Zenless Zone Zero Arrives on Xbox This June – With In-Game Benefits for Game Pass Ultimate Players

Zenless Zone Zero Arrives on Xbox This June – With In-Game Benefits for Game Pass Ultimate Players

Zenless Zone Zero Hero image

Summary

  • Zenless Zone Zero, HoYoverse’s urban fantasy ARPG, will be available for free on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Cloud Gaming in June.
  • Game Pass Ultimate members can play the game seamlessly across devices without downloads via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
  • Dive into the vibrant world of New Eridu, explore the brand-new area Waifei Peninsula, and experience exhilarating combat.

HoYoverse’s urban fantasy ARPG, Zenless Zone Zero, is set to officially launch on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Cloud Gaming this June alongside its Version 2.0 update. Players will be able to enjoy the immersive urban life experience and thrilling action combat in this dynamic and vibrant game on Xbox.

As an exclusive benefit, Game Pass Ultimate members will unlock special in-game rewards—including Polychromes, Dennies, and more—simply by logging in after each major version update. It’s time to wishlist Zenless Zone Zero on Xbox now! Curious to learn more? Read on!

Stunning Performance on Xbox

In the world of Zenless Zone Zero, a calamity called the “Hollows” has destroyed modern society. New Eridu, the last remaining metropolis, has risen against the odds amidst this destructive catastrophe to become the last bastion of modern civilization. Players step into the shoes of a Proxy, a professional specializing in navigating the dangerous Hollows, guiding those who, for various reasons, need to venture inside.

With the extraordinary performance of Xbox Series X|S, Proxies can look forward to an exceptional audiovisual feast, featuring DirectX RayTracing and HDR support, as well as native 4K resolution running at a smooth 60FPS performance. In addition, Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to seamlessly play Zenless Zone Zero across multiple devices, including mobile phones, via Xbox Cloud Gaming without downloads.

Exhilarating Combat Experience

Zenless Zone Zero distinguishes itself with an exciting combat system that blends accessibility with depth. It is designed to make thrilling combat more accessible and satisfying for all players while offering deep mechanics for skilled action veterans who desire to hone their combat skills.

The game is optimized to support the Xbox controller, incorporating customized vibration feedback for different actions such as Basic and Special attacks. Players can fully unleash their skills in challenging battles while embracing the enhanced immersion and sense of impact during battle.

Play Zenless Zone Zero Anytime, Anywhere

Cross-progression and flexible server selection are fully supported on Xbox, allowing players to link their existing Zenless Zone Zero account from other platforms such as PlayStation, PC, Android, and iOS to Xbox. Furthermore, players can switch back and forth between multiple active games without lengthy loading times with the exclusive “Quick Resume” feature on Xbox Series X|S.

Currently, the game supports 13 text and 4 voice-over languages. All of these ensure that Xbox players can dive into Zenless Zone Zero with unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and instant accessibility — wherever and whenever they choose.

An Enchanting Journey Awaits in June 2025

Zenless Zone Zero fuses contemporary urban aesthetics with retro elements, crafting evocative narratives and authentic emotions that delve into the significance of ordinary people and their daily lives. Accompanied by distinctive characters, many players have found a profound sense of connection through this adventure in New Eridu.

We are so thrilled and grateful that Zenless Zone Zero will finally arrive on Xbox alongside the highly anticipated Version 2.0 this June. The new chapter of the game will unfold in a unique area called Waifei Peninsula, in which urban life and Hollow exploration closely intertwine, bringing a more cohesive and immersive narrative experience.

Soon, you will be able to join this spectacular journey as a Proxy and we just can’t wait to see you in New Eridu! Until then, stay tuned for more information on the game and on the exclusive rewards we are preparing for you. And of course, don’t forget to add Zenless Zone Zero to your Wishlist now!

The post Zenless Zone Zero Arrives on Xbox This June – With In-Game Benefits for Game Pass Ultimate Players appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 14 to 18

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 14 to 18

Next Week on Xbox Hero Image

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 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!


Crystal Ball of Firmament – April 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The spell book is missing! Help the magician to find it in this action platformer adventure. Use the crystal ball to change between the day and night to make your path, collect tokens and buy useful upgrades. Venture out four different biomes (mountain, woods, winter forest and city) with a total of 32 levels. Warping the day / night cycle changes Ambiental obstacles and enemies’ behavior.


Chains of Freedom

Nordcurrent Labs

Chains of Freedom – April 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Step into a thrilling turn-based tactics game set in a fictional, dystopian Eastern European state. Lead an elite military squad as you navigate perilous missions filled with danger, deceit, and moral dilemmas.


