All The Xbox Series X Games Confirmed (And Expected) So Far

2020 is a huge year for gaming. Despite some issues and concerns around COVID-19, both Microsoft and Sony are releasing next-generation consoles this holiday season. The consoles feature new and improved technical abilities that should allow for a new level of fidelity and immersion in gaming. Developers are taking advantage of this new, more powerful technology with their first games for the new systems, and it’ll be exciting to see the results.

In this post we’re rounding up all the confirmed Xbox Series X games, and also denoting the titles that we think, or are assumed to, release on the next-generation system. This list covers the new games that will be released on Xbox Series X. That’s important to note because the Xbox Series X will automatically play every Xbox One game you already own, since it is backwards compatible with that console. Additionally, the Xbox Series X plays Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, to span a total of four generations on one system.

You can check out all of the confirmed, and presumed, Xbox Series X titles below. We’ll continue to update this post in the days, weeks, and months ahead as new and more titles get announced.

Xbox Series X Confirmed Games

Halo Infinite

The biggest and arguably most important Xbox Series X game is Halo Infinite. A launch title for the Xbox Series X, Halo Infinite is the first brand-new Halo game since 2015’s Halo 5: Guardians. It’s also the first time since 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved that Microsoft is releasing a Halo game as a launch title for new Xbox hardware. Developed by 343 Industries, Halo Infinite puts a renewed focus on Master Chief for its campaign (after Halo 5 drifted away from him slightly), while fans will be looking for exciting new multiplayer innovations for the franchise known for its top-tier multiplayer combat.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: Xbox Series X launch title

No Caption Provided

Gears 5

One of only a few confirmed launch titles for the Xbox Series X, Gears 5 is headed to the next-generation console with better textures and volumetric fog, higher particle count, and 60 frames per second during cutscenes for a smoother transition to gameplay. Shadows and lighting have also been improved, and the game is currently running at 100 frames per second with potential to hit 120 frames per second in multiplayer.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: Xbox Series X launch title.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

No Caption Provided

Ninja Theory’s 2017 action-adventure game Hellblade was praised for, among other things, its strong story that dealt with mental health and overcoming your own personal demons. In the time since the game’s release, the studio was acquired by Microsoft, which is exciting to think about for the size and scale of the sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Very little is known about the sequel, but given the increased resources available to Ninja Theory this time around, fans will be hoping for and expecting a lot from Ninja Theory’s long-awaited follow-up.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

Everwild

No Caption Provided

A new IP from esteemed UK developer Rare, Everwild is described as “something truly original and incredibly special.” The game was in early development as of November 2019. Very few details are available about the fantastical game, but Rare promises to deliver “memorable, engaging, and meaningful experiences for players everywhere to share.”

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum

No Caption Provided

Daedalic Entertainment, a studio known for its point-and-click adventure games, is developing an all-new Lord of the Rings game that is focused on an unlikely character: Gollum. In The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, you play as Gollum in a story told from the creature’s perspective. It’s the first time across the entire Lord of the Rings brand–movies, TV shows, books, etc.–that a story is being told from his point of view, which is intriguing to think about. Very little is known about this game, but the first images–which leaked recently–show off a new art style for Gollum and numerous environments. Gollum is often overlooked in Middle-earth, so it’s exciting to see him finally get his own game.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: 2021

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Ubisoft’s next big Assassin’s Creed game takes us back to the Viking era. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is due to release as a launch title for the Xbox Series X. You play as Eivor–either a man or a woman–and your travels will take you across a variety of locations and landscapes. Dual-wielding continues with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, allowing you to tear up your enemies with a newfound ferocity with axes and even shields if you like. There is a lot more to know about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, so check out GameSpot’s extended coverage to learn more.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: Xbox Series X launch title

Cyberpunk 2077

No Caption Provided

Cyberpunk 2077 is launching in September before the release of the Xbox Series X this holiday. The game will also receive an upgrade for Xbox Series X, and thankfully, Xbox owners who pick up the new console will not have to pay extra for the improvements. That’s because Cyberpunk 2077 is part of Microsoft’s new Smart Delivery system whereby developers can choose to offer these upgrades for free. That’s good because people who are thinking about picking up Cyberpunk 2077 for their existing Xbox One can do so with the confidence that they won’t have to pay again to buy it for Xbox Series X. The exact nature of the upgrades for Xbox Series X have not been detailed, but at least we know you won’t have to pay twice.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

