The post Fallout 76: Enter The Backwoods Today in the Latest Free Update appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Category: Xbox
From Sketch to Puzzle: Crafting Planet of Lana II’s Clever Challenges
Summary
- Planet of Lana II’s designers set out to expand on the first game’s beautiful world with new ways to interact with it and more interesting puzzles.
- By way of example, learn the process of how they designed one particular puzzle from initial sketch through playtesting and refinement.
- Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf launches March 5 on Xbox Series S|X, Xbox on PC, and Xbox One, with Xbox Play Anywhere and available day one on Game Pass Ultimate.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for one puzzle from the game!
When we began the game design process for this sequel, we had a clear goal in mind: Create deeper and more elaborate mechanics and puzzles, while at the same time maintaining the flow and accessibility of the first game.
To achieve this goal, we knew we wanted to give the player more control, and expand on Mui’s special hypnotize ability from the first game.
Using the environment as part of the challenge
In the first game, animals were controlled indirectly, by essentially constraining their position to Mui’s. In this sequel, we wanted the player to instead become the animal, controlling it freely in the world independent of Mui, and let the player experiment with its different movements and abilities.
This unleashed a whole new level of creativity and variation in the gameplay, where we could build puzzles around these new and fun animals that were lurking around in the world of Novo. One example is the tiny ink fish. Its fast and snappy movement lets it quickly navigate through the water, go through narrow tunnels, and it can even jump out of the water to reach new areas! Its special ability is that it can create an ink cloud, in which both the ink fish itself as well as Lana can hide from lurking dangers underwater.
Speaking of being under water, this is another aspect that we are introducing in this sequel. Lana can now dive down under the surface, which unlocks a whole new dimension of verticality to the puzzle design, as well as tension, because of the need to breathe.
Mui still has her fear of water, as in the first game, but now there’s a special kind of bubble plant that grows underwater in some places on Novo that Lana can fetch and tie to herself. Mui can then get inside of the bubble and together they can dive down and solve underwater puzzles!
When creating a puzzle, we always start with one or more overview sketches that we present to the rest of the team. We walk through it in stages, imagining how it would be to play and asking questions. Is the goal for the player clear enough? If failing, will the player get the feedback they need in order to not get stuck? Do we present the elements of the puzzle in the right order?

Balancing between challenge and flow
Here you can see a sketch of a puzzle where Lana has found one of the bubble plants mentioned earlier, and needs to find a way to open the underwater hypno door with Mui, without being seen by the shark monsters.
At this stage, we collect valuable feedback based on the sketches, make adjustments and present it again. We repeat this process until we are certain that we are on the right track.
Then the Level Designers make a first pass building it in the engine, making sure everything can be built with the art assets we have available. Also, adjustments are made here to ensure that distances and scale feel good while moving through it in-engine.
As soon as possible, we then try to playtest it on players who have not seen the puzzle sketches. It’s important that this happens in context with the rest of the game, since sometimes a puzzle builds on elements introduced earlier, so testing it in isolation could lead to it being much more difficult than intended if too many totally new puzzle elements are introduced at the same time.
When analyzing the playtests, we look extra carefully for player confusion and frustration, to make sure we don’t break the flow of the game. Having the player not immediately progressing is not always a problem, as long as the player is having fun and is coming up with new ideas of how to solve a puzzle. It can sometimes be a fine line between a fun challenge and a frustrating experience!
As can be seen from this overview from the final game, this particular puzzle mainly kept its shape from the sketch, apart from some tweaks in proportions and distances.

Another small difference is the extra tunnels added around the second shark monster, which were added because it made it feel more natural for players where they were supposed to place an ink cloud (at the tunnel intersection).
Once we see that a puzzle tests well, the Level Artists continue filling out the world with more visual details and lighting, making it more and more beautiful with each pass of polish, as can be seen in this screenshot from the same area of the game.

Thank you for the opportunity to give you a glimpse of what goes into making a puzzle. We really look forward to seeing players explore these new and exciting parts of Novo!
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf will be released on March 5 and will be available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from day one! Wishlist now and go play Lana and Mui’s first adventure in the wait up to their epic continued journey, and follow @PlanetOfLana on social media to stay up to date.

Planet of Lana II
Thunderful Publishing AB
On Lana and Mui’s home planet, new technology brings progress but also stirs greed and imbalance. As different tribes adopt it in their own ways, tensions grow and the world’s harmony begins to shift. When those seeking power push too far, Lana and her little companion are pulled into a journey that reveals long-buried truths about their planet and about themselves.
A World That Tells Its Story
Journey across frozen peaks, deep oceans, and forgotten ruins in a hand-painted world where nature meets technology. With no spoken dialogue, characters express themselves through an alien language, letting the world, music, and your choices carry the story and inviting you to find its meaning for yourself.
A Bond at the Center of the Journey
Planet of Lana II is a cinematic puzzle-adventure built around companionship and trust. Guide an older, more agile Lana and her loyal companion Mui as their bond becomes the key to moving forward in a world where beauty and danger live side by side.
Thoughtful Puzzles & Fluid Movement
Puzzles are woven naturally into the world, rewarding awareness, timing, and cooperation instead of complex logic. Turn Lana’s expanded agility, from wall jumps to smooth movement and momentum, into your path through danger.
An Emotional, Carefully Paced Adventure
As Lana and Mui travel, new discoveries unravel the history of their planet and the truth behind Mui’s origins. Their journey grows into an intimate tale of coexistence, responsibility, and the cost of progress, carried forward by a moving orchestral score that gives weight to quiet moments, bold discoveries, and every emotional turn across its 6 to 8 hour adventure.
A Standalone Experience
Planet of Lana II welcomes new players while offering a deeper journey for those returning, an intimate story about connection, resilience, and protecting what still matters in a changing world.
Key Features
A Cinematic Puzzle-Platformer Adventure
A story-driven experience blending exploration, environmental puzzles and cinematic atmosphere.
A Companion-Driven Journey
A heartfelt adventure built around the bond between Lana and her loyal companion, Mui.
A Hand-Painted World in Transition
Explore a beautifully crafted planet where nature and technology collide, and different tribes respond to progress in their own ways.
Fluid Exploration & Movement
Guide an older, more agile Lana with wall jumps, smooth traversal, and dynamic movement across diverse environments.
Thoughtful & Varied Puzzles
Puzzles are woven naturally into the world, focusing on observation, timing, and cooperation rather than complex logic.
Storytelling Without Words
No spoken dialogue. Meaning emerges through visuals, music, and your interactions with the world.
An Emotional, Carefully Paced Sci-Fi Tale
Uncover new truths about the planet and Mui’s past in a 6-8 hour cinematic journey, accompanied by a moving orchestral score.
The post From Sketch to Puzzle: Crafting Planet of Lana II’s Clever Challenges appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Cyberpunk 2077, Planet of Lana II, and More
Wake up samurai, we have games to play. Whether you want to check out haunted kingdoms, Night City, or the track, we have something for you. Let’s get to the games!
Available Today
Final Fantasy III (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
With the power of light nearly eclipsed by the power of darkness, only the crystals’ four chosen adventurers can save the world.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC)
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a thrilling Action RPG, set amid the chaos of a civil war in 15th Century Bohemia. You are Henry of Skalitz – an ordinary man doing extraordinary things – caught in a gripping tale of revenge, betrayal and discovery as he embarks on an epic journey.
Coming Soon
to a T (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – March 4
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
A charming, colorful adventure game from the creator of Katamari Damacy and the uvula team about a teen navigating life in a small town with their cute dog companion. While their body is stuck in a T-pose, they do their best to make the most of it.
EA Sports F1 25 (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – March 4
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Write your own legendary racing story, lead your team, and explore new modes in the official video game of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play now with EA Play and grab this month’s 5,000 XP Boost, available until March 31.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – March 5
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available day one with Xbox Game Pass! Can a friendship change the world? Embark on an unforgettable sci-fi adventure with Lana and her loyal companion Mui. Solve clever puzzles, uncover hidden secrets, and confront the dangers reshaping their home. This breathtaking cinematic platformer is sure to challenge your mind, stir your heart, and dazzle your eyes and ears.
Construction Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 10
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Construction Simulator has returned – larger and more impressive than ever! Fulfil your ambition to become a successful construction entrepreneur by establishing your business from scratch, assisted by your mentor, Hape.
Cyberpunk 2077 (Cloud and Console) – March 10
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium

Become V, a cyberpunk-for-hire, and do what it takes to make a name for yourself in the dark future of Night City. But when a once-in-a-lifetime heist to steal an experimental prototype goes wrong, the trajectory of your life changes forever.
Hollow Knight: Silksong (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – March 12
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
Ascend to the peak of a vast, haunted kingdom in Hollow Knight: Silksong! The sequel to the award-winning action-adventure, Hollow Knight. Explore, fight and survive as Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest, as she discovers a land ruled by silk and song.
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – March 17
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party invites players into a colorful, music-filled adventure with Gabby and her friends. Explore iconic rooms, enjoy playful mini-games, and celebrate creativity and teamwork in a family-friendly party experience.
In Case You Missed It
Diablo II: Resurrected (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 11
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Now available with cloud gaming. See the latest updates with Diablo II: Resurrected here! Play the definitive Diablo II experience now with Xbox Game Pass, featuring remastered versions of Diablo II, the Lord of Destruction expansion, and more.
Game Updates
Call of Duty: Warzone Black Ops Royale (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 13

Drop into Black Ops Royale, a new free mode inspired by Blackout and reimagined for today’s Call of Duty: Warzone. Set on the Avalon map, every match begins on an equal playing field — no loadouts, no buy stations, just pistols and instinct. Scavenge for upgrades, armor, and perks to power up. Take smart risks, outplay your opponents, and be the last squad standing.
In-Game Benefits
Call of Duty: Warzone (Console, PC)
Game Pass Pack 5: Game Pass members get a FREE in-game bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone.
This pack includes:
- Operator Skin
- 4x Weapon Blueprints
- 2x Weapon Charms
- Finishing Move
- Emblem
- 2x Weapon Sticker
- Spray
- 2XP Token (1 hour)
Leaving March 15
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!
- Bratz Rhythm & Style (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Enter the Gungeon (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- F1 23 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- He is Coming (PC)
- Lightyear Frontier (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island (Cloud, Console, and PC)
We’re just getting started this month. As always keep your eye here or on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox for the latest news updates for what’s coming to your “to be played” list, and we’ll talk soon!
Note: Games with a ‘Handheld’ designation represent those that are optimized for handheld play.
The post Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Cyberpunk 2077, Planet of Lana II, and More appeared first on Xbox Wire.
The Shore: Enhanced Edition Celebrates Five Years with a 2026 Xbox Series X|S Launch
Summary
- Coming to Xbox Series X|S this year,
- Dragonis Games’fully optimized Enhanced Edition.
- Five-year milestone since the acclaimed Lovecraftian horror adventure launched 2021.
Five years ago, The Shore introduced PC players to a nightmare realm of cosmic horror and existential dread. Now, as the game celebrates its anniversary, that same haunting experience is coming to Xbox Series X|S in 2026 with The Shore: Enhanced Edition.
I still remember the first time I encountered one of The Shore‘s massive eldritch entities towering over the island’s abandoned ruins. That oppressive atmosphere, those twisted landscapes shaped by ancient gods – now console players will experience that same terror firsthand, reimagined and optimized for modern platforms.
Originally released on PC in February 2021, The Shore quickly gained recognition for its atmospheric Lovecraftian horror and deeply personal narrative. Dragonis Games’ debut title resonated with horror fans worldwide, establishing the studio’s reputation for creating immersive, story-driven experiences rooted in cosmic dread.

Now, through a publishing partnership with Iphigames, The Shore: Enhanced Edition brings this celebrated indie horror experience to a new generation of players on Xbox Series X|S. The Enhanced Edition has been fully adapted for modern console platforms, delivering refined visuals and an immersive experience that takes full advantage of the hardware.
You take on the role of Andrew, a father searching for his missing daughter on a remote island abandoned by humanity. As you explore decaying ruins and twisted landscapes, reality begins to fracture around you. The island hides secrets older than time itself, and every step forward pulls you deeper into a nightmare shaped by fear, loss and obsession.
Ancient gods lie hidden beneath the island, slowly changing the world above. Armed with strange artifacts and fragments of forbidden power, you must survive encounters with eldritch beings while uncovering the truth behind both the island and your daughter’s fate. Knowledge comes at a terrible cost.

The Shore blends exploration and environmental puzzles in a world shaped by forbidden knowledge. Dark visuals, huge creatures, and unsettling locations create a constant feeling of dread as you navigate villages, ruins and strange landscapes inspired by Lovecraftian horror.
You’ll solve environmental puzzles using logic, observation and strange objects found throughout your journey. The game’s immersive sound design uses whispers and silence to build tension and pull you deeper into this nightmarish world.

The five-year journey from PC launch to console debut represents an important milestone for Dragonis Games. Founded by Ares Dragonis, the independent studio has continued to focus on creating atmospheric, story-driven experiences inspired by cosmic and psychological horror, with previous titles including Eresys and Necrophosis.
The console version comes through a publishing partnership with Iphigames, a game development studio based in Athens, Greece, that supports distinctive and ambitious projects and helps developers bring their creative visions to console and global audiences.

The Shore: Enhanced Edition is scheduled to launch on Xbox Series X|S in 2026. As the game enters its sixth year, this console release marks a new chapter for the beloved horror adventure.
The post The Shore: Enhanced Edition Celebrates Five Years with a 2026 Xbox Series X|S Launch appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Coming Home – World of Warcraft: Midnight’s New Housing Feature Adds a Cozy Paradise Within Azeroth
Coming Home – World of Warcraft: Midnight’s New Housing Feature Adds a Cozy Paradise Within Azeroth
Summary
- Housing allows you to take a break from your many adventures in Azeroth and decorate a place you can call home, be it in Razorwind Shores or Founder’s Point.
- Tokens from your many adventures can be put on display in your home, giving your House a very distinct and unique experience for all.
- World of Warcraft: Midnight, the newest expansion for World of Warcraft, is now available for PC on Battle.net.
Over the years, World of Warcraft has started to feel like a big plate of comfort food to me, with big servings of quests piled up high, a generous scoop of lore on the side, with a nice, refreshing new expansion every so often to wash it down. It’s familiar. It’s cozy. It’s home.
Having been a casual WoW player for about 20 years now, which is a bonkers thing to type out, I’ve always enjoyed going at my own pace while exploring Azeroth. That’s to say I still don’t consider myself good at the game — sometimes all I want to do is collect a couple of boar pelts and call it a night, y’know? Now with the release of World of Warcraft: Midnight, the stakes continue to mount for the future of our heroes, and Azeroth itself, as we’re all being asked to take up arms… to move furniture.

