We’re excited to invite all Xbox Insiders on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC to join the Rematch – Final Beta starting today, May 28. Limited space is available so join now to secure your spot for the playtest!
About the Game:
Rematch offers a fresh take on football with third-person, skill-based gameplay where every move—tackle, dribble, aim, and shoot—puts you at the center of the action. With no player stats, success depends entirely on your skill and teamwork. Rematch blends credible football mechanics with an arcade twist, delivering fast-paced, uninterrupted matches. Designed for online multiplayer, it features competitive modes, seasonal content, and deep tactical play that’s easy to pick up but hard to master.
Start: Wednesday, May 28, 5 AM PT (8 AM ET / 12 PM UTC)
End: Saturday, May 31, 5 AM PT (8 AM ET / 12 PM UTC)
How to Participate:
Sign-in on your Xbox Series X|S 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 > Rematch Beta
Select Join
Wait for the registration to complete and be directed to the Store and install REMATCH – Closed Beta
NOTE: Limited space is available and offered first-come first-served.
NOTE: This playtest is only available on Xbox Series X|S consoles and Windows PC.
How to Provide Feedback:
If you experience any issues while playing Rematch, 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 Rematch subcategory.
Fill out the form with the appropriate details to help our investigation.
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 Bark Ages Returns — Raising Hell for a Good Cause
Team Xbox
Summary
Xbox and Bethesda are donating $32,000 to three animal welfare locations (Nebraska, Seattle, and Montgomery Co., MD) in honor of DOOM’s 32-year legacy.
A new “The Bark Ages” charity t-shirt will launch on May 28 at 9am PT / 12pm ET, with all net proceeds going to support the same shelters.
The shirt is available for two weeks only via the Bethesda Gear Store, shipping to the US and select international locations.
For over three decades, DOOM has been about facing demons head-on. Now, we’re channeling that same spirit into fighting for something even more meaningful: animals in need.
To celebrate the recent launch of DOOM: The Dark Ages, Xbox and Bethesda are teaming up with three animal shelters to support shelters across the country — and unleashing a brand-new wave of chaos-turned-compassion with an updated version of our fan-favorite The Bark Ages charity t-shirt.
Last year, fans at QuakeCon rallied behind the original Bark Ages design, raising thousands for Dallas Pets Alive with a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the world’s most ferocious (and adorable) four-legged fighters. This year, we’re going even bigger: Xbox is donating $32,000 — one thousand for every year since DOOM first rocked the world — to three animal welfare organizations; Nebraska Humane Society, Seattle Humane, and Montgomery County Humane Society.
And on May 28 at 9am PT / 12pm ET, we’re officially launching the new Bark Ages t-shirt on the Bethesda Gear Store. The net proceeds from sales will go directly to support those same animal welfare organizations locations. The shirt will only be available for two weeks, so act fast — and do good.
Whether you’re a DOOM Slayer or a dog lover (or both), this is your chance to gear up and give back.
Because every good Slayer deserves a loyal companion.
DISCOVER
Seattle Humane – Seattle Humane is more than a shelter – they are a pet resource center for the region, providing adoption services, a pet food bank and support for pet owners, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and veterinary care, dog training, humane education for all ages and more. With the support of their generous community, Seattle Humane save lives, complete families and keep pets with the people who love them. Learn more at SeattleHumane.org.
Montgomery County Humane Society– For over six decades, the Montgomery County Humane Society has been rescuing, caring for and adopting out homeless pets, with unwavering compassion and dedication. But today, we’re more than just an animal rescue. We’re building a more humane future, one paw at a time. In addition to saving hundreds of lives every year, we’re supporting pets and their people with affordable spay/neuter, vaccinations and other care, and we offer a pet food pantry that gives a lifeline to families who are facing hardship. And, we continuously seek new programs to add that are designed to strengthen the human-animal bond and promote the welfare of all animals in our community. Learn more at: www.mchumane.org
Nebraska Humane Society– The Nebraska Humane Society protects, saves and enriches the lives of animals in the communities they serve. Sheltering has evolved to not just include those within the Nebraska Humane Society’s walls, but also those needing help in the community. They have established several programs to assist those in need, educate about proper pet ownership and improve the wellbeing of all pets in the Omaha area. Learn more atwww.nehumanesociety.org
Dead by Daylight: Five Nights At Freddy’s Brings Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria To The Fog
Mitch Findlay Brown, Senior Copywriter, Dead by Daylight
Five Nights At Freddy’s has cemented its place in the horror gaming hall-of-fame. From its beginnings as a breakout hit to its explosion into a massive multimedia franchise, it’s safe to say that the Animatronics of Freddy’s have invaded the homes and minds of millions of gamers around the world.