Watch Dogs: Legion

Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs sequel, Legion, from Ubisoft Toronto and acclaimed director Clint Hocking, is yet another Ubisoft title confirmed for the Xbox Series X. It was originally slated to arrive in March 2020 for the current-generation of consoles, but Ubisoft pushed the game to give the developers more time to “ensure that their … innovations are perfectly implemented so as to deliver optimal experiences for players.” Coinciding with the delay, Ubisoft also confirmed that Legion would be released on next-gen consoles. It’s exciting to think about what the power of the Xbox Series X could deliver for Legion, as the game is said to allow you to control any NPC you see in the world.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: Ubisoft’s FY 2020-21, which is April 2020-March 31, 2021.

Madden NFL 21

No Caption Provided

EA’s Madden NFL 21 is headed to Xbox Series X, and it’ll take advantage of the console’s power to help crank up the level of authenticity and fidelity even further. Baltimore Ravens standout QB Lamar Jackson is on the cover, and he’ll be hoping to follow Madden NFL 20’s cover star, Patrick Mahomes, in avoiding the so-called Madden Curse.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

Rainbow Six Siege

Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six franchise hit a high point with Rainbow Six Siege, which is adored by fans and has many millions of players today, nearly five years after its initial release in 2015. It’s good news, then, that Ubisoft has confirmed that the team-based tactical shooter will also be supported on Xbox Series X. Not only that, but Ubisoft has already committed to using cross-generational multiplayer, which should help players on the new consoles find people to play against. Siege will be a launch title for Xbox Series X.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: Xbox Series X launch title.

Rainbow Six Quarantine

No Caption Provided

It’s not just Rainbow Six Siege that will be available on Xbox Series X. Ubisoft is bringing its brand-new Rainbow Six game, Quarantine, to the next wave of consoles. Very little is known about the game at this stage, but its name and description might raise some eyebrows in light of recent events in the world. The official description for the game states: “The Rainbow Operators will face off against a totally new breed of mutated alien parasite infecting human hosts and their surroundings.”

Release Date For Xbox Series X: Ubisoft’s FY 2020-21, which is April 2020-March 31, 2021.

Gods & Monsters

No Caption Provided

Another Ubisoft game, Gods & Monsters, is headed to next-generation consoles as well. The open-world action-adventure game features mythological creatures and more in a sprawling fantasy world. The game doesn’t have a specific release date yet, but it was in the batch of titles that Ubisoft delayed to FY 2021, so you can expect it later this year or early next.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: Ubisoft’s FY 2020-21, which is April 2020-March 31, 2021.

Bright Memory Infinite

Bright Memory Infinite

Described as a “lightning fast fusion of the FPS and action genres,” Bright Memory Infinite is in development at the FYQD Studio. “Bright Memory: Infinite is set in a sprawling, futuristic metropolis in the year 2036. A strange phenomenon for which scientists can find no explanation has occurred in the skies around the world,” reads a line from the game’s description. “The Supernatural Science Research Organization (SRO) has sent agents out to various regions to investigate this phenomenon. It is soon discovered that these strange occurrences are connected to an archaic mystery–an as-of-yet unknown history of two worlds, about to come to light…”

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

Call of the Sea

No Caption Provided

A first-person adventure puzzle game from developer Raw Fury, Call of the Sea is set in the 1930s. It follows a woman named Norah who is looking for her lost husband. “The search takes place on a strange but beautiful island in the South Pacific, filled with secrets waiting to be unearthed. It is an otherworldly tale of mystery, adventure, and self-discovery,” reads a line from its description.

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

Chorus

No Caption Provided

Not to be confused with the David Gaider game of the same name, Chorus is an “immersive single-player experience that tells a mature and dark tale of redemption.” You play as the ace pilot Nara in a game that’s described as a “true evolution of the space combat shooter.”

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

Dirt 5

No Caption Provided

The next entry in the off-road racing series, Dirt 5 promises to be “bolder and braver than ever before.” Very little is known at this stage, but developer Codemasters is promising to deliver “new features” and “new innovations” where every race is unique. Veteran voice actors Troy Baker and Nolan North are contributing to the game’s career mode.