Finding Frankie

PERP GAMES

Finding Frankie – April 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Fight for your life as you compete against two other contestants in Frankie’s twisted parkour game show. Run, jump, swing and slide your way throughout parkour and obstacle courses while avoiding Frankie, Henry Hotline and many other terrifying enemies.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Hot Rod Mayhem

Casual Brothers Ltd.


$19.99

$15.99

Hot Rod Mayhem – April 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Start your engines, gearheads – it’s time for Hot Rod Mayhem! Prove yourself as the ultimate little racer by putting your speed and swerving skills to the test in wild races and one-of-a-kind trials! Use perilous pick-ups, like the tricky Marble or the Homing Dart, to leave your opponents in the dust!


Lab Rat

Klei Publishing

Lab Rat – April 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Lab Rat is a hand-crafted narrative puzzler masquerading as a machine-generated video game. This satirical adventure stars a metrics-obsessed AI who will monitor, profile, and guide you as you solve over a hundred unique spatial problems. Over time this AI will develop a hilariously misguided understanding of humanity based on your performance and survey response data.


Lushfoil Photography Sim

Annapurna Interactive

Lushfoil Photography Sim – April 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Experience detailed, true-to-life recreations of beautiful and diverse locations around the world. Trek through and explore environments to capture stunning vistas and landscapes with your fully featured in-game camera. Each environment is filled with objectives to reward players that have a good eye for angles and perspectives, and hidden secrets for those who are patient and observant.


Monument Valley

ustwo games

Monument Valley – April 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Embark on a dreamlike adventure in the iconic Monument Valley, the award-winning puzzle game where architecture defies reality. Guide Princess Ida through surreal monuments, uncovering hidden paths and optical illusions that challenge perception.


Monument Valley 2

ustwo games

Monument Valley 2 – April 15
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Monument Valley 2 invites you on an award-winning emotional puzzle adventure where architecture transforms as you play. Join Ro and her child as they explore stunning, ever-shifting worlds, solving optical illusions that challenge perception and their lives.


Bear Knight Honey Quest

Marcos Game Dev

Bear Knight Honey Quest – April 16

Bear Knight Honey Quest is an action platformer about a huggable bear and his trusty sword on a mission to recover the bee queen’s stolen honey. With easy controls, it’s guaranteed fun for the whole family!


Farmer’s Life

FreeMind S.A.

Farmer’s Life – April 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Unleash the Farmer within. Dive into the rustic charm of rural living in Farmer’s Life, where you’ll experience the joy and challenges of life on a vibrant farm stead. Plant, grow, and embrace a country living in a vast open world. You choose from diverse mechanics and endless possibilities.


I, Robot

Atari


$14.99

$13.49

I, Robot – April 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Jeff Minter is back with another unique take on a 1980s Atari arcade game: I, Robot. Reimagined in Minter’s signature assault of colors, shapes and sounds, this new take on the eclectic arcade title is built from the ground up with new challenges, new twists, and a whole lot of llamas.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Moving Houses

Eastasiasoft Limited

Moving Houses – April 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Enjoy a silly physics-based game about moving on as you box up your life while immersed in casual comfy gameplay and the instant gratification of task-based gamification of packing chores. Be neat, be careful or be a chaos goblin. The choice is yours!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Sunshower

NOKOGODO

Sunshower – April 16
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

A colorful, casual arcade action game that follows a robot’s survival in a rainstorm! Use the plant installed on your head to reach for the sky as you achieve high scores and stop the rain from washing away the world.


Vinebound: Tangled Together

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

Vinebound: Tangled Together – April 16

A co-op roguelike for 1-2 players where you must coordinate attacks with a ping-pong cooldown to defeat hordes of enemies. Can your friendship survive the botanical mayhem of Garden Lands?


Xbox Play Anywhere

Crime Scene Cleaner

PlayWay S.A.

Crime Scene Cleaner – April 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

When insurance companies dodge the responsibility, it’s up to you to save your daughter’s life. This will require some dirty work and shady clientele, but you have no other choice, right? When the big boss calls once again, bring a bucket and a mop cause you will really need them. Are you up for the challenge?


KEMCO RPG Selection Vol. 4

KEMCO

$39.99

Kemco RPG Selction Vol. 4 – April 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Now you can enjoy 4 RPGs; Chronus Arc, Bonds of the Skies, Legend of the Tetrarchs, Monochrome Order in one bundle!


