The post Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Comes to PlayStation 5 This Summer appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Category: Xbox
Race into EA Sports F1 25 with EA Play Now
Leave your mark on the world of racing in EA Sports F1 25 with the EA Play trial. Create your story and push the limits for up to 5 hours starting May 27. If you decide to buy, your progress carries over to the full game.
EA Play members can also save 10% off EA digital purchases including the full version of the game and PitCoin (conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See here for details). Plus, push through Podium Pass tiers at full throttle with in-game rewards including a monthly 5,000 XP boost.
EA Sports F1 25 puts you at the heart of Formula One racing with groundbreaking features. Take full control as the Owner of your own Formula One team with deeper management, revamped R&D, and a dynamic Team HQ that grows with your success. Plus, the thrilling next chapter of Braking Point puts the legacy of the Konnersport team in your hands, including alternative scenarios based on your choices.
Wield the Dance of the Shaman with Tales of Kenzera: Zau on The Play List
With your cosmic powers and untried courage, members can brave the beautiful and treacherous land of Kenzera alongside the God of Death with unlimited access. Discover a rich universe with untold lore of chaos and order and journey through mystical 2.5D realms awash with color and depth, emboldened by multi-award-winning composer Nainita Desai’s enchanting original score.
May Rewards
Beyond the track, EA Play is bringing great membership rewards across some of EA’s hottest titles. From XP boosts to Weapon Charms, it’s the ultimate pit stop for fans.
- Apex Legends: Flex your Pilot roots with the Gold Data Knife Weapon Charm
- Available now through June 2
- Battlefield 2042: Button enemies down with the Bradley Vehicle Skin: Rolling Sigil
- Available now through May 27
- EA Sports F1 24: Go flat out through Podium Pass tiers with a 5,000 XP
- Available now through May 31
- EA Sports Madden NFL 25: Anchor the defense with Ultimate Team EA Play May Pack
- Available now through May 31
- EA Sports FC 25: Light up the pitch in style with the Heroes Purple Comet Left Arm Tattoo
- Available now through June 5
- EA Sports FC 25: Make the club truly yours with the Football Ultimate Team Draft Token
- Available now through June 14
- EA Sports NHL 25: Show out on the ice with WOC Battle Pass XP Modifier & CHEL Coins
- Available now through May 22
Membership to EA Play is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers at no extra cost. Experience unlimited access to a collection of top EA titles, trials of select new games, member rewards, and a 10% discount on EA digital purchases.
Stay up to date with the latest news and member benefits at the EA Play page or follow them on X (Twitter) and Instagram.
The post Race into EA Sports F1 25 with EA Play Now appeared first on Xbox Wire.
33 Immortals: Try Out New Features in the Fourth Playtest from May 20
33 Immortals is back for Xbox Insiders with a fourth playtest starting Tuesday, May 20, 8am PT (11am ET). The playtest will be available for 6 days and end on Monday, May 26, 8am PT (11am ET). Thunder Lotus incorporated more updates and is notably making the game available to players on Xbox One consoles for the first time. The developer is excited for Xbox Insiders to try the update and to get your feedback. Limited space is available so be ready to join on May 20th to experience this co-op action-roguelike for 33 players.
About the Game:
Play a damned soul and rebel against God’s final judgment. Dive straight into epic 33-player co-op battles with instant “pick-up and raid” matchmaking. Cooperate with your allies to survive against hordes of monsters and massive, challenging bosses. Expand your arsenal and equip powerful new relics to permanently upgrade your soul. Face the Wrath of God in a fight for your eternal life.
If you want to learn more, please sign up on the 33 Immortals Website!
Updates and Fixes:
- Control rebinding has been added to the game!
- Sword of Justice has been balanced following player input.
- Staff of Sloth has been balanced following player input.
- Bow of Hope has been balanced.
- Daggers of Greed have been balanced.
- Some Feats that were posing problems have been fixed.
For more information on updates, please see our full list of patch notes here.
Playtest Times:
- Start: Tuesday, May 20th, 8am PT (11am ET)
- End: Monday, May 26th, 8am PT (11am ET)
How to Participate:
On Tuesday, May 20th, 8am PT (11am ET):
- Sign in on your Xbox console or Windows PC and launch the Xbox Insider Hub app (or install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary)
- Navigate to Previews > 33 Immortals
- Select Join
- Wait for the registration to complete and be directed to the Store and install 33 Immortals Beta
NOTE: Limited space is available and offered first-come first-served.
NOTE: This playtest is now available on Xbox One consoles in addition to Xbox Series X|S consoles and Windows PC.
How to Provide Feedback:
If you experience any issues while playing 33 Immortals Beta, don’t forget to use “Report a problem” so we can investigate:
- Hold down the home button on your Xbox controller.
- Select Report a problem.
- Select the Games category and 33 Immortals Beta subcategory.
- Fill out the form with the appropriate details to help our investigation.
Other resources:
For more information: follow us on X/Twitter at @XboxInsider and this blog for announcements and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the Xbox Insider SubReddit.
The post 33 Immortals: Try Out New Features in the Fourth Playtest from May 20 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Anima Flux: How to Survive the Dystopia – Top Tips for Playing Solo or in Co-op
Summary
- Anima Flux is now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
- Play solo or team up in two-player co-op.
- Check out our survival tips to get the most out of your first run.
The mutant apocalypse has arrived — and Anima Flux drops you right in the middle of it. Now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, this action-packed dystopian adventure invites players to step into the roles of Roy and Eileen, genetically enhanced soldiers of a failing theocratic regime. Their mission? Fight through waves of bio-mutants and uncover the haunting truths behind the collapse of humanity’s last space city.