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

Scarlet Nexus

No Caption Provided

The next game from Bandai Namco, Scarlet Nexus puts you into the role of Yuito Sumeragi, an up and coming solder who has a psycho-kinesis power. The game is set in the futuristic city of New Himuka.

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

Scorn

Scorn is the next title from Ebb Software

Described as an “atmospheric first-person horror adventure game,” Scorn puts players into an unsettling dream-like word where they experience narrative beats and solve puzzles.

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

Second Extinction

Second Extinction

A third-person co-op shooter from developer Systemic Reaction, Second Extinction has players fighting to take down all kinds of mutated dinosaurs that are now running the world. You play as a survivor who uses a variety of weapons, abilities, and skills to take down the mighty beasts.

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

The Ascent

The Ascent

A cyberpunk RPG, The Ascent puts players into a world in the immediate aftermath of the collapse of a mega corporation that owned everyone and everything. “Confusion and chaos ensue, security and order are in disarray, and without protection, everyone is left to fend for themselves. Stop gangs and hostile corporations from taking over and discover what really happened in this explosive sci-fi shooter,” reads a line from the game’s description.

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

The Medium

The Medium

A “next-gen psychological horror game,” The Medium is the next game from the developers of Blair Witch, Layers of Fear, and Observer. The game puts you into the scary shoes of a medium who exists on two planes of existence–the real world and the spirit world. “Haunted by a vision of a child’s murder, you travel to an abandoned hotel resort, which many years ago became the stage of an unthinkable tragedy,” reads a line from the game’s description. The music was composed with the help of Akira Yamaoka, who is known for his work on the Silent Hill franchise.

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2

The Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines sequel takes you to Seattle, a lovely city that happens to be overrun by vampires. “In this sequel to the cult classic, your choices, plots and schemes will change the balance of power,” Paradox said about its sequel.

Release Date: Launch window for Xbox Series X

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Like a Dragon is a new entry in the long-running Yakuza series about organized crime in Japan. A launch title for the Xbox Series X, Like a Dragon makes a big change for the series with its turn-based RPG combat. The game was released in Japan earlier this year, but this is the first time it’s coming west.

Release Date: Launch title for Xbox Series X

Unconfirmed But Expected Xbox Series X Games

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare/Warzone

Infinity Ward’s Taylor Kurosaki recently stated that Activision is planning to launch Call of Duty: Warzone, the battle royale game, on the next generation of consoles. Considering it is tied directly to Modern Warfare, it would seem like that game would be supported as well. Given the strong momentum that Warzone is currently enjoying, it makes sense that Activision would look to leverage the power of the Xbox Series X to keep the train running, so to speak.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

Call of Duty 2020

2020’s new Call of Duty game is rumored to be a Black Ops spin-off from developer Treyarch with the support of Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software. The game is said to be set during the Cold War/Vietnam era, though Activision has yet to formally announce any specifics about the game. Historically, the publisher announces new Call of Duty games in May, but it remains to be seen if the cancellation of E3 and the wider global pandemic has led Activision to shift its plans. It’s also worth noting here that Infinity Ward’s Taylor Kurosaki recently stated that Activision will continue to support the free-to-play battle royale game Warzone even as new Call of Duty titles release.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

Battlefield 6

Swedish developer DICE is finishing up its commitments to Star Wars: Battlefront II and Battlefield V, and moving on to the next proper Battlefield game. Battlefield 6, or whatever it ends up being called, is scheduled to arrive in 2021. The most recent games, Battlefield V and Battlefield 1, took place during World War II and World War I, respectively, but there is no word yet as to the time period of the new instalment. The franchise hasn’t returned to a modern warfare setting since the tepidly received spin-off Battlefield Hardline in 2015.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA 2021

Starfield

No Caption Provided

Fallout and Elder Scrolls developer Bethesda Game Studios has two major projects in the works, including a sci-fi game called Starfield. The first new IP from Bethesda in 25 years, Starfield is a single-player sci-fi RPG that is targeting next-generation platforms, though Bethesda has yet to make any formal announcements about systems. We’ve seen nothing of the game except for a teaser, so it’s too soon to say much about the game. But given the storied lineage of developer Bethesda Game Studios, Starfield is certainly one to watch.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

