ladder and take down Ever After Inc. from the inside!
Dive into storybook worlds packed to the brim with colorful characters, captivating locales, and electrifying secrets! One moment you’ll be fleeing Lovecraftian terrors while solving a noir murder mystery, and the next you’ll be up against villainous versions of The Three Little Pigs as they try to bulldoze a fairytale forest for their real estate developments. The rules are always changing!
Face off against hordes of wacky enemies in snappy turn-based gameplay! Perfectly-timed action commands allow Flynt to finish off his foes with style, and an assortment of items, badges, and partners ensure there’s always a trick up his sleeve.
Fight in a fun, fast-paced battle system that rewards experimentation and strategy
Build and customize your party—every character has unique skills that can be equipped and upgraded throughout your journey
Engage in office banter, help your storybook coworkers, and decorate your office as you climb the corporate ladder
Explore vast storybook worlds brimming with sidequests, treasures, and secrets
Stories within stories: experience a charming and lively narrative where the rules are constantly changing
A jazzy, big-band soundtrack that keeps the energy pumping throughout
The post Escape from Ever After: When Storybooks Meet Corporate Hell appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 19 to 23
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
2XKO – January 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Welcome to 2XKO, the free-to-play fighting game from the makers of League of Legends and Valorant. League of Legends’ iconic champions take the stage with fresh movesets inspired by the MOBA and reimagined for fighting games. Immerse yourself in the world of Runeterra with beautifully crafted stages, cutting-edge 2D graphics, and original music tracks that bring your battles to life. Fight solo to control both champions on your team, or grab a friend to duo with.
skate. – January 20
Smart Delivery
The next evolution of the award-winning skate. franchise is here. Your new favorite hangout awaits. Drop into the dynamic, ever-evolving city of San Vansterdam — a city with a new lease on life, building its growing skate scene alongside its new residents. In San Van, no two days are alike, and fun waits around every corner in this online multiplayer world fueled by skateboarding, self-expression and community.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade – January 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
The award-winning Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade retells the original story up to the escape from Midgar, with breathtaking visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and additional story elements. This RPG delivers unforgettable characters, a powerful narrative, and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat. It also includes FF7R Episode Intermission, a side story starring Yuffie Kisaragi that offers a fresh perspective running in parallel to Cloud’s journey.
Pathologic 3 – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Bachelor Daniil Dankovsky is a young doctor from the capital. His search for the secret of immortality brings him to a remote town, gripped by a mysterious plague that will destroy it in 12 days. Now it’s up to him to explore the town itself, its past, present, and future — to find answers to his numerous questions and try to stop the relentless epidemic. (At least… that’s what he thinks this story is about. What it’s supposed to be about. What it’s always been about.)
Mio: Memories in Orbit – January 20
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Handheld Optimized
A mesmerizing, intertwined, decaying world awaits. Awaken Mio, a nimble robot with extraordinary abilities, and unravel the mysteries of the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with lush vegetation and machines gone rogue. Nobody knows why the Pearls, The Vessel’s AI caretakers, have ceased functioning. Forgotten by all, the Vessel faces imminent shutdown. Dive into its depths to revive its lost memories, as you unravel your true past and destiny, in this mesmerizing metroidvania. Will you rise to the challenge and save the Vessel from destruction? Will you dare to seek and wake its memories?
Primal Dungeon Adventure – January 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Explore dangerous corridors and face unique enemies across 10 challenging platforming stages. Discover hidden areas, avoid deadly traps, and search for the legendary wolf stones. Unlock powerful upgrades like Rock Attack, Fire Rock Attack, and the devastating Wolf Special. Master precision jumps, sharpen your throwing skills, and survive the rising difficulty of this mysterious dungeon.
Hextreme Void – January 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere / Handheld Optimized
Are you ready for a brick breaker with a twist? In Hextreme Void, you can’t lose! Instead of lives or game overs, the challenge comes from progression and optimization in order to complete all levels within a certain time limit. Each playthrough takes you through one of five distinct Voids, with 50 levels per Void. Stages are presented in high-def 2D style with hexagonal bricks arranged in increasingly complex patterns. Your ball moves automatically, but it’s up to you to decide how released powerups are used.
Prison Escape Simulator – January 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Too long in this prison, time to get out of here. Pull the carpet and start digging with a teaspoon. Watch out for the guard, sell him the junk you find. Trade toilet paper with the prisoners. Get better items and improve your stats. Expand the tunnel, use glow sticks and dynamite. Will you escape?
Desvelado – January 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Desvelado is the first Bed-Time-Vania game in history! Help our hero Vampy fight insomnia one last time by turning off every light in the castle before going to sleep in his cozy coffin.