Whether you’re taking on this brutal world solo or with a partner in two-player co-op, survival will depend on how well you understand your characters’ strengths — and how you adapt your strategy to the challenges ahead.
Playing in Co-op Mode: Roy and Eileen as a Team
In Anima Flux, the heart of co-op play lies in the synergy between Roy and Eileen. Roy is your melee powerhouse — a close-range combatant who can take hits and dish them out. Eileen, in contrast, is an agile archer, delivering devastating damage from a distance while offering cover and tactical flexibility.
Key Tips for Co-op Success
- Stick together, but play your roles. Roy should lead the charge and draw enemy attention, while Eileen positions herself to snipe from behind cover.
- Use Eileen’s mobility to kite or flank. Her ranged attacks can soften enemies before they reach Roy, and she’s great for clearing out flying enemy clusters from safe spots.
- Revive wisely. If one of you goes down, you can bring them back to life, but make sure the path is clear before attempting a revive.
- Stay united. Co-op is key — some obstacles, like pressure plates and locked lifts, can only be bypassed through teamwork.
Playing Solo: One Mind, Two Warriors
If you’re braving Anima Flux on your own, don’t worry — the solo experience has been carefully tuned to be just as rewarding. You’ll be able to swap between Roy and Eileen on the fly, using their abilities to respond to whatever horrors the game throws your way.
Top Strategies for Solo Play
- Switch strategically. Roy is perfect for crowd control and absorbing damage, while Eileen excels at taking down priority targets from afar. Use the right character for each scenario.
- Learn enemy patterns. Managing two characters means efficiency is everything. Knowing when and where enemies spawn gives you the edge to position both characters effectively.
- Use the AI to your advantage. While controlling one character, the other will act based on your positioning — try leading enemies into ambush zones or using one character to distract while the other unleashes abilities.
- Keep moving. Especially early on, when dash abilities are limited, positioning is critical. Jump-dodging and terrain awareness can help you avoid incoming damage.
A World That Doesn’t Forgive — But Rewards Mastery
At its core, Anima Flux isn’t just about hacking and slashing through mutants. It’s about mastering rhythm and strategy — learning how to survive in a world that’s falling apart. Whether you’re playing with a friend or taking it on alone, every choice matters, every encounter is dangerous, and every victory feels earned.
This is a world where death is always looming — but that just makes survival sweeter.
Ready to Fight?
Anima Flux is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Download it today and step into a world of tactical combat, haunting beauty, and unforgiving odds. Roy and Eileen are waiting — will you survive?
Anima Flux
JollyCo
$19.99
Anima Flux is a co-op metroidvania with two genetically enhanced soldiers, special agents of a theocratic dictatorial regime. Fight your way through swarms of mutants through a desolate, dystopian space city and save humanity’s last stronghold, if, of course, anyone is still alive…
The only human city located on the space ark is subjected to an organized mutant invasion. For the sake of survival, a theocratic totalitarian regime sends its best troops to rescue the city and eliminate the threat.
Take control of two elite soldiers, combine their unique abilities and skills. Finesse your way around through the most ferocious foes. Act bravely and fearlessly. After all, you can trick death, by transferring your anima with the latest implant technology. Don’t get consumed by fear of death, because the truth is grimmer.
Co-Op Metroidvania
The unusual spin of the genre, turns the classic metroidvania into a fun, couch co-op adventure. Both characters develop differently as the game goes on. Explore the grim locations of the space ark, rescue an ambushed or seriously injured partner. Get challenged by dangerous mutants and build your own boss-fight strategies together with a friend. And the best part is that you can always switch to single player mode if your pal is not around.
A mind-blowing dystopia
The story is set in a highly detailed game world, told in stunning hand-drawn animated cutscenes, and elaborated in dialogs full of irony. Tragic and intriguing fates of the supporting characters will immerse you into the human world of the far future, where moral and ethical issues trouble the mind more than ever. Search for the truth and prepare for incredible twists and turns.
Unique visual style
Through the artistic lens of 80-90 retro sci-fi aesthetics, the game carefully renders a variety of futuristic 2D visuals mixed with the dark cosmic atmosphere.
The post Anima Flux: How to Survive the Dystopia – Top Tips for Playing Solo or in Co-op appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 19 to 23
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 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 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!
RoadCraft (Pre-order)
Focus Entertainment
$39.99
RoadCraft – May 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
You run a disaster recovery company, specializing in restoring sites devastated by natural disasters. Many tasks await you to restart the local industry: clearing debris, replacing faulty equipment, rebuilding roads and bridges damaged by weather, and much more! With your vehicles, choose carefully your itinerary through abandoned factories, submerged dams, or out-of-service solar fields.
Cipher Monk
Afil Games
Cipher Monk – May 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
A relaxing number puzzle game inspired by a brilliant but forgotten number system used by Cistercian monks in the 13th century. Unlike any other numerical challenge you’ve seen before, Cipher Monk invites you to think differently — to decode, rotate, and arrange mysterious ancient symbols that represent numbers from 1 to 9999.
FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time
LEVEL5 Inc.
$59.99
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – May 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Step into this slow-life RPG where you can freely switch between 14 unique jobs, so called “Lives,” and enjoy a carefree life in a fantasy world. Fish, cook, shape the island to your liking, or team up with friends to battle monsters across the vast world. It’s up to you to choose what kind of life you’ll live!
Kittens and Yarn
Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.