The Elder Scrolls VI

No Caption Provided

In addition to Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios is developing a new instalment in its acclaimed Elder Scrolls fantasy series. A reveal trailer released during E3 2018 confirmed that Bethesda had begun work on the title, but it appears to still be very early days for the project. It makes sense that Bethesda would return to one of its best-known and most-acclaimed franchises with new consoles coming soon. After all, The Elder Scrolls V has sold a whopping 30 million copies–across nearly every platform under the sun–making it one of the most successful video games in history. Like Starfield, Bethesda hasn’t said if The Elder Scrolls VI will come to next-generation consoles, but that seems like a sure thing.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA (but confirmed to be after Starfield)

Fortnite

Part of the appeal of Fortnite is that any modern device you might own can play the game. As such, it’s expected that Epic will bring the game to Xbox Series X. It just makes sense. Releasing on more powerful hardware should be beneficial for the game, as the battle royale title–which puts 100 players on a single, gigantic map at once–benefits from more horsepower.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBD

Warframe

The immensely popular free-to-play shooter Warframe, which was originally released in 2013, is coming to next-generation consoles. Parent publisher Leyou announced the next-gen version during an earnings event where it stated that bringing the title to new systems should help the game grow even bigger still.

Release Date For Xbox Series X: TBA

All The PlayStation 5 Games Confirmed (And Expected) So Far

It’s exciting every time a new console generation comes around, and this time is no different. 2020 marks the release of both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and the consoles are arriving in an interesting time with the COVID-19 global pandemic impacting some release plans. For now at least, Sony and Microsoft remain committed to launching their new systems this year.

Sony’s PS5 features some exciting new technology, including an SSD that dramatically improves load times, among other elements that promise to improve the fidelity of games. There is also a new DualSense controller that uses haptic feedback to help connect you with games at a deeper level. It’s all very exciting.

In this post we’re rounding up all the confirmed PlayStation 5 games, and also denoting the titles that we think, or are assumed to, release on the next-generation system. This list covers the new games that will be released on PlayStation 5. The console will automatically play the “overwhelming majority” the PS4 games you may already own, since it is backwards compatible with that console.

You’ll see this list contains fewer titles than our Xbox Series X game roundup, and that’s due in part to how Microsoft held a dedicated event where it announced a long list of Xbox Series X games. Sony has yet to hold a proper PS5 unveiling event, but rumors peg that to happen in June.

You can check out all of the confirmed, and presumed, PS5 titles below. We’ll continue to update this post in the days, weeks, and months ahead as new and more titles get announced.

PlayStation 5 Confirmed Games

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla brings the series into the Viking Age of history.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla brings the series into the Viking Age of history.

Ubisoft’s next big Assassin’s Creed game takes us back to the Viking era. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is due to release as a launch title for the PS5. You play as Eivor–either a man or a woman–and your travels will take you across a variety of locations and landscapes. For the first time, dual-wielding comes to Assassin’s Creed, allowing you to tear up your enemies with a newfound ferocity with axes and even shields if you like. There is a lot more to know about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, so check out GameSpot’s extended coverage to learn more.

Release Date For PS5: PS5 launch title

Dirt 5

Dirt 5
Dirt 5

The next entry in the off-road racing series, Dirt 5 promises to be “bolder and braver than ever before.” Very little is known at this stage, but developer Codemasters is promising to deliver “new features” and “new innovations” where every race is unique. Veteran voice actors Troy Baker and Nolan North are contributing to the game’s career mode.

Release Date: TBA

Godfall

Counterplay Games is working with Borderlands studio Gearbox to release a fantasy action-RPG called Godfall as a console exclusive for PlayStation 5. Described as a “looter-slasher,” the game focuses on fighting foes and collecting loot. It has support for single-player and co-op where you can join groups of up to three players to take on the more dangerous challenges.