Today, Dead by Daylight has brought Five Nights At Freddy’s into The Fog in a major way, with a new Chapter featuring Springtrap as a playable Killer. Not only can players deliver brutal jump scares with an incredible Power and 3 character-specific Perks, but they can do so in an immersive and detailed recreation of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.
Welcome To Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza Place
The atmosphere of Five Nights At Freddy’s is an integral part of its horror, and it was imperative that the Level Design team captured that in their recreation of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza Place.
While players will certainly be keen to enter the notorious building, there’s still plenty to accomplish outside, with Generators to repair and Hooks to serve The Entity. In fact, having access to internal and exterior areas was an intentional design choice for gameplay balance purposes, allowing the team to create larger, more dynamic loops.
Upon entering Freddy Fazbear’s, players will immediately be swept into a nostalgia-tinted nightmare. Don’t let the festive balloons lull you into a false sense of security. Remember how quickly the laughter turned to screams, and know that history has a way of repeating itself.
“It’s such a fun idea to have juxtaposing ideas in horror,” explains Associate Art Director Chase Toole. “We have a children’s pizzeria juxtaposed with all the gruesome imagery and backstory associated with the FNAF license. It’s something that really taps into a familiar sort of fear.”
Into The Dining Hall
Delving deeper into Fazbear’s will bring you into the Dining Hall, where closer inspection will reveal blood spattered across the stage, barely covered by a shredded curtain.
“When you first look at the Map, it almost seems like a fun place for the whole family – until you start to notice the terrible things everywhere,” continues Toole. “We always love using environmental storytelling to really fuel the imagination.”
Amidst the birthday decor, you’ll notice that The Entity’s influence has already begun to seep into the Map. For those unfamiliar with Dead by Daylight’s lore, each Map is conjured by The Entity, drawn from the memories of Its victims. That’s why you’ll often see disturbing pustules and various deformations, manifested because of Its eldritch influence.
It’s a symbolic representation of two worlds colliding, and the team always looks for exciting way make The Entity’s presence felt in any crossover Map or Realm.
“We’re always looking to fold in lore from Five Nights At Freddy’s into our own,” continues Toole. “It really helps cement the fantasy that this is a new way to experience being stalked in a settling that players may be used to spending time in.”
“We’re always looking to fold in lore from Five Nights At Freddy’s into our own,” continues Toole. “It really helps cement the fantasy that this is a new way to experience being stalked in a settling that players may be used to spending time in.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Fazbear party without Freddy, Chica, and Bonnie – even if they are lurking in the shadows, keeping to themselves. Don’t be shy, and consider saying a quick hello. They’d certainly love the company.
“Recreating the animatronics was super fun, and required a lot of fun research,” says Toole. “The team spent time trying to find broken or malfunctioning animatronics as references, so we could create realistic animations. Having that tangible feeling really drives home the horror.”
Onward to the kitchen, which players of the first game may enjoy seeing recreated – given that the kitchen camera has remained for the entirety of the series. While the days of serving fresh pies are long gone, there’s still plenty of slicing happening beneath the dilapidated rooftop. Whatever you hear, it’s best to stay away from the stove.
“We took reference from the first game and attempted to reconstruct what a pizzeria would realistically be built like. That’s why we have things like air ducts, mechanical rooms, and of course, the kitchen you see in-game. They reference FNAF, but they also work toward the immersion and believability of the space itself.”
While you’re busy looking at every intricate detail, keep an eye out for some of the Easter Eggs hidden throughout the building. Rest assured there’s plenty of nods to the beloved series, and we hope fans enjoy discovering them all.
So concludes our tour of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza Place, opening its doors to Killers and Survivors alike at an all-new location – The Fog. If you’re lucky, you might even meet Springtrap!
Dead by Daylight: Five Nights At Freddy’s is available today on Xbox.
Dragon Quest Day is Here – How the Iconic RPG Series Gained Legendary Status
Melanie GordonMarketing Manager, Square Enix
Summary
May 27 is Dragon Quest Day – learn all about the legendary franchise that created the JRPG genre.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is available now on Xbox – start your journey in the Erdrick Trilogy.
Get ready for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake – the continuation of the Erdrick Trilogy. Available October 30, 2025 on Xbox and PC.
Dragon Quest is the beloved series that’s widely credited for founding the entire JPRG (Japanese role-playing game) genre. Every year, fans around the world celebrate Dragon Quest Day on May 27 – the release date of the very first game in 1986. And so: Happy Dragon Quest Day!
Whether this is your first time hearing about the series or you’re a longtime fan, today’s the perfect day to step into the world of these amazing games! So, celebrate with us as we tell you all about the wonders of Dragon Quest.
Introducing Legendary Creators
The Dragon Quest franchise was brought to life by a trio of legendary creators. Yuji Horii is the visionary game designer and creator of the series and has shaped its direction since the original title’s release in 1986. The distinctive character designs were crafted by the late Akira Toriyama, the world-renowned manga artist. Complementing visuals and storytelling is the iconic music composed by the late Koichi Sugiyama.