Kittens and Yarn is a minimalist puzzle game where you untangle yarns by swapping pieces. Enjoy relaxing gameplay with no scoring, timer, or pressure. Progress through unique levels that grow more challenging. Experience a great soundtrack with music and effects designed for optimal enjoyment.
Knight’s Night!
Eastasiasoft Limited
Knight’s Night! – May 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
The kingdom is in danger, and power has fallen into the hands of an evil wizard! Now it’s up to you to save the land from certain destruction. Run, jump, dash, avoid traps and hop on the heads of enemies as you explore forests, caves, perilous ruins and more. Knight’s Night! is a retro precision platformer presented in 1-bit black-and-white style, featuring fluid pixel art animation and super-tight controls.
Knock on the Coffin Lid
Redboon
Knock on the Coffin Lid – May 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
In Knock on the Coffin Lid you wake up in a cold crypt a thousand leagues from home, devoid of memories of what has happened, and in the company of an enigmatic stranger. To return lost memories you will have to examine the dark secrets of your own death, form unexpected alliances and carefully plan your route.
One Button Games 5-in-1 vol. 2
Xitilon
$4.99
$3.99
One Button Games 5-in-1 Vol. 2 – May 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
You are constantly moving up and down. Your goal is to shoot all the enemies that are coming from the sides of the screen. When the enemies reach the middle of the screen they will go up or down depending on your current position. Press a button to change your direction and shoot sideways. Hold a button to charge and shoot in all four directions.
Shy Cats Hidden Tracks – Vol. 2
Lucky Raccoon Games
Shy Cats Hidden Tracks – Vol. 2 – May 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
The cutest choir in the world is back! Three new cities, three new songs, and hundreds of new hidden kittens! Combine hidden objects with a music creator and take the role of the maestro in this adorable orchestra!
Aureole – Wings of Hope
JanduSoft
$12.49
$9.99
Aurole – Wings of Hope – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
At sonic speeds, Aureole – Wings of Hope takes platforming to the skies! Join Ramila and Ryleth on their crusade to reclaim their home from demonic forces in this unique physics-based side-scrolling game.
Blades of Fire Pre-order
505 Games
$59.99
$53.99
From the award-winning studio MercurySteam, comes a new action-adventure where you forge your own weapons and face fierce enemies in a unique combat system. You are Aran de Lira, firstborn of the King’s Ward. The newly crowned Queen Nerea has cast a spell that turns steel into stone. Only her army of abominations wield the divine metal against which other blades shatter. Join Aran de Lira on his journey to find the real purpose of his fate!
Cookie Clicker
Playsaurus Inc.
Cookie Clicker – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Cookie Clicker is a game about making an absurd amount of cookies. To help you in this endeavor, you will recruit a wide variety of helpful cookie makers, like friendly Grandmas, Farms, Factories, and otherworldly Portals. Cookie Clicker was originally released in 2013 but has been very actively developed since then. If you played it before, try it again to see all the new features!
Deliver At All Costs
KONAMI
$29.99
$26.99
Deliver At All Costs – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
The year is 1959. A time of rock ‘n’ roll, polka dot dresses and the ever-looming dread of nuclear annihilation. Step into the shoes of Winston Green — a down-on-his-luck courier with a fiery temper and a mysterious past — as he delivers highly unconventional cargo, leaving a trail of havoc and chaos behind him, ensuring he does what it takes to deliver at all costs!
Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping
Happy Broccoli Games
Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Although this campsite may have ghosts, Eugene McQuacklin is more troubled by his unsuccessful marriage and his bread addiction. Can he overcome the shadows of his past? To the dismay of the Duck Detective, a new partner joins him in solving crimes. They must collaborate to uncover the truth and pursue justice as you interview suspects, examine evidence, and deduce the facts in this standalone mystery.
Legends Aligned: Minis in Conflict
Afil Games
Legends Aligned: Minis in Conflict – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
The magical box is back, and this time, organizing miniatures has become more complicated. In Legends Aligned: Minis in Conflict, you continue fitting miniatures into a box — but now, rivalries are involved. It’s the perfect combination of logic, creativity, and… diplomacy among miniatures.
Ludo XXL
Markt+Technik Verlag GmbH
Ludo XXL – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
The popular dice game for the whole family! This classic game par excellence has brought young and old together for generations. The much-loved original convinces with its child-friendly rules and thrilling luck of the dice. It’s great fun for the whole family – full of both laughter and frustration!
Lynked: Banner of the Spark
Dreamhaven
Lynked: Banner of the Spark – May 22
It’s the year 30XX, and the natural world has been overrun by an evil robot force… but all is not lost. As you rescue and join forces with a charming band of robot companions called the Unibots, you’ll form a community of fearless friends and work together to build a new future from the ground up.
Maniac
Skystone Games
$4.99
Maniac – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Welcome to Maniac where chaos is just waiting to be unleashed. A throwback to times of the Original GTA’s of the world in which mayhem reigned supreme. With an arsenal of unlockable characters, weapons, and an ever-changing world. Try not to get Busted!
Out of Sight
Starbreeze Entertainment
A deeply atmospheric horror game that blends first and second-person perspectives with riveting voice-acting to immerse you in a chilling and emotional journey. Having regained sight through her beloved Teddy, Sophie knows she must find a way out before it’s too late. Danger lurks around every corner—one misplaced step, a creaking floorboard, or unexpected bump could spell capture… and an uncertain fate.
Super Waifu Ball
JanduSoft
Super Waifu Ball – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Super Waifu Ball is an arcade-style adventure where you roll through colorful, obstacle-filled worlds as a cast of adorable waifus. Complete levels, collect stars, and unlock collectible waifu figurines from the gacha machine!