PS5 Release Date: TBA

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is all about Gollum

Daedalic Entertainment, the studio known for its point-and-click adventure games, is developing an all-new Lord of the Rings game that is focused on an unlikely character: Gollum. In The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, you play as Gollum in a story told from the creature’s perspective. It’s the first time across the entire Lord of the Rings brand–movies, TV shows, books, etc.–that a story is being told from Gollum’s perspective, which is intriguing to think about. Very little is known about this game, and no images or firm details have been released yet. But Gollum is often overlooked in Middle-earth, so it’s exciting to see him finally get his own game.

Release Date For PS5: 2021

Outriders

Outriders comes from the developers behind the cult-favorite Bulletstorm.

Gears of War: Judgment and Bulletstorm developer People Can Fly is partnering with Square Enix for a new game called Outriders. The new game is a cover shooter that also incentivizes getting out from behind the chest-high walls and wrecking your foes with a number of cool abilities.

PS5 Release Date For PS5: Holiday 2021

Quantum Error

An early look at Quantum Error

A “cosmic horror” game, Quantum Error is the second game from TeamKill, following their debut title Kings of Lorn: The Fall of Ebris, which was released in 2018. Very little is known about Quantum Horror, but a brief teaser trailer showed some nice-looking visuals and gameplay that some are remarking looks like Doom meets Dead Space.

Release Date for PS5: TBA

Scarlet Nexus

No Caption Provided

The next game from Bandai Namco, Scarlet Nexus puts you into the role of Yuito Sumeragi, an up and coming solder who has a psycho-kinesis power. The game is set in the futuristic city of New Himuka.

Release Date For PS5: TBA

Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2

The Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines sequel takes you to Seattle, a lovely city that happens to be overrun by vampires. “In this sequel to the cult classic, your choices, plots and schemes will change the balance of power,” Paradox said about its sequel.

Release Date: TBA

Watch Dogs: Legion

Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs sequel, Legion, from Ubisoft Toronto and acclaimed director Clint Hocking, is yet another Ubisoft title confirmed for the PS5. It was originally slated to arrive in March 2020 for the current-generation of consoles, but Ubisoft pushed the game to give the developers more time to “ensure that their … innovations are perfectly implemented so as to deliver optimal experiences for players.” Coinciding with the delay, Ubisoft also confirmed that Legion would be released on next-gen consoles. It’s exciting to think about what the power of the PS5 could deliver for Legion, as the game is said to allow you to control any NPC you see in the world.

Release Date For PS5: Ubisoft’s FY 2020-21, which is April 2020-March 31, 2021.

Unconfirmed But Expected PS5 Games

Rainbow Six Siege

Rainbow Six: Siege remains very popular, years after release.

Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six franchise hit a high point with Rainbow Six Siege, which is adored by fans and has many millions of players today, nearly five years after its initial release in 2015. It’s good news, then, that Ubisoft has confirmed that the team-based tactical shooter will also be supported on PS5. Not only that, but Ubisoft has already committed to using cross-generational multiplayer, which should help players on the new consoles find people to play against. Siege will be a launch title for PS5.

Release Date For PS5: Launch title for PS5.

Rainbow Six Quarantine

Rainbow Six Quarantine is a spin-off of the massively popular Rainbow Six Siege.

It’s not just Rainbow Six Siege that will be available on PS5. Ubisoft is bringing its brand-new Rainbow Six game, Quarantine, to the next wave of consoles. Very little is known about the game at this stage, but its name and description might raise some eyebrows in light of recent events in the world. The official description for the game states: “The Rainbow Operators will face off against a totally new breed of mutated alien parasite infecting human hosts and their surroundings.”

Release Date For PS5: Ubisoft’s FY 2020-21, which is April 2020-March 31, 2021.

Warframe

The immensely popular free-to-play shooter Warframe, which was originally released in 2013, is coming to next-generation consoles. Parent publisher Leyou announced the next-gen version during an earnings event where it stated that bringing the title to new systems should help the game grow even bigger still.

Release Date For PS5: TBA

Fortnite

Part of the appeal of Fortnite is that any modern device you might own can play the game. As such, it’s expected that Epic will bring the game to PS5. It just makes sense. Releasing on more powerful hardware should be beneficial for the game, as the battle royale title–which puts 100 players on a single, gigantic map at once–benefits from more horsepower.

Release Date For PS5: TBD

The Elder Scrolls VI

Aside from the logo, there's not much to go off of yet from the upcoming The Elder Scrolls VI.