Housing is one of the biggest features included in the newest expansion — maybe even one of the biggest new features in years — making World of Warcraft truly feel like a home. After a hard day of adventure, what’s better than taking a nice stroll through the neighborhood, hitting up a fishing spot, repairing a neighbor’s fence, and becoming envious of some of those larger houses down the street, to help round out your day in Azeroth?
For the last few weeks, I’ve been dabbling with the new Housing feature as part of the early access period of Midnight. While I may not be the most creative designer, I’ve found that the more time I’ve spent with the tools, the more adventurous I’ve felt in coming up with new layout ideas to stake my little corner of this fantastical world that I can call my own.
Selecting My Plot
Things started off briskly when I first arrived in Razorwind Shores, the Housing island zone for Horde players (my main is a forsaken warrior) – Alliance players have Founder’s Point. The initial tutorial of finding a spot to live was a lot of fun, as Toncho Cloudhide — think of him as a Tauren realter — guided me through the various biomes that I could choose to live in.

From the lush forests of the Cragthorn Highlands, the impressive rocks along The Bluffs, and the seaside retreat along Saltfang Shoals, there’s sure to be a spot for anyone to call home. Selecting an available plot is as easy as clicking on the signpost and paying a small fee. But if there’s a particular patch you really have your heart set on, you can cycle through various servers to see if that spot has been claimed.
I didn’t have trouble finding an area that suited what I was looking for. In fact, I’ve already moved my house once! I initially set up shop in the more densely wooded area near the Highlands (one of the more popular biomes based on availability). Now I’m more central in Runetotem’s Bounty, which is a tropical mix of elegant flora and palm trees, complimented by fishing streams, beautiful waterfalls, and friendly creatures. It’s also a much closer walk to The Common, which works as a central hub full of vendors and neighborhood quest givers.
Going Shopping
Having amassed quite a treasury over the years during my adventures, my gold stockpile is pretty healthy. As such, buying up a variety of furnishings in town from Decor Vendors isn’t hurting my bank account at all – and I don’t imagine it will hurt yours either. Most items like frames, chairs, desks, and light fixtures are priced at just a few gold coins, with the larger structures like tents and water fountains costing a bit more.

You can find most of the vendors located in The Common, with some others hiding just outside of town, down by the shore. What I would suggest, however, is finding a particular style that suits you before you start buying up everything on offer from these vendors. It is all about finding one who appeals to your design sense, like the wooden Bel’ameth style or the lavish Silvermoon interior to name a couple sold by Jehzar Stafall. For me, my go-to vendors are Shon’ja and Gronthul – I love that rugged Orgrimmar style for my home.
The large number of customizable home goods is another area I am incredibly impressed by – the sheer number of unique items you can purchase is a little mind-boggling. It’s clearly understood by the crafters of this world that not all sizes fit all, especially in a massive game like World of Warcraft, as these designs are intended to serve every type of player in Azeroth.
A Token of Adventure
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve never considered myself a very creative person when it comes to designing a virtual living space in video games. Even in time with life sims like The Sims and Animal Crossing, I’ve usually erred on the basic placements of living room furniture: a bed, a table, a desk, and some chairs. Maybe a fun wallpaper. But something about the Housing feature for World of Warcraft has hit different.
I think a big part of it is that it finally feels like I can give my hero, whom I’ve spent years with, a place to live. I’ve gone on hundreds of quests over the years but, really, all I’ve been able to show for it has been a nice set of armor, a fancy mount, and a cool-looking sword. Which are all great — who doesn’t love a new piece of loot? But now these contributions in the world can be more noticeable and memorable. Housing gives me something more tangible to connect to within this world I’ve enjoyed participating in. There’s now a mark on the ground that I was here. And that really resonates with me.

Another nice feature is how my legacy has found a way to be included amongst the variety of decor I can add to my home. Alongside the variety of chairs and rugs, my collection includes mementos from adventures long ago (and some pre-order tie-in bonuses). It’s modest, but it’s my collection.
As such, I have the Head of the Broodmother sitting above my fireplace, the Nesingwary Elk Head adorned on a wall in my living room, and the Prime Evil chest from Diablo sitting in the corner. I also found a great place to put a miniature replica of The Dark Portal that I’ll share in a minute, which is a limited-time log-in bonus that players can grab right now.
Making a Home
When I started out, placement of my furniture was basic. A chair by the fireplace. A writing desk in the corner. A rug in the middle of the room. Then I started to play with the scaling and height of these objects. I put a few pictures up, windows, and then some candle lighting. Soon I found myself becoming more critical of where I’m positioning tables and bookshelves, leaning coffin lids up against walls, and creating a staircase to the second floor. Where a few weeks ago I wasn’t sure how to properly place a chair, now I’m meticulously placing cobwebs in my hallways… and building secret bookcases that lead to Dark Portals…
That’s to say the more time I’ve put into the creative tools, the more ideas have started to flow on how else to decorate my home. It’s a very cool and different approach to playing within World of Warcraft – I’m not trying to min/max anything. Instead, I’m fretting over what to do about that dark corner underneath my staircase. I’m no longer worried that I’m not carrying weight during a raid; now I need to find things to put on my bookshelf. I like it. It gives Azeroth a more “lived in” feel than anything that has been here before.
The Next Adventure
Over the years, the grand adventure of World of Warcraft has felt centered around fighting alongside iconic heroes, saving the world from numerous cataclysmic events, and charging into battle alongside names like Sylvannas and Thrall. But that was always in knowing that everyone gets to experience these same adventures too. Sometimes together, other times alone. Warcraft has always wanted you to feel like you’re contributing to this massive world. Now with the addition of Housing, that feeling is coming through stronger than anything Blizzard has done before.