Together, these three pioneers established a legacy that continues to inspire RPGs today, and each of their specific elements have become the defining traits of the Dragon Quest experience.
Dragon, Quest, Warrior – oh my!
Yuji Horii has stated that the name Dragon Quest is derived from combining the impactful and familiar name “dragon” with “quest,” a word that was relatively unfamiliar in Japan at the time. When Dragon Quest games first came to North America, it was renamed to “Dragon Warrior” because Dragon Quest was already trademarked!
The series continued under that name in the West until Dragon Quest VIII (2005), which marked the first time the Western Market was able to use the Dragon Quest name. Fun fact: this game was also the first Dragon Quest game released in Europe! The franchise has gone by that title globally ever since.
An RPG For Everyone to Enjoy
The first Dragon Quest was designed to be an RPG that anyone could enjoy. Players become the main character on an epic adventure, where they travel through a fantasy world and take on many different threats, from the humble and iconic slimes to the powerful Dragon Lord that threatens all.
The turn-based combat experience meant that battles hinged on careful planning, character roles, and turn order strategy. The game was a critical hit and, as the franchise grew, it gained such popularity that it’s become a true phenomenon in Japan.
Since that first release, right through to the exceptional Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age S – Definitive Edition, the series has maintained a clear identity. While each entry adds new stories, modern gameplay mechanics and other features, they all share the same key traits: that delightful turn-based RPG feel – and an unwavering level of quality.
Remaking the Legendary Erdrick Trilogy in HD-2D
Last year saw a very special release for the series – Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake! The original Dragon Quest III is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most impactful JRPGs of all time. Not only is it beloved by fans, but it also continues to inspire game creators to this day.
Last year’s release reimagined this legendary game with modern features, new content and a beautiful makeover in the HD-2D art style pioneered by games like Octopath Traveller I and II. It’s also a part of the ‘Erdrick Trilogy’ – a saga about a legendary hero and their legacy within the Dragon Quest lore. While each of the three games in the trilogy work as standalone adventures, there are threads and connections between them. As Dragon Quest III is chronologically first, it made sense to release it before the upcoming Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.
Of course, remaking such an important and beloved game was no simple task, as producer Masaaki Hayasaka told us:
“I was of course aware that this was a legendary title, so my first thought was, ‘If this fails, I won’t be able to stay in this industry. I would be branded as the man who botched the remake of a legendary title for the rest of my life [laughs]. However, I never felt constrained by that pressure – in fact, I think it served as a constant source of discipline in a positive sense. The choice to use the HD-2D graphical style was born out of a desire to maintain the game’s original identity – while still giving it the visual glow-up that people want.
“Dragon Quest has what you might call a Dragon Quest-ness, characterized by its vivid hues and colorfulness. We knew that if we created the game in the same manner as our previous titles, we would lose some of that distinctiveness.
“Even if we were to sum up the Dragon Quest-ness in one word, each member of the development team had their own ideas, so it was quite a challenge to coordinate our ideas and to make sure that we were all on the same page”
The hard work paid off and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was a critical success – an epic, approachable RPG that feels classic and modern at the same time! It left many players wondering what’s next for the series. The answer is, of course, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.
Celebrate Dragon Quest Day & Start Your Journey
Each year, the Dragon Quest team looks forward to celebrating Dragon Quest Day with fans, who express their fandom with congratulatory messages, art and excitement for upcoming games.
The team will continue to do their best to live up to fan expectations – and as such, we are excited to announce the official release date of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remakeon October 30, 2025. Pre-order now on Xbox! Can’t wait? Neither can we!
In the meantime, we recommend you start playing the first chronological title in the Erdrick Trilogy, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake – available on Xbox right now!
With that, we thank you for taking the time to learn about Dragon Quest Day and the legacy of a franchise that inspired a genre. We hope you tune in to Dragon Quest Day from now on – that would be slime-tastic!
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy.
Story:
Years ago, the great hero Ortega bid farewell to his wife and child as he set off on a quest to defeat the villainous Archfiend, Baramos. Ortega failed his quest, and Baramos still threatens the world. Now, on their sixteenth birthday, Ortega’s only child is summoned by the king of Aliahan and entrusted with a mission of the highest import: to take on Ortega’s quest, vanquish Baramos, and save the world.
Build your perfect party:
Recruit a variety of allies, with three able to join your party to aid you on your quest. Choose their vocations, appearances and their voices. There’s even a brand new vocation exclusive to this remake: the monster wrangler!
Travel across an expansive open world:
Explore a wealth of towns, castles, caves, towers and dungeons to explore on your adventure, with hidden secrets waiting to be discovered.