Leila

NAISU

$12.99

Leila – April 17

Play as Leila and traverse through all phases of her life, uncovering her pivotal life moments. By unraveling puzzles imbued with the fragments of her narrative, you’ll comprehend the motives behind Leila’s life decisions. As you delve deeper into her psyche and her emotional landscape, you’ll discover facets of your own self mirrored in the life journey of this seemingly ordinary woman.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree

Knights Peak

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree – April 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Slash, burn, and rage your way through Mandragora, a 2.5D side-scroller action-RPG with deep Metroidvania and Soulslike elements. Light your Witch Lantern, enter the dark realm of Entropy, and tear reality asunder.


Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate

Rocket Panda Games

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate – April 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A side-scrolling beat ’em up with the heart of a fighting game, supporting cross-platform pixel art anime action with up to 8P online multiplayer and all the characters from Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Overdrive!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Terror Mansion

Domynyo SRL

Terror Mansion – April 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Terror Mansion is an exciting, first-person horror video game that catapults you into a frightening Mansion. Your main objective is to escape the infested Mansion, finding objects and challenging riddles while exploring incredible scenarios.


Xbox Play Anywhere

The Safe Place

Restless Corp

The Safe Place – April 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

A gripping, social point-and-click adventure game that delves into the harsh realities of childhood and the complexities of self-sacrifice. As the third installment of the trilogy from the creator of Little Kite and Repentant, this game takes you on an emotional journey through the lives of two characters bound by fate.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Tempopo

CULT Games

Tempopo – April 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

When Hana’s garden of musical flowers are scattered across a sky full of beautiful islands, she must turn to the magical Tempopo for help returning them. Chaotic and uncoordinated by nature, the Tempopo rely on Hana’s conducting skills to keep on the right track, and solve each island’s puzzle.


Cute Puppy Academy

COMMANDO PANDA

Cute Puppy Academy – April 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Welcome to Cute Puppy Academy, the ultimate place for puppy lovers! Train, care for, and play with adorable pups! Feed, groom, and teach them tricks to keep their tails wagging. Take them on fun walks, play mini-games, and test their skills. Expand your academy with new facilities, attract more puppies, and become the best trainer in town!


Xbox Play Anywhere

LUNAR Remastered Collection

GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.

Lunar Remastered Collection – April 18
Xbox Play Anywhere

Dive into the enchanting worlds of Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete, two beloved JRPGs that have captured the hearts of gamers for generations. This definitive remastered edition features enhanced graphics, audio, and quality-of-life improvements that will satiate that hunger for 90s nostalgia–better than you remember!


Snow Squall

Dolores Entertainment

Snow Squall – April 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Your helicopter crashes in a remote, icy wilderness en route to delivering batteries to a mysterious research facility. Now, you must complete your delivery before you freeze to death or get eaten by a strange presence stalking you.


Space Smash

Rising Moon Games

Space Smash – April 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A retro-style, fast-paced, and addictive shoot ’em up. A throwback to the classic arcade games of the 80s. Great for playing while waiting in line for another game.


Thrill Penguin

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Thrill Penguin – April 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

You are an ambitious penguin who brandishes a stylish bandana and aspires to be a parkour master. Run, jump, dive, and swim through different and six unique zones containing challenging levels to demonstrate your esteemed parkour prowess.


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 14 to 18 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Let’s Catalog the Universe Sticker by Sticker: Meet Pilo & the Holobook

Summary

  • One-of-a-kind blend of cozy puzzle adventure and sticker collecting.
  • Unlock abilities, track progress and explore the farthest reaches of space through Holobook stickers.
  • Mind-bending mechanics, and vibrant hand-drawn visuals optimized for Xbox.

Step into the vibrant universe of Pilo & The Holobook and embark on a heartwarming adventure where exploration meets sticker collecting. Available on Xbox Series X|S, this cozy journey introduces a unique way to document your space travels – with stickers!

Pilo &THB screenshot

Turn Discovery into a Collection – One Sticker at a Time

Join Pilo, a curious apprentice explorer, on a unique scientific mission. Sent by his mentor, the Professor, and armed with a powerful tool – the Holobook – Pilo sets off across the far corners of the XOP-642 star system to uncover its secrets and solve puzzles.

At the heart of Pilo & The Holobook lies the Holobook itself: a powerful tool designed to catalog all the wonders Pilo encounters. But it’s not just a diary or encyclopedia – though it has a bit in common with both. It’s a… dynamic sticker album! Every creature you meet, every plant you analyze, and every mystery you unravel becomes a beautifully designed sticker in your Holobook.

Pilo &THB screenshot

Why Stickers?