Trident’s Tale
3DClouds
Free Trial
Trident’s Tale – May 22
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Set sail for an epic action-packed adventure in Trident’s Tale, where you’ll become Ocean, a bold young captain on a quest to reclaim the legendary Storm Trident, a mythical artifact that grants power over the seas. But beware the ocean is vast, treacherous, and crawling with danger at every turn! So ready the cannons, hoist the sails, and immerse yourself in a gripping tale filled with eccentric characters, cunning dungeons, and adrenaline-pumping battles.
Aery – Peace of Mind 3
EpiXR Games
$11.99
Aery – Peace of Mind 3 – May 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
An interactive game experience that is designed to relax your mind and soul. You jump into the role of a little bird, explore beautiful landscapes and collect magical crystals that mark certain landscapes.
Astro Miner
QubicGames S.A.
$4.99
$3.99
Fly to extraordinary planets with different terrains and start mining valuable minerals to sell them in your base. Create corridors to reach stacks of crystals, or do it your own way and mine wherever you like with the help of dynamites. Hire workers and build an auto-miner machine to speed up your work!
Blazing Strike
RareBreed Makes Games LLC
Blazing Strike – May 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Step into the ring where the future of humanity hangs in the balance. In a world ravaged by an apocalyptic event, society is ruled by a brutal regime. But deep in the shadows, a resistance ignites. Blazing Strike is a stylish 2D fighting game where classic arcade mechanics meet modern innovation.
Casual Sport Series: Badminton
Revulo Games LLC
$4.99
Casual Sport Series: Badminton – May 23
Experience dynamic rallies and tactical depth as you master smashes, drops, clears, and net plays. The intuitive controls make it easy to pick up and play, while the depth of movement and shot variety ensures rewarding gameplay for all skill levels.
Collie Call Xbox BUNDLE
Afil Games
Collie Call – May 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
In Collie Call, you’re a super-smart pup on a mission: herd all the sheep back to the pasture! But it’s not as easy as it sounds — there’s slippery mud, spinning sheep, and even wacky teleporters. All wrapped up in a cute retro pixel-art style!
Lord of the Click 5
Desert Water Games
Lord of the Click 5 – May 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Lord of the Click 5 continues the legendary clicker series, offering unique challenges, deep strategy and exciting gameplay. As a wise king, you once again enter the battle to save the kingdom, which is plunging into darkness.
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny
CAPCOM CO., LTD.
$29.99
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny – May 23
Get the Onimusha 2: Orchestra Album Selection Pack when you pre-order Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny. It includes five tracks selected from the Onimusha 2 Orchestra Album Taro Iwashiro Selection. Immerse yourself in the world of Onimusha 2 in this beautiful orchestral arrangement.
Soccer Golf
Ratalaika Games S.L.
Soccer Golf – May 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Do you love soccer? Do you love golf? Tee off and kickoff in SoccerGolf, a brilliant and challenging new physics game which seamlessly combines your two favorite sports. Aim to athletically kick your soccer ball into the goal in the lowest possible number of shots. Use precise mid-air putting techniques to reach just the right amount of force and accuracy needed to sink a hole.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
Awaken Realms
$44.99
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon – May 23
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is a mature, first-person perspective open-world RPG, taking you into a dark fantasy world inspired by Arthurian legends. Experience a complex, branching main storyline, where you will decide on what legacy King Arthur’s reign will leave on the world after 600 years of continuous struggle.
The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for May 19 to 23 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Four Tips Before Delving into Shovel Knight Dig Today
Summary
- Dig into Shovel Knight’s newest adventure.
- Tons of new content for fans of Shovel Knight and Roguelike platformers alike.
- Top tips to help you thrive and survive.
Hey there shovelers! We are proud to announce that the ultimate edition of Shovel Knight Dig is finally coming to the Xbox Series X|S on May 15th! We poured our hearts into refining this ambitious game to make it the most polished version yet. So, grab your trusty shovel blade and get ready to dig in an –all new direction – Down!
Shovel Knight Dig is a direct prequel to our first title, Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope.
The story kicks off when Drill Knight and his crew loot and destroy Shovel Knight’s peaceful campsite. With his trusty Shovel Blade, Shovel Knight tunnels after them in a quest to keep the entire land from collapsing underfoot!
At its core, Shovel Knight Dig is a roguelite platformer. There are thousands of pixel-perfect level chunks, which are procedurally stitched together to create infinite adventurous combinations. Each trip down the well will bring you closer to discovering the secrets lying at the bottom. With that said, here’s four tips to surviving the dangers that await you in the well:
- Plan your Route
Momentum is key but do not blindly delve into danger! The well is chock-full of baddies, level hazards, and surprises so, it’s worth taking a second to look before you shovel drop. If a certain level hazard feels too dangerous, do not be afraid to detour. As you progress in the well, you’ll even be able to choose between which stages you’ll encounter. Depending on your pick-ups (relics, armor, abilities, etc.) certain paths might suit your run more than others. It can feel tricky in the beginning but the more you play, the more muscle memory you’ll have on how to get through each stage.
- Collect Everything
You’ll fare better in your run if you start collecting early on. Gems will give you the ability to buy food from Gastronomole, abilities from Master Argus, and nifty items and Relics from Chester. Collecting three golden gear pieces will grant you an award, but you must choose carefully between a free upgrade or leaving with your health restored. Entering side rooms can lead you to rewards like health and slot upgrades, chests, eggs, secrets, and challenges! There’s a ton to discover and encounter while on your run. Just keep your eyes peeled and you’ll feel like an unstoppable shovel-god by the time you get to the bottom of the well.