Strategic, turn-based battles:
Battle a vast array of monsters in classic DRAGON QUEST turn-based battles. Set party tactics and switch up weapons, abilities and spells to take on all of the challenging foes that await you.
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!
A standalone adventure within the Elden Ring universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design. Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within. Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair. While individually formidable, their skills create powerful synergies when they unite as a team.
F1 25 introduces enhanced gameplay features, including team customization, updated tracks utilizing laser scanning technology, multiplayer co-op events, and a compelling narrative mode with the return of Braking Point 3, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of Formula 1 racing like never before. Pre-order F1 25 Iconic Edition to start playing three days early on May 27.
to a T – May 28 Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox / Xbox Play Anywhere
Available on day one with Game Pass! A charming, colorful adventure game from the creator of Katamari Damacy and the uvula team about a teen navigating life in a small town with their cute dog companion. While their body is stuck in a T-pose, they do their best to make the most of it.
Available on day one with Game Pass! Spray Paint Simulator is a relaxing, satisfying game that invites you to build your own painting business from the ground up! Meet with quirky clients in Story Mode and take on each job right from the start. Paint everything: rooms, homes, cars, bridges, even giant robots! Unlock Free Spray mode and play alone or with a friend to make the entire town your canvas! Playable on Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Malt has vanished without a trace! The children are led by a mysterious voice into the forbidden cave, where they discover the Taranis, the powerful tank thought lost in the sea of clouds. Determined to save Malt, the children reboard the Taranis and set off on a daring mission to infiltrate the heart of the Berman Empire. However, the Crimson Knights stand in their way, strongest of the Berman!
Join Mickey & Friends on a quest to explore the mysterious island of Monoth and recover three mystical books to save the world from disaster! Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends includes the base game plus the Keeper Up, Mystery in Monoth, and brand new C.A.S.H. update featuring Scrooge McDuck.
Cattle Country straddles the saddle of cozy wholesome gaming and action-adventure. Serving up hours of the slice-of-life you’d expect on the frontier – including mining, fishing, crafting, and farming – along with deep-rooted Wild West Quests delivering stories of romance, cattle drives, bandits, and robberies.
The world has fallen to the undead. But hope isn’t lost — after years of research, brave scientists have discovered an antidote that can reverse zombification. The result? Zombie-human hybrids called humbies. Your mission: build a cutting-edge lab, cure the infected, and lead humanity back from the brink.
A humble black pawn decided to challenge the first rule of chess. The white pieces were not happy about this at all. The result? War. Control the black pawn across various chessboards, following the rules of movement, defense, and attack from classical chess but with a twist: the black pawn has the movement capabilities of a king and can push black pieces, commanding them to attack on your orders.
Elemental War Clash combines classic tower defense with roguelite and RPG mechanics as well as different elements to combine and create more powerful towers. As a “best of” of Elemental War 1 and Elemental War 2, it provides the most content, best features and stunning visuals while you defeat your portal, beat other players in PvP or build new maps in the level editor.
Disorder is a dark, twisted word puzzle horror game where your mistakes hold irreversible consequences. Players will be challenged to play through a series of challenging rounds in an attempt to ‘Save Your Family’ if the player fails a round they then ‘Choose Who Dies’
Slime Color is a platform game that combines precision and puzzles! Control a slime on a journey to unlock colorful doors, needing to open them in the right sequence and at the right time to progress. Test your skills and master each level using your intelligence and reaction time.
In Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo, you’re a budding yoyo master facing off against enemies using the weapon you know best: your prized yoyo! As Pippit, you’ll be quite literally thrown into the shocking story of your auntie’s business empire, a soul-stealing mega-laser, and four dastardly crime bosses!
Ashpaw, a lone cat warrior and last of the Flamekeepers must stop a creeping corruption frin consuming the land—an ancient plague that turns everything it touches into undead abominations. Once bright cities and vibrant forests now echo with moans of the cursed. In the heart of this doomed land lies Cindersctratch, a fallen city that once discovered a way to end the corruption for good. But before they could start the ritual to bring salvation, the city itself was swallowed by the rot and death.
Return to the style of 16-bit JRPGs in Starlight Legacy, a non-linear adventure inspired by genre classics! Set in a post-medieval world in the Evaria Kingdom, explore a vast kingdom created with lush 2D pixel art, a nostalgic turn-based battle system and non-linear story where the four provinces of the kingdom can be explored in any order of your choosing.
Copycat is a narrative-driven indie game about a pet who learns to deal with abandonment, and a human forced to surrender. Together, two souls go on a journey to discover the meaning of family and home. The game’s colourful visuals delight the senses while exploring dark thematic depths. Journey on an emotional rollercoaster that pulls at the heartstrings and reminds you how it feels to be left behind.
Higgs Boson Collection is a trilogy of brain-bending puzzle games where every rotation counts and every second matters. Your mission? Guide mysterious spheres through a precise network of pathways — but there’s a twist: you don’t move the spheres… you rotate the world around them.