The developers experimented with different collectibles before landing on stickers – and it was the perfect choice! Stickers are fun, nostalgic, and a delightful way to visualize Pilo’s discoveries. They serve as snapshots of the universe through his eyes, making exploration feel personal and rewarding.

Pilo &THB screenshot

 More Than Just Decoration

The sticker system isn’t just for show – it tracks your progress and even unlocks new abilities! The more you explore and interact with the world, the more your collection grows, enhancing your adventure. Some stickers are easy to find, while others require patience and a keen eye. Can you collect them all?

Psst! Ready to unveil a shred of mystery? There’s even a way to collect a sticker of Pilo himself! But since the Holobook doesn’t come with a “selfie” function… how will you do it? That’s a riddle you’ll have to solve on your own!

Pilo &THB screenshot

A Forgotten World Waiting to Be Uncovered… and Saved

Every planet you visit feels completely unique – in mood, design, and atmosphere. Levels are easy to navigate, yet full of hidden surprises, encouraging you to explore at your own pace. As you unlock new tools and tech, new areas and secrets become accessible. Keep an eye out for secret stickers and clever puzzles that reward your curiosity.

But beware – a strange substance called Tar is beginning to spread across the galaxy, threatening its delicate balance. With the help of your Holobook and growing knowledge, you’ll slowly uncover the origins of this mysterious force and try to save the stunning universe from creeping destruction.

Pilo &THB screenshot

 

A Relaxing Adventure for Curious Minds

With its hand-painted worlds and peaceful exploration at its core, Pilo & The Holobook is perfect for players who love taking their time to uncover every little detail. The joy of discovering engaging, detailed, and charming environments – and expanding your sticker collection – makes every step of the journey feel meaningful and rewarding.

Rather than battling threats, Pilo approaches challenges with kindness, clever thinking, and empathy. Every obstacle is met with compassion and respect for the life forms affected by the spreading Tar. His greatest tools are not weapons, but friendships, positivity, and the wise support of Professor.

Pilo &THB professor

Start your sticker-filled adventure today and let the Holobook guide you through an unforgettable cosmic experience!

Pilo & The Holobook is available digitally on the Microsoft Store. Don’t miss your chance to step into this mesmerizing storybook world on day one!

Stay tuned for more updates and follow Pilo & The Holobook on social media for the latest news!

Pilo and the Holobook

©RedDeer.Games

$12.99

Pilo and the Holobook is an exploration-based adventure game set in a colorful galaxy where you guide Pilo, an apprentice explorer, on a journey to document the universe’s wonders and solve mysteries. Using the Holobook, a powerful encyclopedia-like tool, Pilo collects stickers to record his discoveries and uncover the story behind a mysterious dark force known as the Tar.

KEY FEATURES:

– Holobook Sticker System: Collect and customize stickers that document your findings in the Holobook, creating a personalized in-game encyclopedia.
– Beautiful, Hand-Painted Planets: Immerse yourself in visually stunning environments that tell the story of each unique world. Explore Floral Asteroid, sunny SRTOM and play along Prof in Labship.
– Environmental Puzzles: Use the Holobook’s abilities to solve light environmental challenges and uncover hidden areas.
– Thematic Depth: Dive into a heartwarming story about mentorship, friendship, and confronting environmental decay through compassion and creativity.
– Evolving Holobook: As you progress, the Holobook gains new capabilities, allowing deeper interactions with the world around them.
– Engaging Story: Unravel the mystery of the Tar and its impact on the planets, with meaningful encounters and touching character moments.

Discover more about Pilo and the Holobook

Cosmic Odyssey
Set in the mystical XOP-642 star system, players guide Pilo through vibrant, hand-painted worlds filled with strange creatures and ecosystems. Each planet is teeming with unique flora and fauna to discover. Instead of combat, Pilo uses observation and creativity to explore these planets, collecting valuable knowledge through the Holobook.

The Holobook: Your Gateway to Knowledge
The Holobook serves as your main tool throughout the journey. Players use it to interact with the environment and creatures, turning their findings into collectible stickers that populate an ever-growing encyclopedia. These stickers record your progress, unlock new abilities, and help solve environmental puzzles.

The Shadow of the Tar
An ominous, mysterious substance called the Tar has begun to spread across the galaxy, threatening the beautiful worlds Pilo explores. Along the journey, players will uncover the origins of the Tar and work to save the planets from its corruption. The Holobook can also temporarily repel the Tar, allowing deeper exploration and interaction with affected creatures.