A lot of care and attention has been spent to make sure every player has what they need to make their own home within Azeroth, be it in Razorwind Shores or Founder’s Point. It has really started to feel like I am here in Azeroth. This is my little slice of comfort. Now as I continue the next grand adventure with the launch of World of Warcraft: Midnight, I can’t wait to bring home some new tokens of adventure to adorn my little corner of this magnificent world.
The post Coming Home – World of Warcraft: Midnight’s New Housing Feature Adds a Cozy Paradise Within Azeroth appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Bus Simulator 27 Introduces Solaris and Debuts Coach Buses for the First Time
Dear Bus Drivers, it’s time to get back behind the wheel of officially licensed buses from globally renowned manufacturers, soak up the sun along your route and rebuild trust in public transportation. With Bus Simulator 27, we are delivering the most ambitious entry in the series to date. Together with developer Simteract, we are raising the bar in scope, authenticity and immersion. Bus Simulator 27 is coming later this year to Xbox Series X|S with Play Anywhere support.
For years, the Bus Simulator franchise has been all about putting you in the driver’s seat of the world’s most iconic and cutting-edge buses. Now, we are taking that promise even further. We are excited to confirm one of the most requested additions from our long-standing community: Solaris is joining the fleet. It arrives in style with the Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen – winner of the prestigious Bus of the Year 2025 award. In total, you will be able to operate more than 45 officially licensed buses from 13 globally recognized brands, including Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Iveco Bus, Blue Bird, Scania, Volvo, and many more.
In addition to classic rigid, articulated, double-decker, and electric buses, you will be able to drive coach buses for the first time in the series’ history. Enjoy long-distance journeys, for instance, with the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo

Discover the beautiful fictional Southern European region of Felicia Bay, inspired by Spain and Portugal. Its lively twin cities Mequina and Alcaztelar welcome you to establish public transportation and serve both the residents and tourists. Around 20 distinct districts – ranging from residential to industrial and business – along with a host of exciting landmarks, make your shifts both pleasant and adventurous. You can collect iconic landmarks by passing them on your route or exploring the city on foot.
Bus Simulator 27 features dynamic weather and a full day and night cycle. The streets of Mequina and Alcaztelar are crowded, challenging you to keep to a tight schedule. Be prepared as accidents or roadworks can occur which force you to look for alternative ways to reach your next bus stop. A host of traffic and in-bus events will constantly keep you engaged and entertained.

You can play Bus Simulator 27 in three different ways: Story, Career and Sandbox. In Story Mode, you’ll meet several characters who guide you through building your bus company, offering new contracts and challenges. The Career Mode on the other hand is powered by the economic and managerial systems of the game, allowing you to build your bus empire to your liking and create your very own routes to serve. Last but not least, the Sandbox Mode is the perfect playground to try things out without paying attention to money or rules: just driving around with your favorite bus or exploring Felicia Bay on foot in search of hidden collectibles.

However, driving isn’t all Bus Simulator 27 has to offer. Besides walking around the vibrant streets, you can also enjoy a ride as a passenger or an inspector and check tickets. But the biggest responsibility surely comes with the management part of your enterprise. Create routes considering peak times and passenger volume, purchase buses to expand your fleet and match different urban and interurban requirements, customize your buses by designing unique liveries or applying advertisements for additional income, and manage your staff by hiring bus drivers and assigning routes.
And you can do all this in multiplayer with up to three friends as well. Coordinate routes and collaborate to transport passengers safely and on time to their destinations, and grow your company together. In addition, Bus Simulator 27 features crossplay between Xbox Series X|S and the Xbox App on Windows, including Xbox Play Anywhere – buy the game on Xbox Series X|S and get the PC version at no additional cost.

Of course, Bus Simulator 27 supports popular steering wheels on Xbox Series X|S ensuring a smooth journey every time you start your shift in Felicia Bay.
We can’t wait to reveal more brands, features and surprises, as we move closer to the game’s launch. Stay tuned as Bus Simulator 27 is well on its way to becoming the most comprehensive and immersive entry in the series’ history.
Jump aboard and Ride the Sunshine!