Grab your bricks, get building, and race to the finish line before your rivals even lay their first stone! Collect bricks of your color and build your bridge to the next level. Got some extra bricks? Use them to expand your castle and unlock quirky new brick designs!
In Eternal Evil, you’ll immerse yourself in a dark, blood-soaked atmosphere filled with terrifying enemies and a gripping, mysterious storyline. Armed with a diverse arsenal of firearms, you’ll experience realistic shooting mechanics as you battle evolving ghouls.
A first-person science-fiction horror game, set in the harrowing depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Face the horror of being submerged at the bottom of the ocean. Find resources and weapons, investigate terminals and secret documents, and discover the hidden truth in the underwater facilities where you are trapped.
Battle Puzzle 2048 – Space Girls is a thrilling twist on the classic 2048 puzzle game! Slide tiles to combine matching numbers, build powerful combos, and strategize your way to victory. Play in Infinite Mode to achieve the highest score possible or take on one of seven adorable but challenging space girl enemies, each with a unique ability like shields, healing, tile downgrades, or random destruction.
Alex is persuaded by his childhood friends to reconnect on a fun camping trip together. He feels superfluous in the company of students, and his confusion grows when the buddies venture further into the forest. Alex’s fears are well-founded, because in the remote wilderness the carefree travelers await something much more sinister than the usual dangers. Enter a nightmare in the dark caves to save your friends and unravel mysterious past events.
Immerse yourself in a gripping visual novel made in anime style, where dark secrets are hidden behind the usual everyday life. The story tells about ordinary teenagers living a measured life in Kuznetsk, a city that seems familiar to them from childhood. But one day, an accidental discovery turns everything upside down. The deeper they dig, the more they realize: this city holds a terrible truth.
A unique experience where every move counts. By controlling both allies and enemies, you’ll be challenged to think strategically, balancing quick actions with careful decisions. The game smoothly combines fun and challenge, with intuitive gameplay and moderate difficulty, making it accessible to all ages. It’s the perfect pastime for those seeking engaging and enjoyable entertainment.
Akuma Joins Monster Hunter Wilds for a Street Fighter 6 Collaboration
Worlds collide, and a demon begins his hunt! Monster Hunter Wilds and Street Fighter 6 come together for a special collaboration, bringing the ultimate master of the fist, Akuma, and more fun crossover content to the ever-changing Forbidden Lands.
In the Monster Hunter Wilds x Street Fighter 6 special collaboration, you can obtain materials needed to forge collaboration equipment and rewards by completing special missions. Be sure to experience Akuma’s story in a thrilling Side Mission once the collaboration is available on May 28!
Starting at HR 21 or above, you can take on Side Missions from Quinn at the Oilwell Basin Base Camp. Complete Side Missions to take on the Arena Quests, “Demonic Strength” and “True Strength.”
You can also obtain titles, a nameplate, a pose, and a background for your Hunter Profile in this special collaboration!
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Recreating Akuma’s Iconic Moves
By equipping Akuma’s full armor set and layered armor, hunters can use collaboration-exclusive items and gestures, as well as perform Akuma’s moves that feel authentic to Street Fighter 6.
Akuma’s actions can be selected from the item bar. You can even execute Akuma’s combo attacks by using “Assisted Combo: Akuma” or unleash the special move “Gou Hadoken”. Separately, as a gesture, “SF6 Gou Shoryuken” is also available too!
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The Drive Impact system from Street Fighter 6, as well as other features, are also brought to life in Monster Hunter Wilds, allowing hunters to experience the unique features of the fighting game in a whole new way.
Additional touches such as victory screens, animations, and more make this collaboration truly feel like a blend of both Monster Hunter Wilds and Street Fighter 6. We hope you enjoy seeing all the details the team has added!
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And of course, while playing using the full Akuma armor set, you can hunt using all 14 weapon types as usual!
The special collaboration will be available on May 28!
A Street Fighter 6 Special Collaboration Paid DLC Pack Will Also Be Available on May 28
A variety of Street Fighter 6 cosmetic items will be available as paid DLC, both as a pack and as individual items.
The Premium Deluxe Edition includes Monster Hunter Wilds (main game), and the Monster Hunter Wilds Cosmetic DLC Pass!
The following content is included:
● Monster Hunter Wilds (main game)
【Monster Hunter Wilds Cosmetic DLC Pass】
The Monster Hunter Wilds Cosmetic DLC Pass consists of 3 DLC packs, planned to release over time from the main game’s release until Summer 2025, at a great value.
●Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Pack (Planned for release when the main game releases)
The below 16 contents are included:
・Hunter Layered Armor Set: Feudal Soldier, Hunter Layered Armor: Fencer’s Eyepatch, Oni Horns Wig
・Seikret Decoration: Soldier’s Caparison, General’s Caparison
・Felyne Layered Armor Set: Felyne Ashigaru
・Pendant: Avian Wind Chime
・Gesture: Battle Cry, Uchiko
・Hairstyle: Hero’s Topknot, Refined Warrior
・Makeup/Face Paint: Hunter’s Kumadori, Special Bloom
・Sticker Set: Avis Unit, Monsters of the Windward Plains
・Nameplate: Extra Frame — Russet Dawn *Deluxe Pack Bonus Item
●Monster Hunter Wilds Cosmetic DLC Pack 1 (Planned for release in Spring 2025)
The below 16 contents are included:
・Hunter layered armor: 1 series (5 pieces), and 1 piece
・Seikret decorations: 2
・Pendants: 6 (Color variation)
・Pose Sets: 1
・Makeup/Facepaint: 1
・Sticker set: 1
・BGM Set: 1
・Pop-up camp customization contents: 2
*This item affects apperances only. More details at a later date.
●Monster Hunter Wilds Cosmetic DLC Pack 2 (Planned for release in Summer 2025)
The below 14 contents are included:
・Hunter layered armor: 1 series (5 pieces)
・Pendants: 6 (Color variation)
・Gesture sets: 2
・Hairstyles: 2
・Makeup/Facepaint: 2
・Sticker set: 1
●Premium Bonus (Planned for release when the main game releases)
・Hunter Layered Armor: Wyverian Ears
・Premium Bonus Hunter Profile Set
・BGM: Proof of a Hero (2025 Recording)
*The bonus content listed above may be available by alternative means at a later date.
*The Deluxe Pack content can be accessed after the the release date. The content for each Cosmetic DLC Pack can be accessed after the relevant pack releases at a later date.
*This content can also be obtained separately. Please be careful of duplicate transactions.
*Content details and release date may change without prior notice.
*You may need to update to the latest version of the game to use this content.
■Monster Hunter Wilds
The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next.
This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality.
Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.
The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds.
The Deluxe Edition includes Monster Hunter Wilds (main game) and the Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Pack!
The following content is included:
● Monster Hunter Wilds (main game)
【Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Pack】
A pack of communication and appearance items to make your hunting life even more enjoyable.
●Hunter Layered Armor Set: Feudal Soldier
●Hunter Layered Armor: Fencer’s Eyepatch
●Hunter Layered Armor: Oni Horns Wig
●Seikret Decoration: Soldier’s Caparison
●Seikret Decoration: General’s Caparison
●Felyne Layered Armor Set: Felyne Ashigaru
●Pendant: Avian Wind Chime
●Gesture: Battle Cry
●Gesture: Uchiko
●Hairstyle: Hero’s Topknot
●Hairstyle: Refined Warrior
●Makeup/Face Paint: Hunter’s Kumadori
●Makeup/Face Paint: Special Bloom
●Sticker Set: Avis Unit
●Sticker Set: Monsters of the Windward Plains
●Nameplate: Extra Frame — Russet Dawn *Deluxe Pack Bonus Item
*The bonus content listed above may be available by alternative means at a later date.
*This content can also be obtained separately. Please be careful of duplicate transactions.
*You may need to update to the latest version of the game to use this content.
■Monster Hunter Wilds
The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next.
This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality.
Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.
The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds.
The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next.
This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality.
Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.
The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Story
A few years past, a young boy named Nata was rescued at the border of the Forbidden Lands, an unexplored region the guild has yet to survey.
After hearing the boy’s tale of his lone escape from a mysterious monster that attacked his village, the Guild organized an expedition into the Forbidden Lands to investigate.
A Living World
Environments within the Forbidden Lands can drastically change as the weather shifts constantly and suddenly. During the harsh Fallow and perilous Inclemency periods, ravenous monsters will venture out to hunt in packs, yet during the Plenty periods, wildlife is rich and abundant.
Monsters
The monsters who inhabit these environments have been forced to adapt to the dynamic changes that occur, using their unique characteristics to survive and thrive.
Hunting
As the world around them changes, so must the hunters and their tactics. Not only will hunters have a multitude of weapons and armor to choose from, but the art of the hunt itself has evolved as hunters learn to anticipate monsters’ behavior and familiarize themselves with their environment.
Characters
From hunting partners to fellow expedition members, you’ll encounter plenty of those who will support you on your journey.
Lynked: Banner of the Spark – Blending Hack-and-Slash with Town-Building to Make a ‘Rogue-Life’ Game
Jodie McKaughanSenior Community Manager, Dreamhaven
The year is 30XX, and the world has seen better days. Cities have crumbled, humanity has faded, and rogue AI forces have overrun what’s left. But even in the wreckage, a spark remains—and with it, a chance to rebuild. Lynked: Banner of the Spark isn’t just a hack-and-slash game. It’s an action-RPG where fast-paced action and heartfelt community-building go hand-in-hand.