A Heartfelt Adventure
Pilo and the Holobook emphasize creativity, kindness, and curiosity over combat. The game encourages peaceful problem-solving and compassion as Pilo helps the creatures affected by the Tar and works to restore balance to the galaxy.

The post Let’s Catalog the Universe Sticker by Sticker: Meet Pilo & the Holobook appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Duskfade – A Journey Through Nostalgia, Loss, and Moving Forward

Duskfade – A Journey Through Nostalgia, Loss, and Moving Forward

Hi! I’m thrilled to welcome you to Duskfade, a fast-paced, nostalgic action-platformer from the talented indie team at Weird Beluga Studio, coming to Xbox Series X|S in 2026.

Duskfade sees players setting off on a journey to restore time to a world seized in eternal night, playing as young apprentice Zirian on an adventure across a wondrous clockpunk world. If you grew up playing action-platformers in the early 2000s (just like I did!), Duskfade is being made for you, expertly blending the best of classic design with modern mechanics to deliver an emotional story that leaves a lasting impact.

Take a look at our brand new trailer – and welcome to the world of Duskfade.

A Tribute to Classic Action-Platformers

There’s something truly special about the golden era of action-platformers – the tight controls, iconic characters, fluid movement, and the sense of joy, discovery and reward in every level. Duskfade captures that magic with fast, responsive traversal, satisfying combat, and a world that feels like a forgotten classic, reimagined for today.

At its core, Duskfade is built on the DNA of beloved titles from the past, but pushes forward with modern refinements. Whether you’re dashing between floating islands, rail-grinding through a crystal mine shaft, or fending off clockwork foes, the game is designed to feel intuitive, dynamic, and full of momentum.

Duskfade’s world is built on old watchmaking knowledge, where magic blends with gears and clocks,” says Diego Redondo González, Lead Artist on Duskfade. “Players can expect a wide range of dynamic, magical worlds full of surprises, with a colourful and imaginative art style that mixes innocent, stylized visuals with a few darker touches.”

Duskfade strikes a careful balance between accessibility and depth, offering a difficulty curve that welcomes newcomers while still challenging seasoned players. The game’s platforming encourages exploration at your own pace, letting players fully take in the beauty and mystery of each world. Combat is easy to grasp but hard to master, designed to be both challenging and fun, with mechanics that reward timing, skill, and strategy. As players progress, they’ll unlock new abilities and gadgets that not only deepen combat but also open new ways to explore, encouraging discovery in every corner of the game.

Our movement system is built around speed, agility, and flow,” says Tomás Manzano Sobrido, Duskfade’s Lead Programmer. “We want players to feel like Zirian is gliding through the world – chaining actions effortlessly, moving with momentum, and covering large distances in a way that feels smooth and dynamic.”

Esteban Marín Illana, Game Designer on Duskfade, adds: We want Duskfade to strike a balance that makes it accessible for newcomers, but with enough depth to keep experienced players engaged. The platforming lets you explore at your own pace, while the combat is simple to learn but offers real challenge as you progress. With new abilities and gadgets unlocking over time, the experience keeps evolving and rewarding curiosity.”

A Personal Story About Loss and Letting Go

Beneath its vibrant visuals and exhilarating gameplay, Duskfade tells a deeply personal story. The game follows siblings Zirian and Allira, who find themselves trapped in a mysterious reality shaped by memory and grief.

The story is shaped by Narrative Designer Ricardo Chorques Mesa’s experience of a deeply personal loss, which became the heart of exploring the many ways that people deal with grief and loss.

“Losing someone you love, especially a guide and role model, leaves a lasting wound. That’s what I experienced with the loss of my grandfather,” Mesa tells us. “But in that grief, I found the strength and inspiration to write this story. Overcoming the absence of a loved one is not about forgetting; it’s about learning to walk accompanied by their memory.”

A Game That Hits Both Heart and Memory

Nostalgia is powerful: it isn’t just about the games we played, but about the feelings we had while playing them. Duskfade taps into that magic, not only with its gameplay, but with its story about the memories that have shaped us over the years.

For players who grew up with action-platformers, we want Duskfade to feel like home. For those experiencing the genre for the first time, it’s a fresh, modern adventure. Either way, it’s a journey that you won’t forget.

We hope this brief introduction has given you a closer look at what to expect from this wondrous new action-platformer, and we can’t wait for you to experience Duskfade for yourself when it launches on Xbox Series X|S in 2026.