Bethesda Game Studios is developing a new installment in its acclaimed Elder Scrolls fantasy series. A reveal trailer released during E3 2018 confirmed that Bethesda had begun work on the title, but it appears to still be very early days for the project. It makes sense that Bethesda would return to one of its best-known and most-acclaimed franchises with new consoles coming soon. After all, The Elder Scrolls V has sold a whopping 30 million copies–across nearly every platform under the sun–making it one of the most successful single video games in history. Like Starfield, Bethesda hasn’t said if The Elder Scrolls VI will come to next-generation consoles, but that seems like a sure thing.

Release Date For PS5: TBA (but confirmed to be after Bethesda Game Studios’ other new game, Starfield)

Battlefield 6

Swedish developer DICE is finishing up its commitments to Star Wars: Battlefront II and Battlefield V, and moving on to the next proper Battlefield game. Battlefield 6, or whatever it ends up being called, is scheduled to arrive in 2021. The most recent games, Battlefield V and Battlefield 1, took place during World War II and World War I, respectively, but there is no word yet as to the time period of the new instalment. The franchise hasn’t returned to a modern warfare setting since the tepidly received spin-off Battlefield Hardline in 2015.

Release Date For PS5: 2021

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of 2020's most anticipated games

Cyberpunk 2077 is launching in September for last-generation consoles and PC before the release of the PS5 during the holiday. CD Projekt Red has yet to officially confirm a PS5 edition of the game outside of backwards compatibility support, but the studio has strongly hinted that it will happen. Cyberpunk 2077 has been a long time coming, and after a few delays, it’s finally almost here.

Release Date For PS5: TBA

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare/Warzone

No Caption Provided

Infinity Ward’s Taylor Kurosaki recently stated that Activision is planning to launch Call of Duty: Warzone, the battle royale game, on the next generation of consoles. Considering it is tied directly to Modern Warfare, it would seem like that game would be supported as well. Given the strong momentum that Warzone is enjoying currently, it makes sense that Activision would look to leverage the power of the PS5 to keep the train running, so to speak.

Release Date For PS5: TBA

Call of Duty 2020

2020’s new Call of Duty game is rumored to be a Black Ops spin-off from developer Treyarch with the support of Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software. The game is said to be set during the Cold War/Vietnam era, though Activision has yet to formally announce the game. Historically, the publisher announces new Call of Duty games in May, but it remains to be seen if the cancellation of E3 and the wider global pandemic has led Activision to shift its plans. It’s also worth noting here that Infinity Ward’s Taylor Kurosaki recently stated that Activision will continue to support the free-to-play battle royale game Warzone even as new Call of Duty titles release.

Release Date For PS5: TBA

Apex Legends Season 5 Removes The Annoying Weekly Challenge

Fortune’s Favor is the latest patch for Apex Legends Season 5, and Respawn Entertainment has been making some major alterations to the game. The development team has been working on solutions to known problems that have been popping up in the game, along with adding the new playable character Loba, and tweaking the challenge system for players to earn more rewards.

As of the new patch, location weekly challenges have been removed, with the developers choosing to give players seasonal quests instead. The new season quest: The Broken Ghost, will run for the entirety of season 5. Players will need to search for nine pieces of a mysterious relic. To get started, find your first daily Treasure Pack in any competitive match.

Kings Canyon was also updated, with Skulltown and the Thunderdome gone from the map. A new POI, Salvage, has been added to the Broken Coast. Wetlands has been replaced by the excavation of the Capacitor and now connects via an underground pathway to Singh Labs. Nesting Grounds and the Reclaimed Forest have merged together even more, with a small camp being added outside of The Cage.

Kings Canyon will be the only map available for two weeks after the season launch, so players will be able to complete some of the season quest in this map during this time. After the initial two weeks, Map Rotation will begin again, adding World’s Edge Season 4 as an option once again.

For more on the patch notes, check out the developer update blog post. Check out our full guide on where to find Treasure Packs and unlock the first step to the Hunt.