Bus Simulator 27
astragon Entertainment
, Mercedes-Benz, MAN, IVECO BUS, Scania, and Volvo, are waiting for you to drive. Whether you are interested in classic rigid, articulated, and double-decker buses or in new electric buses – Bus Simulator 27 has got you covered. And for the first time ever in the series, you can get behind the wheel of impressive coach buses and enjoy long-distance journeys!Felicia Bay is the perfect place to work where others go on vacation – a sunny fictive region in Southern Europe inspired by Spain and Portugal. Explore the vibrant twin cities of Alcaztelar and Mequina, featuring 20 unique districts packed with exciting landmarks – all brought to life by dynamic weather, a full day and night cycle, and bustling, crowded streets powered by Unreal® Engine 5. Create and serve routes, manage timetables, hire bus drivers, assign lines, customize buses with wraps and advertisements, and restore faith in public transportation in the local residents and visiting tourists.
Discover three different game modes and play the way you prefer: Story, Career, and Sandbox. Enjoy your time on the bus interacting with passengers. Watch out for in-bus and traffic events that may occur during your journey. And if you need a bit of variety, play as an inspector or take a ride as a passenger. You can also just exit the bus and explore Felicia Bay on foot to search for stunning points of interest and hidden collectibles.
Play solo or with your friends across all platforms in 4-player cooperative multiplayer crossplay mode. Coordinate routes and manage your bus fleet together and grow your company. Bus Simulator 27 supports a host of popular steering wheels and gamepads to make your ride as enjoyable as possible.
Jump aboard and let’s Ride the Sunshine!
The post Bus Simulator 27 Introduces Solaris and Debuts Coach Buses for the First Time appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 2 to 6
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 2 to 6
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!
Marathon – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Infil into the dark sci-fi world of Tau Ceti IV: A derelict colony rife with rival Runners, hostile UESC security forces, and hazardous environments. As you scavenge its zones for valuables with a crew or alone, tense moments of exploration break into fast-paced PvP combat where gunplay is responsive, time to kill is low, and preparation is rewarded. Exfil to advance your seasonal power, earn cosmetics for your achievements, and assemble stronger builds with your stolen loot. Then put your gear back on the line to seek even greater fortunes in your next run.
Planet of Lana II – March 5
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
On Lana and Mui’s home planet, new technology brings progress but also stirs greed and imbalance. As different tribes adopt it in their own ways, tensions grow and the world’s harmony begins to shift. When those seeking power push too far, Lana and her little companion are pulled into a journey that reveals long-buried truths about their planet and about themselves. Journey across frozen peaks, deep oceans, and forgotten ruins in a hand-painted world where nature meets technology. With no spoken dialogue, characters express themselves through an alien language, letting the world, music, and your choices carry the story and inviting you to find its meaning for yourself.
Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered – March 3
Return to the dark world of Nosgoth as you take control of both the vampire Kain and his betrayed lieutenant Raziel, two powerful entities bound by the conflict between free will and fate. Armed with legendary blades and supernatural abilities, battle through towering gothic spaces filled with enemies, puzzles, and long-buried secrets – where no victory comes without a cost. Experience a timeless dark fantasy reborn for a new generation.
Scott Pilgrim EX – March 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Scott Pilgrim EX is an action-adventure game where players can fight as Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers and more as they battle through the fractured time and space of Toronto. The combat gameplay is driven by instinct and improvisation – a hectic ballet of fists and flair that rewards strategy, spontaneity, and a good bit of brawling chaos. String together stylish combos, experiment with wacky weapons and unleash over-the-top special attacks. Characters can be upgraded with special badges that enhance their stats and grant special bonuses. Players will explore a whole city of interconnected levels to meet old and new faces, complete quests, and discover hidden areas. Multiplayer co-op, local or online, lets up to four players join in on the action, making it a fun, dynamic experience.
Vampire Therapist – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Guide vampires through centuries of emotional baggage, decades of delusions and the odd bout of self-loathing with real cognitive behavioral therapy concepts and become a Vampire Therapist! Even vampires need a shoulder to cry on when a neck to bite just won’t do.
Alex the Rabbit is a classic, fun, and challenging 2D platformer. Join Alex, a brave rabbit, on an action-packed adventure through colorful and dangerous worlds. Your goal is to collect all the carrots scattered across the map, overcome obstacles and enemies, and find the Golden Carrot, located at the end of each level. The game features 20 carefully crafted levels, increasing the challenge with each level, as well as 4 epic boss battles that will test your skills and reflexes. If you enjoy retro-style platformers with classic gameplay and engaging progression, Alex the Rabbit is the perfect choice!
Cryptical Path – March 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Cryptical Path is an action-packed roguelite where you control the dungeon. Step into the role of the Architect, the creator of the mysterious Hexium, and shape your own path while battling the vengeful souls trapped within your creation. Here, the power is yours. Choose, combine, and build rooms to transform the labyrinth every run. Craft unique strategies, personalize your journey, and explore thousands of possibilities in this innovative roguelite-builder, where you don’t rely on luck—you create the challenge.
Meowgic Mix – March 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Welcome to Meowgic Mix, an adorable pixel art puzzle where a floating cat on a living book must mix potions and deliver them to the correct cauldrons. There are 30 stages inside a magical academy, with challenges that require strategy, logic, and a good dose of feline cleverness.
Cozy and colorful city building puzzle where every move counts. By merging three matching tiles, you’ll gradually transform a humble settlement into a thriving metropolis—growing your world from adorable beginnings to awe-inspiring skylines. With no timers or pressure, you’re free to build, relax, and shape your town at your own pace.
Ultimate General: Civil War – March 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
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. Use every opportunity to overthrow your enemy and win the battle.
Avenue Escape – March 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Bring order to the urban chaos as you solve traffic jams in brainteasing puzzle action! Are you clever enough to clear the streets? Avenue Escape is a puzzle game that challenges you to direct traffic jams and safely move cars through busy cityscapes! Each of Avenue Escape’s 50 levels features a bustling scene packed with cars, pedestrians and traffic lights. It’s up to you to figure out the perfect sequence to move every vehicle to its destination.
Cubic Figures – March 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Cubic Figures is a minimalistic puzzle game where you need to make up different figures from a number of given shaped blocks. Take the block, rotate if needed and put it into the outlined figure to fill it. Repeat until all the blocks will be revealed and the outline of the figure will be filled with shaped blocks. Take your time: there’s no need to hurry.
Discolored 2 – March 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
All the colors have gone missing from the world. While on a mission to bring them back you discover you are being hunted by those who would see the colors banished. Your only hope is a woman in red who may be holding the key to preventing the world from becoming discolored. Discolored 2 is a first-person puzzle horror filled with mystery and suspense. Taking place in a world where color is power, your task is to use your puzzle-solving skills to protect it from a sinister organization.
King Slime in Cashtle – March 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
King Slime in Cashtle is a precision 2D platformer where you play as the ruler of the slime kingdom on a very important mission: collect every last tax coin left behind in your own castle. Jump, dodge, and maneuver through dangerous castle biomes filled with traps, challenges, and tight platforming sequences.
Lantern Push – March 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Light the right path in Lantern Push, a charming puzzle game where you control a red panda pushing paper lanterns onto Magical Ember Seals scattered across the ground. When a lantern reaches a seal, magic happens: it lights up, floats gently, and marks another step toward the perfect solution.
Messy Up – March 4
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Take on the role of cats and dogs and go wild, wreaking havoc at home! Each pet possesses unique abilities and skills, with various types of pets waiting for you to explore. When other pet companions are caught, you can go to rescue them. Either cause mayhem alone or collaborate with friends to create trouble for the owner. Up to three players can cooperate in dismantling the house. Play as either the owner or a pet, deciding whether to demolish or defend the furniture and lock up the mischievous pets.
Pixel Into the Galaxy – March 4
Come along on this adventure and help an explorer reach his destination. Run, jump, and dodge obstacles to reach your goal: Earth.
Aery – The King’s Messenger – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
You start in the middle of a colorful fantasy world right in front of a small village. You are a little bird that moves continuously forward and are free to fly wherever you want. After you have played around a little and enjoyed the sensation of flying you start to discover the nearby areas and hidden secrets. You fly towards a giant building with many decorations and lights on it. Once you come closer you see a bright shining memory shard right in front of you. The memory shards are hidden all over the different worlds and contain memories and information that the little bird requires to explore the world and rescue the king’s kingdom. You fly towards the shard and collect it. Once you have found a certain amount of memory shards you will be able to enter the next area and the story continues.
Beyond Words – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
From the creators of GoldenEye & TimeSplitters comes Beyond Words the genre-defining fusion of roguelike strategy and word-crafting. Build powerful combos, unlock upgrades, and master a challenge where victory is spelled one letter at a time. Build powerful word combos, unlock game-changing upgrades and journey through a living puzzle shaped by your decisions. Every choice, every letter, every placement matters.
Docked – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Docked is a realistic simulator where you operate heavy machinery, restore and develop the port’s infrastructure, and manage day-to-day operations to help your port expand and thrive. Pre-order Docked to unlock the Premium Reach Stacker vehicle, a sleek, modern upgrade you can switch to at any time. Enjoy a distinctive three-tone body color design, a boosted engine, quicker acceleration and braking, and a boom lift that’s 15% faster.
Extra Coin – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
They replaced the old world with a new one, a better one. As wars tore the globe apart and overpopulation pushed humanity to the brink, a lifeline emerged: The Arcade, a virtual world offering escape. In this digital utopia, everything is vibrant and shiny, everything runs smoothly… or so we’ve been led to believe. Mika never trusted The Arcade’s ads, but her parents did. Hoping for a better life, they left without an explanation. Now, she’s stepping into The Arcade to find them and uncover the truth behind its glossy facade.
Shrink Rooms – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Run! The room is collapsing! This is a box-pushing puzzle escape game set in a collapsing room. You’ll need to count your moves precisely, dodge bottomless pits and traps, use all kinds of mechanisms in the room, and push crates to solve puzzles—escape before the walls crush you into a puddle!
Slide Viking: Treasure’s Path – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
In Slide Viking: Treasure’s Path, you step into a charming Viking village filled with clever puzzles and personality. Controlling a fearless Viking, your mission is to push axes onto treasure chests, marking each one before claiming the hidden riches. With 30 levels of increasing difficulty, the game blends logic and strategy across compact boards full of pixel art details. Every move matters, as the Viking moves tile by tile, requiring careful planning to position the axes correctly without getting trapped in dead ends.
Veggie Warfare – Feast of Fury – March 5
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
The veggies have snapped! Blast through endless waves of enraged carrots, onions, and mutant tomatoes in this fast-paced rogue-like FPS. Collect upgrades, unlock new arenas, and survive the Feast of Fury — where dinner fights back!
A Winding Path – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
A Winding Path is a hand-drawn adventure game about finding the beauty of the world and enjoying the little things. Explore the atmosphere of ancient caverns, enchanting forests and busy settlements, help colorful characters, find the rain and unveil its magic. In a whimsical fantasy world, the rain has ceased to fall. The rivers are running low and the crops have withered. Seeking to uncover the elemental mystery, you find an enchanted lyre and set out on a magical journey to restore balance to the world.
Fortuna Magnus – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Amane, Tia, and Lill lived peacefully with their father, Kalius, until his sudden disappearance shattered their lives. Ten years later, the siblings search for answers and the truth behind their father’s fate. Fortuna Magus features strategic turn-based battles built around revelations and TP (Technical Points). Learn new spells and tandem attacks by meeting combat conditions, manage TP to unleash devastating special skills, and strengthen characters through element levels using magestones. Deep customization and rewarding progression await long after the story ends.
Jurassic Differences – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Get ready to travel back in time with Jurassic Differences, a spot the difference adventure packed with prehistoric thrills and visual surprises! Each level drops you into a vibrant dinosaur filled scene with two nearly identical images, but don’t be fooled. A missing horn, a shifted tail, or a subtle change in the jungle landscape is waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re racing the clock in Challenge Mode or exploring at your own pace in Casual Mode, every puzzle delivers that satisfying “aha!” moment. With colourful prehistoric visuals, easy-to-learn controls, and a compelling “just one more level” feel, Jurassic Differences is the perfect game for puzzle lovers who enjoy sharp observation, playful details, and uncovering every hidden difference in a world ruled by dinosaurs.
Mirage 7 – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Mirage 7 is a dark fairytale, a third-person adventure with a unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements. Deep in an arid desert, a reconnaissance drone crashes from the sky. The explosion rocks a secret underground military base, and a mysterious “hybrid” is awoken within. In another time or another world, the young Nadira and her pet lizard Jiji begin their journey through desert sands to find the mysterious oasis of Jala. According to the legend, this is where they will find Taishma, the Lost Princess, hidden in the Moon Palace – only she can fulfill Nadira’s deepest wish, and bring her little sister back to life. Follow Nadira’s tale, as she journeys to reveal a secret that goes beyond her comprehension.
Monster Ramp Racing is not just another racing game—it’s an adrenaline-fueled ride that pushes your driving skills to the limit. Take the wheel of massive, customizable monster trucks, conquer giant ramps, perform epic jumps, and master endless climbing roads in the most thrilling off-road experience!
Nekomimi Days ~365 Days with You~ – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
On a rainy night, Yuto, a freelance illustrator, encounters a mysterious girl named Milk with cat ears in a back alley. After taking in the non-human girl, Yuto’s once-quiet daily life becomes lively and warm. Milk’s pure and innocent reactions to modern civilization gently heal Yuto’s heart. As they spend time together, the two gradually form a bond as if they were a true family. This is a heartwarming visual novel about the gentle connections that transcend species and background.
Order 13 – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere
You’re all alone working at a remote fulfillment center. Your only companion is your cat, a comforting presence in the vast, dark warehouse you are stationed in. Start each shift by reviewing incoming orders, as the demands increase, unlock deeper sections of the warehouse and uncover its unsettling secrets. But it’s not just your survival, your cat depends on you.
Risky Roads – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Running across the road is a very challenging task for a little chicken. Lots of very fast cars and unexpected obstacles. You need a good reaction to help this cute little guy. Don’t forget that he has friends and they also want to cross the road.
Sumerian Six – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Lead an unlikely team of commando scientists behind enemy lines to fight Nazis, uncover arcane mysteries, and wield experimental technology to turn the tide of WWII in this real-time tactical stealth adventure. Sumerian Six follows the Enigma Squad, a team of commandos composed of the world’s greatest scientists who combine their skills to conduct secret missions in their fight against the Third Reich. Together, you seek to thwart ex-member Hans Kammler’s nefarious plans involving a powerful, mystical substance named Geiststoff.
Trigger Path – March 6
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Trigger Path is a charming sokoban-style puzzle game where you play as a clever little knight solving tactical challenges by dragging bouncy enemies onto trap tiles. Get them all in place, the trap activates, defeats the enemies, and you move on to the next puzzle! It’s all about smart movement and satisfying setups. With clean controls, unlimited undo, and instant restarts, every level invites you to try, rethink, and improve, without pressure.
Set sail on a thrilling puzzle adventure where the seas are filled with hidden words and untold treasures. In Word Quest: Pirates, you’ll solve exciting word searches to unlock treasure chests, outsmart rival pirates, and uncover legendary loot. With each level, the challenge grows as you chart your way across mysterious islands and ancient maps. Do you have what it takes to become the ultimate pirate word master?
The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 2 to 6 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
How Kiln’s Two-Week Prototype Became a Full-Fledged Journey
Summary
- Learn how Double Fine’s newest creation came to life, from the inkling of an idea to a pottery party brawler.
- Through iterations and experimentation – and real-life pottery classes – Double Fine has taken one of its most creative and technically ambitious leaps ever.
- Kiln is launching Spring 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Play Anywhere, Handheld Optimized, PlayStation 5, Steam, and with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Sign up at DoubleFine.com for a chance to play in the closed beta taking place in March 2026.
I’ve always found the “ah ha!” moments of game development yield some of the most interesting stories, because that moment of inspiration can come in many forms — and when you least expect it. It could happen on a stroll in the park, in the middle of the grocery store, or in the case of Kiln, while looking at clay pots on the Internet.
“I had this idea of clay molding in the back of my head ever since I had come across some pictures of pots when I was online researching something else,” Project Lead Derek Brand tells me. “It immediately stood out to me that there’s a lot of variety in pots, and you could probably make that on a controller because it’s more of a 2D kind of representation. Then it all started snapping into place from there, and I had a pitch for the next Amnesia Fortnight. It kind of came together at the last minute.”
Amnesia Fortnights are semi-annual game jam events that Double Fine holds internally with members of its studio. Here they’re given a limited amount of time, a fortnight (two weeks), to turn the inkling of an idea into a playable game – this is when Derek pitched his idea to bring Kiln to life. “I played a lot of action games at the time, and I wanted to make my little clay characters fight someone else’s little clay characters. I was thinking that’d be fun — and so that was in the back of my mind — but didn’t know how to do that on a controller.”
One of the many fun details Derek revealed was that as development started to kick off in earnest, the team at Double Fine started to take pottery classes in real life, which contributed to understanding all the different elements involved in the making of pottery. That’s when the ideas really started to flow.
“There are a whole world of techniques and processes and so much raw material to pull into the game, that once we were like, ‘Okay, you can sculpt a character,’ there’s so much more you can do with clay. And all those ideas just piled on,” Brand explains. “We spent a long time talking about your basic shape, but now I want to dip it into glaze — to glaze a pot you take a pair of metal tongs and you dunk it into a bucket of glaze — and really trying to pull those pieces of real-life pot making into the game and introducing those ideas to players.”
From there, more ideas came about in terms of how a player could customize their pot beyond its basic shape. From sticking on handles, lids and spouts, and even getting a little sillier by adding stickers, there are countless different ways you can take a basic clay pot and really make it your own. “It all came down to research and ideas from people on the team and then having a pile of those ideas and whittling them all down to something that is coherent and well designed,” Brand says.
But how do you translate a difficult hobby like clay pot making into a competitive multiplayer game? Ensuring it’s as approachable as possible. “After the Amnesia Fortnight prototype, we got through that part and a lot of the initial ideas of, ‘I can make a character on the wheel like a pottery wheel’ — that initial thought was naive on my part. I had taken ceramics in college and learned a little bit about pot making, but it was more of a way to fit character creation onto a controller.”
By using a controller, you can move your little spirit hands up and down the shape of the clay as it rotates on a virtual turning wheel. In addition, you have access to several shaping tools that can bring another level of detail to the pot creation. As I touched on in my first look at the game, it didn’t take long for me to get the hang of it – it all felt very natural when given a few minutes of time with clay molding tools. I get the impression players will be able to engage with this creative aspect of Kiln just as easily.
When asking Derek if he had any tips for the budding clay pot maker in all of us, it was simple. “Don’t be scared. Don’t be precious with it,” he tells me. “Try a bunch of stuff and figure out what you like because there’s not a lot of limits put on you in terms of what you can shape and how many things you can try. So really experiment with the tools. If you like really straight lines, there’s tools for that. And if you like more curvy, wiggly things, just go with your gut or your heart.”
Another one of those iterative ideas to occur during this time was adjusting the player’s viewpoint. “We have this mantra on the team that the pots are the star of the game. When we started pulling the camera out, and the lens got longer, you could see all the weird creations that people were making together and see teams as units on the battlefield. And it just felt like a better choice for the way that we wanted to present these cool player creations.”
Having played a few rounds myself, I can see what Brand is talking about. Part of Kiln’s appeal, beyond being pick-up-and-play friendly, is seeing everyone’s creativity on full display – both on your team and on your opponents’. Also, seeing more of the pathways of the level layout above your character is vital to effectively navigating through both the battlefield and the fights that surround your pot.
If it wasn’t clear just by looking at the screenshots and gameplay, the pot making in Kiln is what really helps it stand out amongst other party brawlers – nowhere else can you have this level of deep character customization to bring into a multiplayer battler. The sheer variety of pots you’ll face off against in the game, when factoring in glazes, shapes, and stickers, is practically limitless. This helps give Kiln a singular, personal touch because these fighters really make you feel like you’re contributing to the game in real time. And that’s pretty special.
Having all these playable spirits create and discover clay bodies for each other is a key component to your time with Kiln. But don’t feel pressured to have to go to battle. As Derek tells me, if you want to really focus on the pot making, you can hang out in the lobby and just pull up a chair. “There’s no limit to how many times you can throw clay on the wheel, and you can just experiment and make all sorts of things and try out all sorts of combinations. We really want people to engage with the creation and destruction elements of the game. The theme of the game right now is you make and destroy, and it’s okay to get broken because you can just, you know, make a new thing.”
When you’re moving through The Wedge, the game’s social lobby, you’re also free to jump out of your pot and jump into someone else’s creation. And equally, someone could come along and take your shape as well and add it to their collection. “The name of the person who made it is always saved on that pot,” Brand explains. “So those pots can travel. They can go to different servers. There’s also a place in the lobby, these pedestals lined up around The Wedge, those are your favorite pots. And that will be displayed for everyone to try out and dive into. And if you see a pot that you really like, you can dive into it and save it to your collection.”
And this circles back to the mantra the team at Double Fine are bringing to Kiln in that the pots really are the star of the game – you will directly have a hand in shaping your journey within Kiln. “I’m excited for people to get excited for pottery,” Derek says when asked what he’s looking forward to now that Kiln has been revealed to be in development. “I think it’s an underrepresented art form. I just want to introduce more people to that craft. It’s super cool. It’s a super old, amazing art form. And there are very few games that leverage that cool activity.”
And with its day one arrival on Game Pass in Spring 2026, players who are curious about checking it out will have it right there at their fingertips. “My favorite part about Game Pass, I think it’s just the reach that you get. Anyone who’s just curious about this weird pottery game can load it up and try making a pot — then try smashing each other. I can’t wait for the game to be that accessible to such a wide variety of people. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Kiln is launching Spring 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Play Anywhere, Handheld Optimized, PlayStation 5, Steam, and with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Sign up at DoubleFine.com for a chance to play in the closed beta taking place in March 2026.