- Visit the Surface Between Runs
Make sure to visit the Hoofman, Armorer, and Chester after your runs. They all own shops where you can splurge on various wares to assist you on your adventure.
As you progress through the story, new villagers will take residence at your campsite. Make sure to chat with them too. Some carry tales that’ll help you uncover more mysteries down in the well.
- Be Curious
The game rewards curiosity! So, if something looks suspicious, dig into it. Tunnel through all of the sparkly dirt. Explore every side room. Hatch an egg or two. Gently boop Altius the owl into the well. Buy that broken cog (I’m sure it’ll be useful somewhere…..). Uncovering all the secrets will lead you to more surprises than you can count! So get digging!
Well, That’s it for Right Now
Shovel Knight Dig is our most ambitious project yet. It was truly a labor of love and we hope you enjoy playing the game as much as we did making it. We’re excited for you to delve in on Friday! See you down the well!
Sincerely,
Yacht Club Games
Shovel Knight Dig
Yacht Club Games
$24.99
$19.99
When Drill Knight and his dastardly digging crew blast apart Shovel Knight’s peaceful campsite and steal his loot, he grabs his trusty Shovel Blade and starts tunneling after them!
Meet new friends and foes, visit strange lands, and outfit yourself in your quest to keep the entire land from collapsing underfoot! Jump, slash, and dig your way down an ever-changing chasm of mystery in Shovel Knight Dig, an all-new Shovel Knight adventure!
The post Four Tips Before Delving into Shovel Knight Dig Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Support Veterans with the Call of Duty Endowment United Force: Tracer Pack & More
The post Support Veterans with the Call of Duty Endowment United Force: Tracer Pack & More appeared first on Xbox Wire.
A Slayer’s Guide to DOOM: The Dark Ages’ Shield Saw
Somehow, DOOM: The Dark Ages’ most versatile new weapon… isn’t what you’d initially recognize as a weapon at all. The latest entry in id Software’s legendarily bloodthirsty series brings a lot of new ideas to the wartable – a tech-medieval setting, a prequel story for the DOOM Slayer, and all-new mechanics in the form of mechs, dragons, and open zone sequences, to name a few – but perhaps the most impactful is its new mantra of “stand and fight”.
After the run and gun corridor antics of DOOM (2016) and the unexpectedly athletic take with DOOM Eternal, The Dark Ages riffs on the classic DOOM feeling of walking into a room, planting yourself in a prime position, and taking down all comers. And it’s all rooted in the Shield Saw, your disc-shaped ticket to destruction.
We’re not necessarily used to seeing the Slayer protecting himself, but the Shield Saw takes the old phrase, “the best offence is a good defence” and yanks it all the way to its logical conclusion. Far from being a way to hunker down and take pot shots, the Shield Saw is a multi-purpose means of taking down enemies efficiently while keeping your precious armor and hit points intact.
Here are the many ways you’ll be using it:
Blocking and Parrying
One of the very first things DOOM: The Dark Ages teaches you is how to block. Pull the left trigger and the Slayer raises his shield, soaking up projectiles with the minimum of fuss. Of course, a DOOM game simply will not allow you to cower, so be aware that, after a few hits, your block will be broken. Think of this less as a means to stand back, and more like a way to close the distance into more Shotgun-friendly range.
And how you block is critically important – you’ll soon learn about parrying. If you see a green-colored projectile, or an enemy wreathed in green energy before a melee attack, take this as a sign. A well-timed block on one of these attacks, just before it hits, will send projectiles bouncing back to sender, or breaking the stance of a close-quarters creature. Both are invaluable for thinning out weaker demons, or opening up stronger ones to uninterrupted punishment. Later in the game, you’ll also unlock Shield Runes, which add extra effects upon a successful parry – but we won’t spoil those here. You should really find out about them yourself.
If you’re finding the parry window a little too tough to hit (or not tough enough!) you can adjust the parry window in the options menu at any time. With a combination of blocks and parries, you can wade into a sea of enemies, safe in the knowledge that you won’t just clear a room, but do it without getting a nick in your armor.
Shield Charge
Sometimes, blocking just leaves you feeling a bit far from the action. The Shield Charge is the perfect tonic. When blocking, you’ll notice a target appearing on the enemy closest to your crosshairs – and pressing the right trigger will send you hurtling towards them at inhuman speed for a high damage attack.
At its most basic level, the Shield Charge is the perfect way to get up close unexpectedly, letting you use shorter-range weapons like the Shotgun or Accelerator to do massive damage quickly. But the Charge also comes with the added benefit of being an extremely effective room-clearer – hitting an enemy will also deal damage to all the enemies immediately around them. Pick a target in a crowd of cannon fodder, and you can effectively clear the entire group with a Charge in a single bloody pop.
Picking the right target is key – blindly charging at a fully mobile boss enemy is unlikely to help you too much, but certain enemies, like Stone Imps, are particularly weak to the Charge, setting off an explosion as you hit. You could also use it to target an enemy above you, effectively using it as a platforming tool to take up new ground. As you get to grips with the ability (and its short cooldown), you’ll find it to be as much an efficiency tool as it is a horrifyingly powerful weapon.
Shield Throw
Early in the game, you’ll add that titular Saw to your Shield, at which point you’ll unlock the Shield Throw. This unbelievably gratifying maneuver lets you press the left bumper to (literally) let rip. A shield throw will instantly bisect weaker enemies – even multiple enemies, if you line them up right – and will embed itself in stronger ones, giving you a stun window to work with.