Dustland Delivery – January 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Grow your trading empire in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Dustland Delivery is a post-apocalyptic survival business simulator, featuring over 40 hours of gameplay content. Scour the wastes for profit, complete missions to grow your trading empire, and assemble a rag-tag band of adventurers to turn your city into the capital of the Dustlands. Danger lurks around every corner — but no risk, no reward!
Horror Tale 1: 4k Remaster – January 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
In this horror game, you’ll have to immerse yourself in a thrilling and exciting adventure together with the main characters! Children have been missing for a long time in Lakewitch, and you are destined to solve this creepy mystery. Who is the kidnapper, and why is he doing it? Where are the children disappearing to, and how to save them? You can solve all the puzzles and find out the answers… if you don’t get scared!
The Last Train: Baquedano – January 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Last stop of the line. All passengers must exit In The Last Train, a first-person psychological horror game, routine turns into nightmare when you fall asleep on the subway. Upon waking, you discover you’ve reached the end of the line, an abandoned station shrouded in darkness. But you’re not alone; something else waits in the shadows, watching you and following your every move.
Look Mum No Computer – January 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Brace yourself for a wild ride where music meets mayhem! Look Mum No Computer takes you to the quirky, pixel-art universe of Soldersworth, as you join Sam and his Synthesizer sidekick, Kosmo, in this twin-stick shooter action-RPG to battle rogue household items and fix them from the inside — one electrifying beat at a time!
Mavrix – January 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
The ultimate multiplayer open world designed by riders. Discover mountains and trails with limitless control and build your own career. Pull huge tricks or race through the global rankings! Nail challenges to secure sponsorship deals with real world brands. Are you ready?
Outpath – January 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Taking Satisfactory, Forager and the gratifying gameplay loop of clicker/idle games as references, Outpath would be just that. Exploit your environment, craft, build and automate your base in this 3D first-person platformer! Gather. Craft. Build. Explore. Relax. No time limits, no pressure, play at your own pace and style.
Ebola Village – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
A classic horror inspired by the original survival games of the 90s, Ebola Village is a modern take on a first-person adventure where the main character, Maria, investigates a series of mysterious events. While sitting in her apartment and watching her favorite TV series, the broadcast is suddenly interrupted by a live report about a biological threat. Concerned for her family, Maria travels to a remote village to visit her mother and her ex-husband, Ruslan… and soon, terrible things begin to happen.
Escape from Ever After – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Escape from Ever After is an adventure RPG inspired by the classic Paper Mario games, where fairytale and storybook characters must fight back against capitalism! When Flynt Buckler, a classic fairytale adventurer, storms the castle of his evil dragon arch-nemesis Tinder, he finds the once intimidating fortress has been converted into… corporate offices? It turns out that storybooks are an untapped market ripe with valuable resources, cheap labor, and profit to be had — so naturally, real-world conglomerate Ever After Inc. found a way to intervene! Flynt Buckler must team up with his former nemesis Tinder in order to climb the corporate ladder and take down Ever After Inc. from the inside!
GrassGames Hearts – January 23
Xbox Play Anywhere
GrassGames’ Hearts brings the beloved strategy card game to life with smooth gameplay, smart opponents, and plenty of ways to compete. Whether you play for fun or to climb the leaderboards, every match is designed for depth, replayability, and pure enjoyment. Face clever AI opponents, challenge your friends locally, or compete online with players around the world. Play quick casual games or intense ranked matches — it’s easy to jump in and find your perfect game style.
Guts ‘n Grunts Jr. – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
AUG 12, 2045. The Technate has ruled for 15 years. Its robotic army, Slaughterhouse AI, roams the Earth in search of all processable flesh. Pigs everywhere remain in hiding. One small boar takes matters into his own hands. He is unusually fast and armed with a blaster. His name is Gunnar Harsvin. His message: the pigs will fight for their lives. Gunnar must destroy the machines of the evil technocracy and rescue his fellow pigs. Play a missing classic from the genesis of the 16-bit era. Roll like a hedgehog! Shoot like a soldier!
Haunted House Renovator – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Set out on a path of a ghost-hunting renovator. Your task – restore haunted houses to a usable state! This is not an easy job, applying new wallpaper won’t be enough to render a house safe. You also need to deal with whatever is haunting it. Accept requests to renovate haunted houses from various eccentric owners. Scout abandoned mansions and look for signs of any paranormal activity. Make sure you’re ready for the job by preparing a set of tools to aid your work.
Ho Ho & Move – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Plan Santa’s route and solve 40 festive logic puzzles in this cozy holiday adventure. Before each level begins, place directional tiles to map out how Santa will move. Once the route is set, watch him follow your plan — collecting every gift on the way and delivering them to the waiting child. With limited tiles available, every decision matters, turning each stage into a fun little brain teaser.