Kiln
Xbox Game Studios
The shape of your pots affect your attributes and your play-style. Will you be big, or small? Wide, or tall? Will you make a plate, a jug, a cup or a bowl?
There are a multitude of different sizes and combinations to discover, each with unique abilities and attacks, along with new and surprising ways to play. Work together to find the best combination of pots and play-styles to break through enemy lines, and collect enough water to douse the flames of the enemy’s kiln — Does your team have what it takes to shape and smash your way to victory? As the battlefield becomes strewn with the shattered fragments of friend and foes alike, your brawling skills and some great teamwork will be required to assure victory.
After the battle is won, head to The Wedge to practice your pottery prowess, decorate your pots to make them yours, then share your creations with others (and admire their handiwork, too).
Create and Destroy Together – Making pots and breaking pots are both better with friends. Hang out, experiment with clay and share what you make, or jump right into multiplayer battles and start swinging!
Become a Master Potter– Manipulate realistic clay to craft and decorate in an immersive pottery wheel experience featuring a variety of tools and techniques.
The post How Kiln’s Two-Week Prototype Became a Full-Fledged Journey appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Towerborne’s Full Game Update is Available Today
Summary
- Following its Xbox Game Preview release this past April, Towerborne is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, Game Pass (Premium and Ultimate), is handheld verified and supports Xbox Play Anywhere.
- Towerborne will be available as a premium game for $24.99 for the Standard Edition and $29.99 for the Deluxe Edition.
From the creators at Stoic, Towerborne is a cooperative, side‑scrolling action RPG brawler that blends fast, satisfying combat with deep customization and a hopeful, heroic tone. Venture across a crumbling world, uncover the mysteries of the City of Numbers, and fight back the corruption threatening humanity—solo or alongside friends.
The full game launch delivers:
- A complete story‑driven campaign
- New biomes, enemies, and bosses
- Offline story play with optional online co‑op
- Hundreds of missions, bounties, and side quests
- A premium, one‑time purchase experience
Check out our last Xbox Wire post from Stoic’s CEO & President Trisha Stouffer for more information on what’s gone into this full game update.
As a thank you for their great support, Towerborne Founders will also get a special treat at launch with Day 1 access to unlock Brutal Mode — the ultimate endgame challenge, deadlier AI, elite Vanguard enemies, harsher encounters, and a less forgiving battlefield built to test true combat mastery.
- High risk, high reward, unlock after completing the Campaign to earn increased loot and prove your build, skill, and execution against the game’s toughest fights.
- Brutal from scratch is the ultimate proving ground! Start a new save, re-earn gear and skills, and fight through the full campaign under Brutal rules. Built for players chasing peak mastery, every victory reflects smart builds, sharp execution, and true command of the combat system.
Whether you’re returning from Early Access or stepping into the Belfry for the first time, now is the perfect time to become an Ace.
Towerborne is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, Game Pass (Premium and Ultimate), is handheld verified and supports Xbox Play Anywhere.