Best of all, the Shield Throw is particularly effective against armor. Pretty soon, you’ll see demons toting shields, or bosses wrapped in bullet-resistant metal – but gunfire isn’t wholly useless here. Fire your weapons at them, and you’ll start heating that metal, and once you see it reach incandescent levels, a single Shield Throw will shatter it. Against enemies in armor, this will blow it off, opening them up to more attacks. Smaller enemies with shields, however, will simply… burst in spectacular fashion. If you see a line of enemies with shields, that one throw will destroy all of them, like they’re living bowling pins.
Puzzle Solving
Clearly not content with being a useful tool for attack and defence, your Shield Saw is also a way of making your way around The Dark Ages’ levels – including their many secrets. The Shield Charge can be used to destroy weak walls (look out for a circular symbol daubed on them), used to jump by embedding in specific environmental details and then recalling it to pull yourself up, or to destroy superheated locks with a quick Throw.
If you’re struggling to work out how to reach a secret area, the Shield is very often the key to making it in. There are more puzzly uses later in the game to discover, too – we’ll let you reach them yourself.
Upgrades
Clearly, the Shield Saw can do a lot out of the box – but there’s always more. Once you discover the game’s Sentinel Shrines – the home of The Dark Ages’ upgrade system – you’ll discover more options for adding to your arm-mounted tool’s abilities.
Aside from those afore-mentioned Shield Runes, the Shield has an upgrade tree that can increase damage, help clear more fodder enemies, or even cause it to bounce between enemies who carry energy-based shields. But look out for mentions of the Shield in other upgrade trees, too. The Shredder weapon, for instance, can unlock an ability that will ricochet shots out of an enemy with a Saw embedded in them. The Power Gauntlet melee weapon can also be upgraded to recharge itself with successful parries.
Choose your upgrades right and you can build an arsenal that doesn’t just include the Shield, but centers around using it.
DOOM: The Dark Ages arrives today for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5, and cloud. It’s available day one with Game Pass, and is an Xbox Play Anywhere title.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition
Bethesda Softworks
Pre-order now to receive the Void DOOM Slayer Skin at launch.
Get a head start on slaying demons with the Premium Edition, including up to 2-Day Early Access* and the campaign DLC**. You’ll also receive the Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack, which includes matching skins for the DOOM Slayer, dragon and Atlan.
INCLUDES:
– Base Game (digital code)
– Up to 2-Day Early Access
– Campaign DLC
– Digital Artbook and Soundtrack
– Divinity Skin Pack
*Actual play time depends on purchase date and applicable time zone differences, subject to possible outages.
**DLC availability to be provided at a later date.
BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELL
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine.
STAND AND FIGHT
As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for. Take flight atop the new fierce Mecha Dragon, stand tall in a massive Atlan mech, and beat demons to a pulp with the newly enhanced glory kill system. Only the Slayer has the power to wield these devastating tools of mayhem.
REIGN IN HELL
Bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, the DOOM Slayer fends off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy the Slayer and become the only one that is feared. Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell and turns the tide of the war.
DISCOVER UNKNOWN REALMS
In his quest to crush the legions of Hell, the Slayer must take the fight to never-before-seen realms. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond. Armed with the viciously powerful Shield Saw, cut through a dark world of menace and secrets in id’s largest and most expansive levels to date.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Upgrade
Bethesda Softworks
Pre-order now to receive the Void DOOM Slayer Skin at launch.
Get a head start on slaying demons with the Premium Upgrade*, including up to 2-Day Early Access**, the campaign DLC***, Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack, which includes matching skins for the DOOM Slayer, dragon and Atlan.
INCLUDES:
– Up to 2-Day Early Access
– Campaign DLC
– Digital Artbook and Soundtrack
– Divinity Skin Pack
*Base Game required (sold separately)
**Actual play time depends on purchase date and applicable time zone differences, subject to possible outages.
***DLC availability to be provided at a later date.
BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELL
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine.
STAND AND FIGHT
As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for. Take flight atop the new fierce Mecha Dragon, stand tall in a massive Atlan mech, and beat demons to a pulp with the newly enhanced glory kill system. Only the Slayer has the power to wield these devastating tools of mayhem.
REIGN IN HELL
Bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, the DOOM Slayer fends off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy the Slayer and become the only one that is feared. Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell and turns the tide of the war.
DISCOVER UNKNOWN REALMS
In his quest to crush the legions of Hell, the Slayer must take the fight to never-before-seen realms. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond. Armed with the viciously powerful Shield Saw, cut through a dark world of menace and secrets in id’s largest and most expansive levels to date.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Standard Edition
Bethesda Softworks
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Pre-order now to receive the Void DOOM Slayer Skin at launch.
BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELL
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine.
STAND AND FIGHT
As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for. Take flight atop the new fierce Mecha Dragon, stand tall in a massive Atlan mech, and beat demons to a pulp with the newly enhanced glory kill system. Only the Slayer has the power to wield these devastating tools of mayhem.
REIGN IN HELL
Bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, the DOOM Slayer fends off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy the Slayer and become the only one that is feared. Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell and turns the tide of the war.
DISCOVER UNKNOWN REALMS
In his quest to crush the legions of Hell, the Slayer must take the fight to never-before-seen realms. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond. Armed with the viciously powerful Shield Saw, cut through a dark world of menace and secrets in id’s largest and most expansive levels to date.
The post A Slayer’s Guide to DOOM: The Dark Ages’ Shield Saw appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Introducing the Designed for Xbox Floral Collection 2025
The new Designed for Xbox collection has arrived. Introducing the Floral Collection, designed for players who seek accessories that blend beauty with performance. Each piece in this collection is adorned with unique intricate floral patterns, bringing a touch of elegance to your game time.