The post Duskfade – A Journey Through Nostalgia, Loss, and Moving Forward appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by The Outer Worlds 2 Direct Airs June 8

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by The Outer Worlds 2 Direct Airs June 8

Xbox Games Showcase 2025 Hero Image

Make some space on your calendar – the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 will be livestreamed on Sunday, June 8, starting at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK time. Following in the footsteps of the 2023 Starfield Direct and 2024 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct, this year we will again have a double feature, with the Xbox Games Showcase immediately followed by The Outer Worlds 2 Direct.

It all begins with our annual Xbox Games Showcase, bringing you a look at upcoming titles from across our first-party studios, in addition to incredible new titles from our third-party partners across the globe. This year, the show will be digital-only – our livestream will bring you everything you’ll need to know about what’s next for Xbox, no matter where in the world you’re watching.

Immediately following Showcase, The Outer Worlds 2 Direct will bring you inside the walls of Obsidian Entertainment, revealing new gameplay, details, and developer insights, straight from the people making the sequel to the award-winning, first-person sci-fi RPG.

You’ll be able to enjoy our June 8 double feature through a variety of outlets, in over 40 languages, as well as American Sign Language, British Sign Language and English Audio Descriptions. These include (but won’t be limited to):

Airtime for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by The Outer Worlds 2 Direct in local time zones:

  • PDT: June 8, 10am
  • EDT: June 8, 1pm
  • BST: June 8, 6pm
  • CEST: June 8, 7pm
  • JST: June 9, 2am
  • AEST: June 9, 3am

The double-feature broadcast also kicks off a week’s worth of coverage here on Xbox Wire, The Official Xbox Podcast, and the Xbox YouTube channel, featuring updates, exclusive extra details, and deep-dives on many of the games you’ll see in the show.

Join us on June 8 for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by The Outer Worlds 2 Direct. Be sure to check back here on Xbox Wire for more information and tune-in details ahead of the show.

The post Xbox Games Showcase Followed by The Outer Worlds 2 Direct Airs June 8 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Highway to Hell: Diablo IV Releases Its First Roadmap

Diablo 4 Roadmap Hero Image

Highway to Hell: Diablo IV Releases Its First Roadmap

Summary

  • The first roadmap for Diablo IV is here, showing what’s to come for 2025.
  • Game director Brent Gibson talks about the coming seasons in the Age of Hatred, and more.
  • Sanctuary is what it is thanks to communication, so please keep that feedback coming!

Diablo wouldn’t be what it is today without our players — Sanctuary belongs to you as much as it belongs to us. Every shred of feedback, every heated debate, and every shared moment in-game fuels the fire that drives how we continue to grow our game together.

Today, our team released our first roadmap for Diablo IV, showcasing what’s going to come for the rest of the year. Transparency is our guiding star with its reveal, and we’re excited to pull back the curtain and deepen our conversation with you, our community, by providing a view of the path ahead.

In the above image, you can see the next three Diablo IV seasons of 2025 — Belial’s Return, Sins of the Horadrim, and Infernal Chaos — and their respective themes of power. Alongside those seasons, we’ll be making significant, permanent updates and improvements to the base game, ranging from existing systems, keyboard and mouse support for console, and much more.

You also see that we are bringing two IP collaborations into Diablo IV this year! While I won’t spoil anything here, I will say we are personally extremely excited about this, and we are thrilled to be working with universes that resonate deeply with the dark themes of the Diablo universe.

Additionally, our second anniversary is coming up! Details are coming soon, but we’re very eager to celebrate two years of slaying alongside our players.

Finally, this year is all building toward our next expansion, arriving in 2026. Plus, Leaderboards will be making their Diablo IV debut, so you can earn recognition for your achievements.

Your thoughts on what lies beyond are crucial. We’re so thankful to be building Sanctuary alongside you, so if you have any thoughts around what you see here, please feel free to share them on our forums or on social media via X and Instagram. See you in Hell!


Diablo® IV – Expansion Bundle

Blizzard Entertainment


548


$69.99

$55.99

The Diablo® IV – Expansion Bundle includes:

– Diablo® IV for Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S
– Diablo® IV: Vessel of Hatred™ – Standard Edition for Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

Start demon-slaying today with the Diablo® IV – Expansion Bundle. Fight back endless hordes of Hell across beautiful but tormented regions of Sanctuary, traverse the campaign solo or with friends, and uncover the latest chapter in the new expansion, Vessel of Hatred™.

Diablo® IV is the ultimate action-RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the epic campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through a gripping story in a beautifully dark world, or explore an expansive end game: battle iconic bosses for powerful loot, fight back the encroaching onslaught of Hell in Helltides, master the Forge to create your ultimate weapons and progress powerful characters, with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.