Every mission helps you grow stronger, but more importantly, it helps you restore a broken world. Whether you’re battling Combots with your Wyre and customized weapon loadout or growing crops and cooking for your Unibot companions, your progress fuels something greater than survival. It fuels connection.
After an early access period on PC, Lynked comes to Xbox consoles today as part of its 1.0 release. Let me fill you in on the genre-blending game we’ve made.
Hack, Slash, and Spark with the Wyre
At the heart of Lynked is the Wyre, a grappling hook that lets you push, pull, swing, and stun enemies in combat. Combine it with one of ten distinct weapon types—each modifiable per mission—to adapt your playstyle on the fly. It makes for quick, satisfying combat encounters that reward precision and creativity. But while missions are essential to unlocking Sparkpowers and Soulsparks—vital upgrades that enhance your abilities—the action is just the beginning.
After each mission, you return to your town, a space you’ll shape over time into a vibrant hub full of quirky Unibots and meaningful memories. It’s here that Lynked sets itself apart. You’re not just resting between fights—you’re rebuilding, customizing, and forming bonds with characters who have rich histories and distinct personalities.
Spend time exploring early on: visit Sparkold to unlock powers and purchase revives, check out the Beautification Station to personalize your style, and stop by The Master Forge to enhance your weapons. Even something as simple as walking through town can unlock new features and stories.
Unibots: Your Quirky (and Combat-ready) Companions
Unibots play a central role in shaping your journey. As you explore the world, you’ll take on rescue missions that bring new Unibot companions into your town—each one adding meaningful upgrades to your settlement. Whether they’re helping you craft and upgrade new weapons, expanding your character’s customization options, or simply bringing more personality to your world, these companions are far more than background characters—they’re vital to your progress.
Battle Companions are a type of Unibot that will support you in combat missions. Each Battle Companion has their own combat style—ranging from rapid DPS strikes to supportive healing—and unique Sparkpowers that bring tactical variety to every encounter.
With the Resident Favors system, you can deepen these relationships by learning your Unibots’ preferences and fulfilling their requests. Cooking plays a key role here: you can grow crops, gather rotating ingredients, and discover recipes to cook personalized dishes for your companions. These meals don’t just nourish—they increase your Unibots’ level, strength, and rank.
As you progress through missions and develop your town, Unibots ensure you’re never facing challenges alone—bringing personality, power, and heart to every corner of your world.
A Few More Tips to Spark your Journey…
One of the more underrated systems early on is the Dime Saloon, which offers combat contracts tied to specific weapons or styles. Completing them earns extra Sparks and rewards experimentation. It’s a great way to explore the variety of combat options available without feeling locked into one approach.
As your town grows, you’ll also start collecting Bittibots and Gilibots—mischievous little helper bots who assist in crafting, building, and decorating. Filling out your Bot-O-Pedia isn’t just satisfying—it’s essential to unlocking more creative options and resources.
Whether you’re customizing your town, upgrading your companions, or decorating the perfect garden plaza, Lynked offers a steady rhythm of progress and play. It’s a world that invites exploration and rewards care. Even the UI—the Buddy OS—helps keep things approachable, letting you manage your town, residents, and gear from a central hub. It’s cozy, but never slow. Strategic, but never stressful.
Join the Resistance and Take on the Fight, Together
At its core, Lynked is a game about togetherness. It balances roguelite intensity with warmth and optimism. You’re not just pushing back against a mechanical apocalypse—you’re building something beautiful in its wake. It’s that perfect blend of frenetic action and slow, satisfying rebuilding that makes every session feel meaningful.
Whether you’re playing solo, co-op with friends, or alongside your battle companions, you’ll never have to take on the fight alone. There will always be a few friendly robot faces waiting for you in town between your battles.
Lynked: Banner of the Spark launches on Xbox today, and we can’t wait for you to discover its world—one filled with combat, crafting, companionship, and hope. Join us on Discord, follow us on X or Instagram, and start planning your dream town.
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.
A ROGUE-LIFE RPG
Lynked: Banner of the Spark fuses the action packed fun of a roguelite with the rich progression and charm of a life sim. In this vibrant rogue-life RPG, combat and customization go hand in hand. Put your skills to the test against swarms of robot foes and tough-as-nails bosses, then use their parts and other resources to expand and upgrade your home base. Whether you’re a homebody or a hardened warrior, there are endless ways to pitch in – it’ll take a village to save the world!
LYNK UP IN CO-OP OR SOLO
Take on a variety of hack-and-slash missions either solo or with up to 3 players. But wait… your Unibot pals want a piece of the action, too! Players can power up and recruit allied bots into the fight as companions, where they have their own powers, fighting styles, and combo attacks to send your foes to the scrap pile!