Night Blossom: PowerA Advantage Plus Wired Controller
Take your game and style to new limits with the officially licensed PowerA Advantage Plus Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11, featuring the stunning Night Blossom design. With our patented Quick-Twist Thumbsticks, you can easily adjust the thumbsticks to three different height settings with a simple twist. Enjoy a smoother, pro-level feel thanks to Hall Effect Modules that utilize contact-free magnetic sensors in the thumbsticks to help with precision and longevity. Plus, two Mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons, Dual Rumble Motors, and more. Available today for $42.99 USD ERP.
Key Features
- Quick-Twist Thumbsticks.
- Hall Effect Modules.
- Dual Rumble Motors.
- Immersive Impulse Triggers.
- Headset Compatible with 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Extra-long 10ft. USB-C Cable.
- PowerA Gamer HQ App – Adjust audio, triggers, rumble, dead zones, and more on your controller with this free app for Xbox and Windows.
Flora: Audeze Maxwell Headset
Game in style with the Audeze Maxwell Flora Limited Edition headset, featuring award-winning planar magnetic technology for immersive audio, low-latency wireless, and 80-hour battery life to outperform and outlast your competition. Available today for $339.99 USD ERP.
Key Features
- Award-winning Audeze 90mm Planar Magnetic Drivers.
- Ultra-Low Latency Wireless with 3x range of traditional 2.4Ghz.
- 80hr+ battery life with fast charge in 20 minutes.
- Class-leading high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.
- Filter noise reduction technology for clear communications.
Floral Fusion: WD_Black Storage Expansion Card 1TB
Expand your Xbox game collection by adding up to 1TB of space (actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment) with the official Xbox-licensed WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Card Floral Fusion. Built with a super-speed NVMe SSD core, the WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox leverages Xbox Velocity Architecture to deliver extremely fast, low-latency performance that emulates the console’s internal SSDs. Enjoy a seamless gaming experience and switch instantly between multiple games with Quick Resume. Available later in May, please see retailer for pricing.
Key Features
- Play effortlessly with full Xbox integration and enjoy gaming experiences that adhere fully to Microsoft’s quality standards.
- With 1TB of storage, you have plenty of room to grow your game library.
- Superseed NVMe Core revolutionizes your gaming experience with reduced wait times, fast responses, and full immersion.
- Xbox Velocity Architecture unlocks the full potential of the WD_Black C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox, allowing it to achieve blazing-fast performance and seamless, high-speed access to your favorite games.
- The storage expansion card seamlessly integrates with your console’s Quick Resume, enabling instant transition between multiple suspended games — so you can pick up exactly where you left off without delay.
- Enjoy the fresh Floral Fusion design to get you in the summer gaming mood.
Spring Breeze: GameSir T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller
Embrace elegance and comfort with the GameSir T7 Pro Floral controller, featuring a stunning floral-patterned matte shell. Its semi-transparent design and dynamic RGB lighting create a mesmerizing visual experience. Shine with the T7 Pro Floral and elevate your gaming setup. The Game Sir T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller is available for pre-order today for $49.99 USD ERP.
Key Features
- Hall Effect sticks & triggers.
- 2 Back buttons.
- Trigger Locks.
- Dynamic lighting on stick ring and ABXY buttons.
- Wired to Xbox or PC connection.
Elevate Your Gaming Experience
Enjoy beauty & performance with the Designed for Xbox Floral Collection. You can purchase your favorite accessory, or collect them all, at Best Buy online
The post Introducing the Designed for Xbox Floral Collection 2025 appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Five Things to Know Before Taking Flight Into Everspace 2: Wrath of the Ancients
Space pilots on Xbox are taking flight into Wrath of the Ancients, the final expansion for Everspace 2! Here are a few non-spoiler things to know before getting started.
Beginning the New Story and Sidequests
Everspace 2: Wrath of the Ancients adds a variety of new post-game quest lines and multiple sidequests, but don’t worry, nothing is missable. New sidequests added in Wrath of the Ancients will unlock as players discover new areas and achieve certain levels.
Get started on the new expansion main questline by returning to Homebase to begin, A Different Ending, a storyline that will set you on course to meet with an old friend on your way to the Aethon star system.
Take Flight in The Wraith
While progressing through Wrath of the Ancients, you’ll temporarily acquire the Wraith, an alien armed blockade runner, modified for a human pilot. This ship is a high-risk, high reward fighter for players who like blending a wide range of abilities with up close and personal combat.
The Wraith’s ultimate attack and abilities introduce a unique playstyle for Everspace 2 pilots focused on gaining temporary stats by destroying enemies quickly.
“Spectral Form” transforms the Wraith into a semi-corporeal state which causes hull to decay—the less hull you have, the more damage the Wraith will unleash. When your hull reaches zero, Spectral Form ends and your ship is restored to full health, ready to strike again. In addition to a significant damage boost, being in Spectral Form replaces devices with new special abilities that will help clever pilots turn the tides of battle.
Gear Up!
Exploring new sectors of space is dangerous work. Skills will only take you so far—best to gear up your ship to survive! Wrath of the Ancients offers multiple new ways to strengthen a spacefight’s loadout. In addition to a variety of exciting new weapons incorporating alien technology, pilots will discover some awesome new legendary items.
Warden’s Embrace is a new unique Mine Launcher that Deploys a shield wall that blocks enemy fire, but allows your shots to pass. The shield will move forward depending on the charge duration and damage all enemies who pass through it.