I’m in Love With Your Dead Grandmother – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere / Handheld Optimized
Hello, I’m Noah. I’m 28 years old and still haven’t got a single date in my life, I’m looking for a life coach who can help me figure out the hard choices in my day-to-day life, you know? I’m sad and single, I have some friends online, but that’s it. I thankfully got a date with a girl named Michelle. She’s a bit too young for my liking, I prefer people that are over 70 years old. Just a preference, but I’m willing to give her a try.
The Monty Mole Collection – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Experience the story of Monty Mole, British subterranean mammal turned international criminal, in this fantastic collection of six games. All Monty wanted was a quiet life, but when faced with an unbearably cold winter found himself stealing coal to survive, and that led to a life on the run from the authorities, a journey that would take him all across Europe! The Monty Mole series of adventure platformer games for home microcomputers were the brainchild of Peter Harrap, the teenage son of a mining inspector, and inspired by the 1984 mining strikes in the UK.
Tropicalia – January 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
You will play as Kaique, a brave Guarani warrior whose girlfriend, Kerana, is kidnapped by an evil god named Tau. Collect materials to craft new items, grind through fast-paced battles, and test your strategy against challenging bosses. Hunt, fish, swim, dive, jump, and explore the jungle! In this fantasy game you won’t find Dragons and Elves. But you will face Curupiras and Boitatas.
The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 19 to 23 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Ultimate General: Civil War is coming to Xbox on March 4
Summary
- Launching on Xbox consoles and XPA.
- A playable demo will be released February 9, 2026.
- Intuitive control scheme designed specifically for controllers.
I am incredibly excited to announce that Ultimate General: Civil War is officially coming to Xbox consoles on March 4. For the first time, console players can experience the tactical depth of this acclaimed strategy game from the comfort of their living room.
You won’t have to wait long to take command and test your skills. We are preparing a playable demo targeting February 9, 2026, giving you a chance to experience the game’s mechanics firsthand.
Ultimate General: Civil War is a tactical real-time strategy game where you oversee a massive historical campaign from 1861 to 1865. The game is designed to be a simulator where every decision matters—from the positioning of your artillery to the morale of your infantry brigades.
On Xbox and XPA, you will fight through an extensive campaign featuring dozens of battles, ranging from smaller skirmishes to massive conflicts that span several days. You aren’t just watching from above; you are managing army composition, weapon supplies, and officer progression. Your units learn and grow stronger with every engagement, carrying their experience throughout the entire campaign.

Optimized for Xbox Controllers
Bringing a precise RTS to consoles was a significant challenge. Our goal was to ensure the game feels native to the gamepad, rather than just emulating a mouse.
In Ultimate General: Civil War, you control your units by drawing their movement paths directly onto the terrain. This mechanic feels incredibly natural on the Xbox Wireless Controller. You can draw flanking manoeuvres through forests or set up defensive perimeters on high ground with simple analog stick movements. We have adapted the experience to ensure that commanding a massive army feels intuitive and responsive on the console.

Prepare for Battle
The upcoming demo will be the perfect opportunity to learn how to manage cover, utilize terrain advantages, and break the enemy line using these optimized controls.
We can’t wait for you to try the demo February 9 and see how you rewrite history when the full game arrives on March 4, and you can add it to your wishlist now!
Ultimate General: Civil War
Samustai LTD
«Ultimate General: Civil War» is a tactical real time strategy war game.
Fight in the American Civil War campaign (1861-1865) – from small engagements to massive battles that can last several days over hundreds of square miles of terrain. Based on your successes and reputation you might get access to more corps, divisions and brigades. Keep your soldiers alive and they will learn to fight better, turning from green rookies to crack veterans. The Officers rank up based on their units’ performance, but it’s war and they can be wounded or even get killed in action. There is a huge variety of Civil War weaponry from mass produced Enfield pattern rifles to rare Whitworths. Certain weapons can only be captured by raiding supplies or taken from the enemy on the battlefield. Detach skirmishers to send them to scout those hills ahead. Or merge several brigades into one bigger division if it’s needed. Dismount the cavalry to become less visible to the enemy or mount for fast flanking charges and supply raids.
Use every opportunity to overthrow your enemy and win the battle.
The post Ultimate General: Civil War is coming to Xbox on March 4 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
EA Play: Usher in the New Year with Rewards for Battlefield 6 and More
Usher in the new year with new member rewards for Battlefield 6, Madden NFL 26, Apex Legends, and more!