Towerborne
Xbox Game Studios
Master the Mayhem
Experience classic combo-based brawler combat combined with a modern RPG. Customize your Ace with powerful gear, experiment with diverse combat styles, and refine your skills through relentless battles. Every fight makes you stronger, every victory opens new strategies, and every weapon reshapes your journey.
Fight Your Way
Whether you want quick pick-up-and-play sessions or intricate systems to master, Towerborne lets you choose your play style. Its fast-paced, responsive combat rewards timing and creativity, making every encounter feel fresh and challenging as you grow stronger.
Grow Stronger Together
Join forces with up to three other Aces* or venture solo with Umbra lending unique abilities to your side. Teamwork amplifies the chaos and the thrill, where synergy and strategy make the difference between victory and defeat. Rally together to fight as one.
Take an Unforgettable Journey
Towerborne expands beyond combat with a compelling Story Campaign designed to spark excitement and fuel unstoppable action. For players who crave more than battles, Towerborne’s full story campaign brings to life the lore, characters, and stakes of the Belfry’s survival. Explore, progress, and uncover the world at your own pace and take your Ace’s journey offline then reconnect online to fight alongside friends without missing a beat.
The post Towerborne’s Full Game Update is Available Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.
The Chicken’s Guide to Surviving Resident Evil Requiem
You’ll never catch me watching a Saw movie. I don’t need even one night at Freddy’s to know it’s not for me. I wouldn’t even drive past Elm Street. And yet – I’ve played every single mainline Resident Evil game going back to the original in 1996 – including Resident Evil Requiem (available tonight for Xbox Series X|S). It’s easily one of my favorite series of all time.
So gather ’round, my jump scare-averse friends. Allow me to put my 30 years of Resident experience (and my natural immunity to the T-virus) to work to help you conquer your fears and enjoy one of the biggest games of 2026.