True Shepherd is a special Sensor that boosts ally ship strength. Allies deal increased damage and whenever one of them destroys an enemy, you gain a stack of “Shepherd’s Resolve” for a few seconds, making your next few critical hits restore part of your hull, armor, and shield.
The Schrader is a nod to a well-loved former community manager. This special Mine Launcher fires a slow-moving mine that emits a shockwave every time it is hit by weapon fire.
Ascendant tier items are a new type of gear that have the potential to surpass stat values of similar Starforged and Legendary weapons, armor, and modules. Unlike regular gear, the rank of Ascendant items can be upgraded and receives a random attribute bonus on reaching the maximum rank.
Upgrading Ascendant items is done at Ancient Altars, special places found in Okkar systems. These altars allow pilots to exchange resources to unlock combat challenges for improved items. The higher the target rank, the higher the challenge will be.
Craft, Craft, Craft
With new resources and blueprints to collect, Wrath of the Ancients goes even deeper into crafting. Pilots will be able upgrade gear using sixteen new Okkar Catalysts that add powerful positive and negative modifiers to weapons, creating an even greater variety of builds.
Here’s a quick look at a few of the new Okkar Catalysts you’ll be able to craft.
- Piercing Shot
- Positive – Gains 50% shield and armor piercing.
- Negative – Can no longer deal critical hits.
- Safety Delimiter
- Positive – Gains 30% increased fire rate while weapon energy is below 50%.
- Negative – Becomes damaged when weapon energy reaches zero while firing.
- Alpha Strike
- Positive – Deals 50% increased damage the first time it damages a target.
- Negative – Deals 50% reduced damage on successive hits.
- Dual Detonator
- Positive – Explodes twice at the impact location with a 0.5s delay.
- Negative – Has a 10% chance to be a dud and not explode at all.
- Reserve Power
- Positive – Unlimited weapon and boost energy while ULT energy is below 10%.
- Negative – 20% reduced handling while ULT is fully recharged and ready.
Exploring New Star Systems
Wrath of the Ancients adds four new star systems to the explorable regions of Cluster 34. These star systems each have their own look, and are packed with deadly enemies to challenge, new puzzle types to solve, and powerful loot to discover. Unlocking each new region is easy, just follow the main questline.
Atheon – Visited briefly during a quest towards the end of Everspace 2, this system is filled with radiation fields and warship hulks drifting in the dark. Now, you’ll be able to return and seek a payday while navigating hazards left from the Colonial War. Longtime fans will be especially thrilled to see the continuation of a beloved quest line around an AI gone rogue.
Khaït Dominion – This system is the closest Okkar rim system to the Colonial border and also your first step on a pilgrimage deep into the heart of this alien culture. In addition to all kinds of space locations, you’ll also visit desert and swamp planets which are dotted with ancient structures and mysterious ruins.
Rhak Homeworlds – This system is the beating heart of this sector of modern Okkar civilization. Much of their population lives on gigantic orbital stations and sprawling mega-structures covering the planets below. This region is rich in rare resources, a perfect place to harvest new materials to craft equipment.
Space pilots on Xbox are taking flight into Wrath of the Ancients, the final expansion for Everspace 2! Here are a few non-spoiler things to know before getting started.
?????? – The forbidden system. No human has yet to visit this area of space and lived to tell the story. They say this region of space holds the most ancient of the Okkar worlds.
Wrath of the Ancients is out now on Xbox and Microsoft Store. New to the series? Grab the Galactic Edition and get the full adventure—including every DLC—in one killer bundle.
EVERSPACE
2 – Wrath of the Ancients
2 – Wrath of the AncientsROCKFISH Games
$24.99
The Ancients have awakened! Their wrath has laid waste to human settlements in Cluster 34, destabilizing factions in power and stranding survivors.
Among the Okkar, a growing number argue that if the Ancients reject Humankind, so should they. With the uneasy peace threatened, venture into the Okkar Homeworlds to discover the truth behind the threat… before war reignites the DMZ.
EVERSPACE 2: Wrath of the Ancients offers space pilots an all-new adventure set after the events of EVERSPACE 2, as well as new mid-game side quests exploring the Okkar civilization and homeworlds. Take flight to battle against Ancient and alien enemies while tracking down the source of these threats to Colonial space.
This full-sized expansion is packed with new star systems to explore, allies to meet, and powerful new weapons to destroy enemy ships. The massive main story campaign will take pilots through four new star systems, each packed with locations filled with secrets and side missions to uncover.
Distant star systems bring new threats—battle challenging enemies and bosses in a never-been-seen before Okkar Ship. The new Wraith Okkar fighter uses rare technology to consume fragments of defeated enemies to activate special abilities. This high-risk, high-reward ship is deadly in the hands of a skilled pilot.
EVERSPACE 2: Wrath of the Ancients features:
– Adventure through an exciting post-game storyline expanding the EVERSPACE universe
– Journey through several new major side quests exploring Okkar civilization and their homeworlds, accessible from midway through the main campaign
– Take flight in the new flyable Wraith Okkar ship
– Meet an expanded cast of new and returning characters
– Challenge new enemy types and bosses
– Explore four new and expanded existing star systems including the Okkar homeworlds
– Discover dozens of new locations filled with secrets and new puzzle types
– Power up your ships with new weapons and gear
– Break limits with new upgradable Okkar equipment
– Collect rare resources and crafting blueprints
– Space out to an expanded soundtrack adding new exploration, travel, and battle music
The post Five Things to Know Before Taking Flight Into Everspace 2: Wrath of the Ancients appeared first on Xbox Wire.