January Member Rewards
A new year comes with endless possibility … and a new batch of rewards to claim, starting with Battlefield 6 — EA’s latest title and the new standard of FPS combat. Purchase Battlefield 6 with your 10% member discount on the digital version of the full game and grab an EA Play Deployment Pack, EA Play Season 1 Pack, and Battle Pass XP Boost.
As we head into the year 2026, keep building your dream roster with a Madden Ultimate Team EA Play January Pack. Launch Madden NFL 26 and enter Ultimate Team from Jan 1-31 to claim your Pack.
Compete for rewards with a Football Ultimate Team Draft Token in EA Sports FC 26, available in Ultimate Team from Dec 25 to Jan 29.
Unlock tiers of the Podium Pass to earn prizes even faster, and race to the top step of the podium with the EA Play 5,000 XP Boost for F1 25.
Pick up the Gold Broodling Weapon Charm in Apex Legends and equip it to your favorite weapon before battling for glory, fame, and fortune in style.
Sim-sational New Year
Celebrate a Sim-sational New Year with EA Play on the Xbox PC App. This month embrace classic chaos with re-releases of The Sims and The Sims 2, coming to EA Play on Jan 22. Keep the cozy vibes rolling with MySims: Cozy Bundle joining The Play List Jan 29.

EA Sports Week
From goals to touchdowns, there’s a way for every sports fan to score during EA Sports Week. You can get up to 60% off select EA Sports games, only until January 26. Or try them out during Xbox Free Play Days from Jan 15-18 or for up to 10 hours anytime with a Game Pass Ultimate or EA Play membership.
To learn more about EA Play, check out X and Instagram, or visit here. For more details on all the EA Play member benefits this month, visit the EA Play Member Benefits site. Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See EA Play Terms for details.
Members can experience the world of EA with unlimited access to a collection of top titles, trials of select new games, in-game member rewards, 10% on EA digital purchases and more.
The post EA Play: Usher in the New Year with Rewards for Battlefield 6 and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.
How to Watch Xbox Developer_Direct 2026 Next Thursday
Developer_Direct returns next Thursday, January 22 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK, and will kick off Xbox’s 25th anniversary year with a look at some of the incredible games in store for players.
As we shared previously, the show will include exclusive gameplay and developer insights for Playground Games’ Fable and Forza Horizon 6, as well as Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation – all presented directly by the people making the games, and recorded in their studios.
Here are all the details on how to tune in:
When is Developer_Direct? Thursday, January 22 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK.
How do I watch Developer_Direct? Developer_Direct will be streamed live on official channels, including:
The show will also be streamed simultaneously on regional Xbox channels around the globe, as well as on Steam. It will air on China’s Bilibili platform later the next day.
The YouTube stream will be broadcast in 4K/60, and as with any live broadcast, there may be dips in streaming quality based on your bandwidth.
Is the event available in languages other than English? Developer_Direct will be streamed live on YouTube.com/Xbox with English captions, and our other live languages will be available via regional Xbox channels.
The languages we will support live on our Xbox channels are: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, LATAM Spanish and Turkish.
Shortly after the broadcast concludes, we will add the following additional languages to YouTube.com/Xbox: Arabic (MSA), Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Czech, Dutch, Filipino, Canadian French, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Hindi, Māori, Persian (Farsi), Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
The easiest way to find your preferred language is to go to your region’s Xbox page, or by viewing on the official Xbox YouTube channel and clicking the gear icon in the lower right corner.
Is Developer_Direct going to be Accessible to those with low/no hearing or low/no vision? There will be a version of the show with Audio Descriptions (AD) in English on the Xbox YouTube channel, American Sign Language (ASL) on Xbox’s YouTube channel and the /XboxASL Twitch channel, and British Sign Language (BSL) on Xbox On’s YouTube channel.
I’m not going to be able to watch, where can I find out what was announced? A full recap will go live on Xbox Wire immediately following the show (including localized versions in Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, LATAM Spanish and Japanese following later). Xbox Wire will also publish detailed articles about every game from the show with extra information.
Notes for co-streamers and creators: We at Xbox greatly appreciate any co-stream efforts and aim to ensure you have a smooth experience if you choose to do so. However, due to forces beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that glitches or disruptions by bots and other automated software won’t interfere with your co-stream.
For those planning to create full post-show breakdowns of Developer_Direct in the form of video-on-demand coverage, we recommend you do not use any audio containing copyrighted music to avoid any action by automated bots, and to also consult the terms of service for your service provider.
We’ll see you for Developer_Direct on Thursday, January 22!
The post How to Watch Xbox Developer_Direct 2026 Next Thursday appeared first on Xbox Wire.