The new patch is live now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Now Playing: Apex Legends – Meet Loba Character Trailer

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

The Simpsons Season 31 Finale Will Feature Cate Blanchett And Focus On Santa’s Little Helper

The Simpsons is wrapping up its 31st season this Sunday, May 17, and it’ll do so by diving into the past of a character who joined the family in the show’s very first episode. TV Line is reporting that the season finale will feature Cate Blanchett as Elaine, a woman with some sort of connection to Santa’s Little Helper and his “tragic past.”

Judging by the exclusive screenshots posted by the site, it looks like Santa’s Little Helper might be going away with her. Of course, the elastic nature of The Simpsons universe means that it usually snaps back to normal, so we expect the beloved dog to be back with the titular family by the episode’s end–but the description also notes that Santa’s Little Helper bites Marge early on, which could lead to some drama.

It also looks like this will be another Christmas-time episode, just like the original pilot. But while showrunner Al Jean has previously said that his ideal finale would link back to the pilot, this won’t be a surprise ending–The Simpsons is already renewed through Season 32.

The Simpsons might not attract viewers like it used to, but there have been some fun bits over the last season, including this fun couch gag and an appearance from Weezer–not to mention a huge Marvel parody.

The Simpsons recently came to streaming service Disney +: here are our top 16 episodes.

Now Playing: 15 MORE Times The Simpsons Predicted The Future

Gears 5 Adds Carmine Family Members In New DLC

Gears 5 continues to add new characters for multiplayer. The newest additions are the Carmine family. Specifically, Anthony, Benjamin, and Gary Carmine are now available in the Xbox One and PC game.

Unlike the previously released DLC characters, the Carmines are only available for versus multiplayer. Developer The Coalition says in a blog post that it understands people may want to play as the Carmines in the PvE modes Horde and Escape, but it won’t happen soon. “We have a broader PvE plan coming that will allow you to take these–and all COG–characters into Horde or Escape,” the studio said.

The Carmines are available to unlock through gameplay by crafting their unique totem and earning 30,000 XP. Alternatively, you can buy them for 500 Iron each, or through a $10 USD bundle that includes all three plus additional items such as bloodsprays and banners.

There is a more expensive “Deluxe Carmine Bundle” (1800 Iron) that includes the three characters, the bloodsprays and banners, and special skins for each, including Academy Anthony Carmine, Firestarter Benjamin Carmine, and Biker Gary Carmine. These special skins will be available to buy individually “in the next few weeks.”

The release of the Carmines kicks off a change to how The Coalition is releasing new characters by making them exclusive to versus multiplayer.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that you want to see more of your favorite Characters back sooner– which is why we have scrapped our mandate of Characters needing to release with PvE or new Arcade skillsets,” The Coalition said. “By removing this mandate, this means we’ll be able to release characters into the game more often and in higher volume just like you’ve asked us to do.”

More broadly, The Coalition said it is looking to “fundamentally re-evaluate the foundations of Gears 5” to help the game become more closely aligned to what fans want. In addition to content updates and changes to the game, The Coalition is working on technical advancements for the title to help it shine as a launch title for Xbox Series X.

Carmine Bundle – $9.99 USD

  • Anthony Carmine Character
  • Benjamin Carmine Character
  • Gary Carmine Character
  • Carmine Must Die Bloodspray
  • Save Carmine Bloodspray
  • Carmine Family Banner
  • Carmine Must Die Banner
  • Save Carmine Banner

Deluxe Carmine Bundle – 1800 Iron

  • Academy Anthony Carmine Character Skin
  • Firestarter Benjamin Carmine Character Skin
  • Biker Gary Carmine Character Skin
  • + All of the above Bundle content!

Now Playing: Gears 5 Video Review

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

Disco Elysium’s System Requirements Have Been Cut Right Down So More People Can Enjoy It

Disco Elysium is a game that everyone should play–which is why we gave it a 10/10–but its system requirements might have impacted enjoyment or locked out some players who wanted to experience it on a lower-end system. But now, thanks to the new Working Class update, more PCs and Macs are supported.

The new requirements mean that players with 2GB of RAM and older video cards can experience the game, and players who saw performance issues before might find that the game is smoother for them now.

Here are the new system requirements, so you can see if your PC is capable of running one of 2019’s best games.