Uncover the next chapter of Diablo® IV in Vessel of Hatred™. Continue your fight to thwart the diabolical plot of the Prime Evil, Mephisto. Battle as the all-new Spiritborn class, empowered by mystical Spirits. Expand your map to the new region of Nahantu and traverse through its lush jungles. Recruit new Mercenaries, take on new enemies, dungeons, a new PvE co-op challenge, and more. Plus, explore base game updates that introduce new power and continue to enhance the world of Diablo® IV.

Battle.net® account required. Internet connection required.

For more information, please visit Diablo.com.

© 2024 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries.


Diablo® IV: Vessel of Hatred™ – Standard Edition

Blizzard Entertainment


97


$39.99

$27.99

Diablo® IV: Vessel of Hatred™ – Standard Edition includes:

– Vessel of Hatred™ for Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

Uncover the next chapter of Diablo® IV in Vessel of Hatred™. Continue your fight to thwart the diabolical plot of the Prime Evil, Mephisto. Battle as the all-new Spiritborn class, empowered by mystical Spirits. Expand your map to the new region of Nahantu and traverse through its lush jungles. Recruit new Mercenaries, take on new enemies, dungeons, a new PvE co-op challenge, and more. Plus, explore base game updates that introduce new power and continue to enhance the world of Diablo® IV.

Diablo® IV base game required to play. Battle.net® account required. Internet connection required.

For more information, please visit Diablo.com.

© 2024 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries.


Diablo® IV

Blizzard Entertainment


941

Xbox Game Pass

Diablo® IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters throughout a beautifully dark open world and a gripping story. Dive into an expansive End Game where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle larger-than-life World Bosses, unlock robust character and loot customization, and uncover tons more action-packed activities to explore with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.

This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, Seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.

Battle.net® account required. Internet connection required.

For more information, please visit Diablo.com.

© 2024 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries.


Diablo® IV PC

Blizzard Entertainment

PC Game Pass

Diablo® IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or go rogue through an expansive End Game and shared world where players will meet in towns to trade, team up to battle World Bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.

This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.

Battle.net account required. Internet connection required.

For more information, please visit Diablo.com.

© 2024 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo, Diablo Immortal, World of Warcraft, and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries. All rights reserved.


The post Highway to Hell: Diablo IV Releases Its First Roadmap appeared first on Xbox Wire.

The Sunless Cell: How Bungie Revived a Fan-Favorite Mission for a Modern Destiny 2

The Sunless Cell: How Bungie Revived a Fan-Favorite Mission for a Modern Destiny 2

Episode Heresy – Act III arrived in Destiny 2 last week, the final instalment of the three-part series continuing the story of Destiny 2 following the events of The Final Shape. One activity that Guardians will encounter this season is a revival of a classic mission from the original Destiny.

The Sunless Cell is a strike that first appeared as part of The Taken King expansion for the original Destiny, almost a decade ago. Of course, a lot has changed in terms of Destiny 2’s narrative and technological scopes – this content must stay true to its gameplay roots while also working in the modern sandbox of Destiny 2. Thankfully, this is a dance that Bungie has done many times now, and the studio is now a dab hand at the art of bringing back past content back and ensuring that it stands tall as a compelling addition to Destiny 2’s current storyline.

But what exactly goes into this process? Destiny 2 Design Lead Baldur Tangvald and Designer J. Valencia spoke to Wire to give us a look at the decision-making behind the revivals, choosing the right content from over ten years of story, and how to make it work for both old and new fans alike.

“First we start by looking at aspects that make the strike unique or memorable, any standout moments or encounters, and how the strike flows,” Valencia explains. “Then we take the skeleton of the original strike and update encounters and mechanics to fit Destiny 2’s current sandbox experience, which allows for higher combatant density and new enemy types, while keeping the experience of the original.”

Old Ground, New Tricks

Episode Heresy revolves heavily around the Hive – an ancient race in Destiny’s universe that spawned many of its antagonists and enemy types. One major location is the Dreadnaught, a sprawling area crawling with Hive, which also serves as the setting for Heresy’s ongoing The Nether activity as well as the original unless Cell strike. “Heresy’s heavy focus on the Hive within the Dreadnaught made this strike seem like a particularly good inclusion to serve as a beat in the story,” Valencia added. “Early on in development we wanted to maximize the amount of space we could incorporate into The Nether activity with our efforts to update the Dreadnaught. The Founts area near the start of the strike had good space for combat and plenty of nooks and crannies required for The Nether, so we felt it was a good opportunity to expand on Heresy’s arena activity, tell a stronger story, and inject some freshness into the strike playlist all at once.”