WEAPONS AND THE WYRE
Kick bolts with your trusty grapple, known as the Wyre, along with an arsenal of weapons at your disposal! Gain an edge on enemies with 10 weapon classes, 80+ variations, robust permanent progression systems, and randomized mid-mission upgrades ensuring no two runs are ever the same.
BUILD A THRIVING TOWN
Enlist the help of robots and up to 5 friends to work together and build a bright local community. Catch fish, collect critters, harvest crops, and craft items to make your home uniquely yours! In addition to enriching your town, use the resources you collect to upgrade your character with special powers and techniques to take to your next fight.
FINE-TUNE YOUR LOOK
Rebuild society in style with deep character customization, featuring more options and accessories than you can shake a wrench at!
Warhammer Skulls Showcase 2025: Every Xbox Announcement and Reveal
Owen Rees, Warhammer Licensing
Summary
Warhammer Skulls – the ultimate festival of Warhammer video games returned today, with a showcase once again hosted by Rahul Kohli. It included a world premiere for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition, a huge update on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, a new class reveal on Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, as well as new content for a plethora of Xbox Warhammer games. The celebration includes a week-long sale, with exclusive discounts on Warhammer games.
The ultimate Festival of Warhammer video games returned today for its 9th year – Warhammer Skulls just aired, bringing news for Xbox Warhammer games, and huge discounts.
Hosted once again by huge Warhammer fan, Rahul Kohli, returning for the third year in a row, the Skulls Showcase kicks off an exciting week of world premieres, as well as new announcements and content reveals for Xbox fans. Alongside this celebration, players can expect huge deals and discounts on the Xbox and Microsoft Store, with up to 85% off savings during the event.
Let’s take a closer look at the announcements, reveals, and updates included in the Warhammer Skulls Festival:
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition was announced and will be coming to Xbox and PC on June 10. This is an uprezzed 4k version of the game with improved character Models, modernized control schemes and upgraded audio. Relive the original adventure on Xbox Series X|S. Also available Day 1 on Game Pass!
That wasn’t all though, Focus Entertainment and Saber gave us our first look at Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s new Siege mode and revealed it will be coming on June 26.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has announced a new playable Class DLC will be coming to Xbox and PC on June 23. That’s right, the Adepus Arbites becomes a playable character…. ably assisted by a playable Cyber Mastiff which you can send to disable priority targets and provide vital support to your strike team. Don’t forget the Darktide base game is available on Game Pass, and it is also available as part of Xbox Free Play Days this week!
Xbox fans will rememberWarhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2 was announced at last year’s Skulls Event. This year, we got a new trailer featuring the Leagues of Votann and a first look at gameplay. Whether this faction will be allies or foes to the player is yet to be seen, but this will be the first time the faction has appeared in a Warhammer 40,000 video game. Wishlist the game now! In celebration, you can play the first Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus as part of this week’s Free Play Days.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Traderannounced its second DLC is coming on June 24. Lex Imperialis sees the Arbitrators join the game and a new companion, locations and archetypes. Owlcat also announced there will be a Season Pass 2 starting during Skulls and have teased there will be another 2 DLCs to follow as part of that. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is available to buy on Xbox and PC and is also available on Xbox Game Pass. It also features as part of the Free Play Days during Skulls.
The bombastic boomer shooter Boltgun returns to Xbox in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2, including Warhammer Skulls host, Rahul Kohli, resuming his role as veteran Sternguard Malum Caedo, which was announced today. Wishlist now!
The showcase also revealed trailers for Season 9 of Blood Bowl 3, which showed off the new Khorne Team (coming June 10), new content for Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector available now,and a tease that the Black Legion will be joining the fight later this year. Vermintide 2 saw the release of the 3rd new level of Verminous Dreams, a free Update. Vermintide 2 is also available on Xbox Game Pass now as part of Skulls.
Over on the Microsoft store, Total War: Warhammer 3 gave us a glimpse at the free next legendary lord in their new Tides of Torment DLC content coming to PC soon.
The fun doesn’t stop there though – remember-Darktide, Rogue Trader and Vermintide are all on Xbox Game Pass. Game Pass subscribers can also use Xbox Free Play Days to try out multiple Warhammer games between May 22-26, including Blood Bowl 3, Rogue Trader, Chaos Gate Daemon Hunters, Mechanicus,Shootas Blood and Teef, Darktide, Chaosbane Slayer Edition and Inquisitor Martyr. You can also check out Dynamic Backgrounds for Boltgun, Space Marine 2 and Rogue Trader!
Now, that’s a lot of Warhammer to get your teeth stuck into! And that’s just some highlights of the awesome Warhammer content coming soon. Don’t forget, you can check it all out, and grab some great deals, on the dedicated Warhammer Skulls Festival landing page over on the Microsoft Store. Thanks for reading!