Set the Scene
Some fans will tell you that the way to play a horror game is late at night, lights out, headphones on. Do not listen to these masochists. Setting up a calming environment goes a long way to ensuring that the terrors on your TV stay there, safely confined to a little glowing box on the other side of the room. Resident Evil games are intense, so to minimize my feeling of dread, I typically play during daylight hours – and aren’t those days getting noticeably longer?
Hell, turn on the lights for some added (lack of) ambience, if that helps. Turn the volume down a bit – you don’t need every creaking floorboard spiking your adrenaline in 7.1 surround. When things get overwhelming – and they will – you can pause, look upon your more serene surroundings, and return to the game when you’re ready to be horrified once more.

Set the Settings
Now we’re almost ready to start the game – after a quick stop in the Settings menu to tone down the fear factor. A game’s difficulty can certainly contribute to its scariness; if you know death is lurking around every corner, you’re going to play scared. Fortunately, Resident Evil Requiem allows for a Casual game mode, allowing one to “Relax while enjoying the story and its puzzles.” See, just like a cozy game! Having played through the game on Standard (Modern), I found the difficulty balanced, with reasonably plentiful ammo and healing items.
Requiem also offers a series first: adjustable perspective settings. While the game will nudge you towards 1st person camera for Grace Ashcroft’s sections, the 3rd person option gives you a bit more situational awareness; essential when you’re trying to avoid detection… which you will want to do whenever possible.

[Deep Breath] Here We Go
OK, now we’re ready to start the game. While Requiem will see you alternate between playing as FBI Analyst Grace Ashcroft and Ageless Badass Leon S. Kennedy, early on you’ll spend much more time in Grace’s boots. While impressively brave, Grace is not nearly so battle-hardened as Leon, meaning you’ll spend a lot more of her time sneaking around, avoiding combat when possible, and running away from unkillable eldritch horrors.
There’s a trope in horror movies that the monster is always scarier when you don’t fully know what it looks like, and Requiem‘s early scenes utilize this technique masterfully. In an early encounter, Grace encounters a large… thing… in the dark, and I don’t mind telling you that I panicked and ended up sprinting directly into a dead end. Instead of struggling to make my way out I decided to use this as a learning experience… and just stood there. The creature soon came fully into view: yes, it was horrific, but when it lunged at Grace it wasn’t fatal. It attacked again, and yet Grace was still standing. It wasn’t until the third attack that I received a gruesome Game Over.
When the game reloaded, I came into the scene knowing that I didn’t need to be perfect in order to survive – just do your best and know that will probably be good enough to help you survive. Also, try not to get chased into dead ends.

Pattern Recognition: It’s Not Just for Soulslikes!
New to the series, the living dead of Resident Evil Requiem aren’t all mindless shamblers. Perhaps due to the recency of being turned, many have retained a shred of their humanity, continuing to go about what they were doing before they became a zombified murder machine. Unless disturbed, orderlies keep mopping the floor, a cook chops rancid meat with a giant cleaver, another keeps the power bill low by turning off lights that you left on.
As much as you may want to, there’s no need to kill them all (and Grace doesn’t really have enough firepower to do so). But as they follow the pathways that served them in life, you’ll find that most zombies roam predictably, and can be easily distracted or avoided by flicking on a light, throwing an empty bottle, or just staying out of their way. Once you know how dumb the undead are, they cause a lot less tension.

You Can Do This!
That said, not every abomination in the game is so easily avoided. Without question, Grace’s early scenes inspire the most dread in the game; if you can brave the opening couple of hours, know that you can handle anything the game will throw at you. Personally, I find myself most sensitive to jump scares when I first start playing a new Resident Evil game.
After a few hours, you’ll become more confident in Grace’s abilities, improve her survivability, and get better at anticipating when the scares might happen – and how to react when they inevitably do. Surviving The Worst Night Ever is why we play Resident Evil games – if I can have fun doing it, anyone can.
Resident Evil Requiem is available tonight for Xbox Series X|S… but you’re excused if you wait ’til the sun comes up.
Resident Evil Requiem Deluxe Edition
CAPCOM CO., LTD.
– Grace’s Costume: Apocalypse
– This content may be made available at a later date.
– This costume will change Grace’s appearance only.
Resident Evil Requiem Deluxe Edition. Includes the full game and the Deluxe Kit. A must have for true survivors.
The Deluxe Kit contains the following content:
– Grace’s Costume: Dimitrescu
– Grace’s Costume: Film Noir
– Leon’s Costume: RE4
– Leon’s Costume: Apocalypse
– Leon’s Costume: Film Noir
– Screen Filter: Apocalypse
– Screen Filter: Film Noir
– Four weapon skins including S&S M232 Weapon Skin: Apocalypse
– Mr. Raccoon Charm
– DSO Emblem Charm
– Audio Pack: Raccoon City Classic
– Files: Letters from 1998
A new era of survival horror arrives with Resident Evil Requiem, the latest and most immersive entry yet in the iconic Resident Evil series. Experience terrifying survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, and dive into pulse-pounding action with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy. Both of their journeys and unique gameplay styles intertwine into a heart-stopping, emotional experience that will chill you to your core.
*The items in this set can be purchased individually. Please be careful not to purchase the same item twice.
Resident Evil Requiem
CAPCOM CO., LTD.
– Grace’s Costume: Apocalypse
– This content may be made available at a later date.
– This costume will change Grace’s appearance only.
A new era of survival horror arrives with Resident Evil Requiem, the latest and most immersive entry yet in the iconic Resident Evil series. Experience terrifying survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, and dive into pulse-pounding action with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy. Both of their journeys and unique gameplay styles intertwine into a heart-stopping, emotional experience that will chill you to your core.
*There are other bundles that include this product. Please be careful of duplicate purchases.
The post The Chicken’s Guide to Surviving Resident Evil Requiem appeared first on Xbox Wire.