A Fan Favorite

The original Sunless Cell strike was a firm favourite among Destiny’s earliest players, and while it now feels simpler than a lot of modern Destiny 2 strikes, some of its combat beats still feel unique and memorable today. In the original version, the boss fight against Alak-Hul, The Darkblade took place in total darkness, and as Tangvald recalls, “created a hectic cat-and-mouse game with the boss that felt different and refreshing.”

“The glow of Cursed Thrall heads and little Hive crystals in the pitch-black space gave it an extra cool vibe,” he adds. “This unusual environmental element made for an interesting new set of combat pressures and challenges, and it very effectively communicated a sense of fear and danger. It’s a knife fight in a dark closet, and there wasn’t another strike boss quite like it.”

Bungie’s goal with the reprised version of the strike was to not only bring it in line with the modern Destiny 2 player experience, but also to weave in some of the new Hive variants that have been introduced to the narrative. The strike’s original boss, Alak-Hul has been replaced by a powerful new Darkblade working alongside the mysterious Taken. Instead, Guardians must take down a powerful new Darkblade.

“Sunless Cell’s boss fight is one of its most unique parts, making the Guardian feel hunted by Alak-Hul in the darkness,” Valenica says. “And although that feeling is still there in this reprise, the Guardians must now also contend with the Taken enemies inside the cell and prevent this new adversary from being Taken itself.”

“While the story surrounding the Guardians infiltrating the Sunless Cell has been updated to match the story and fit into the narrative for Heresy, I feel like the structure of the strike is still faithful to the original while throwing in a couple of surprises and making it challenging for today’s sandbox.”

What’s more, Destiny’s decade-long tenure means that, in some cases, those who started out as fans of the game are now actively working on it themselves, with a hand in reinventing and reinvigorating their own fan-favorite moments for other players to experience for the second, or even first time.

“About ten years ago I was singing praises for this particular strike during my [interviews to join Bungie],” Tangvald tells us. “We’re all excited to have it back, have strived to honor it and embrace its unique elements, and we hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!”

Destiny 2: Heresy is available now, play it on for free on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

Destiny 2

Bungie


2003

Xbox One X Enhanced

Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian’s look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.

AN IMMERSIVE STORY
You are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.

GUARDIAN CLASSES
Choose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
• Disciplined and proud, Titans are capable of both aggressive assaults and stalwart defenses. Set your hammer ablaze, crack the sky with lightning, and go toe-to-toe with any opponent. Your team will stand tall behind the strength of your shield.
• Warlocks weaponize the mysteries of the universe to sustain themselves and destroy their foes. Rain devastation on the battlefield and clear hordes of enemies in the blink of an eye. Those who stand with you will know the true power of the Light.
• Agile and daring, Hunters are quick on their feet and quicker on the draw. Fan the hammer of your golden gun, flow through enemies like the wind, or strike from the darkness. Find the enemy, take aim, and end the fight before it starts.

COOPERATIVE AND COMPETITIVE MULTIPLAYER
Play with or against your friends and other Guardians in various PvE and PvP game modes.
• Exciting co-op adventures teeming await with rare and powerful rewards. Dive into the story with missions, quests, and patrols. Put together a small fireteam and secure the chest at the end of a quick Strike. Or test your team’s skill with countless hours of raid progression – the ultimate challenge for any fireteam. You decide where your legend begins.
• Face off against other players in fast-paced free-for-all skirmishes, team arenas, and PvE/PvP hybrid competitions. Mark special competitions like Iron Banner on your calendar and collect limited-time rewards before they’re gone.

EXOTIC WEAPONS AND ARMOR
Thousands of weapons, millions of options. Discover new gear combinations and define your own personal style. The hunt for the perfect arsenal begins.

105 GB hard drive storage space required as of November 10, 2020. Subject to change. Requires broadband internet. After November 10, 2020 see www.destinythegame.com/size-requirements for current requirements prior to purchase.

Destiny 2 may contain flashing patterns and images that may produce adverse effects for a small percentage of people sensitive to them.

Bungie, Inc. makes no guarantee regarding the availability of online play or features and may modify or discontinue online services with reasonable notice at any time. Using the software constitutes acceptance of the Destiny Software License Agreement available at www.bungie.net/sla.

© 2023 Bungie, Inc. All rights reserved. Destiny, the Destiny Logo, Bungie and the Bungie Logo are trademarks of Bungie, Inc. Published and distributed by Bungie, Inc.

The post The Sunless Cell: How Bungie Revived a Fan-Favorite Mission for a Modern Destiny 2 appeared first on Xbox Wire.