New PC minimum

  • Windows 7 and DirectX 11 compatible video card (integrated or dedicated with min 512MB memory)
  • 2GB RAM
  • Intel Core 2 Duo
  • 20GB hard disk space

New Mac minimum

  • MacBook Pro: from mid 2009
  • MacBook Air: from mid 2012
  • iMac: from late 2009
  • Mac Pro: from late 2008
  • Mac mini: from 2009

Multiple new languages are being worked on for the game, too. Work is underway to translate the game into Spanish, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese-Brazilian, while there are also plans for French and German translations.

The game has also received a new patch, and is currently discounted by 25% on Steam. Here are the patch notes:

  • First – moved to a new version of Unity, which itself has tons of optimizations and goodies.
  • Hunted, found and fixed weird cases on some resolutions where the last word of the sentence was missing. Like …
  • Corrected some typos and some wordings, to mean things. To say stuff.
  • Literally, hundreds of optimizations throughout the game and graphics engine, to streamline the code and to make it less resource hungry. To reach a wider audience.
  • Fixed some animations – like fixing out of sync hands.
  • Fixed some other animations – running and walking around after consuming various liquids
  • Fixed broken menu navigation functionality. All that was accessible is still accessible.
  • Updated end-credits. Play it through to see some new names!

If you’re not a PC or Mac player, Disco Elysium is also coming to consoles–including the Nintendo Switch.

Now Playing: Disco Elysium Video Review

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remaster Details & A New PlayStation Logo | Save State

Chastity brings you all the biggest gaming stories for your May 12 Save State. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remasters are coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC this year, and we have all the details are what this remastered collection includes. Speaking of legendary Tonys, get ready to put on Tony Stark’s helmet in Iron Man VR, which now has a new release date.

In other news, Sony has revealed another logo ahead of the release of PS5, The Xbox Series X frame rate is up to individual developers, and Capcom has plans for multiple major titles. And finally, Ghost of Tsushima will headline PS4’s next State of Play. For all the latest gaming news stories, be sure to get your Save State every Monday through Thursday on GameSpot.

The Mandalorian Could Explore the Darksaber’s History Through Bo-Katan

Warning: this article contains major spoilers for The Mandalorian’s season finale! The Mandalorian Season 2 has been confirmed for an October 2020 release.

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

The Mandalorian episode 8 wraps up the first season with some big reveals, including the return of a weapon with a major legacy in the Star Wars universe. The Darksaber is back, but it has once again fallen into the wrong hands. And with Season 2 reportedly adding one of the Darksaber’s previous owners in the form of Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze, it’s safe to say this blade will continue to play a big part in The Mandalorian.

If you’re confused as to why an Imperial warlord is wielding a black lightsaber, fear not. Here’s everything you need to know about the Darksaber and how it ties the series back to the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

What is the Darksaber in The Mandalorian?

The Darksaber is unique among all the lightsabers in the Star Wars universe. It has a flat, katana-like blade rather than the traditional saber shape. It emits a peculiar, low hum. Even its color is unlike any other – deep black with a bright white trim.

The Darksaber is one of the most important artifacts in Mandalorian culture. It was created by an ancient warrior named Tarre Vizsla, the first (and as far as we currently know, only) Mandalorian to be inducted into the Jedi Order. That event happened at least 1000 years before the time of the movies, with Vizsla’s existence forgotten by all but the most devout Mandalorian warriors and historians.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/21/star-wars-lightsaber-color-meanings-explained”]

The Jedi kept Vizsla’s signature blade on display as a museum relic, at least until the Mandalorians stole it back. Since then, the Darksaber has come to serve as a symbol of power. Whomever wields the blade is viewed by Mandalorian traditionalists as the rightful ruler of Mandalore. Defeating the blade’s owner in ritualistic combat is the rightful path to power.

Learn even more about the history of the Darksaber in our Star Wars wiki guide!

How Did Moff Gideon Get the Darksaber in The Mandalorian?

Unfortunately, the Darksaber has a habit of trading hands again and again. During the Clone Wars, Tarre Vizsla’s descendant Pre Vizsla (voiced by The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau) used the blade to rally his Death Watch recruits against Mandalore’s political leader, Duchess Satine Kryze. Pre Vizsla made the mistake of forging an alliance with ex-Sith Lord Darth Maul, who killed him in ritualistic combat and became the new leader of Death Watch.

At some point during the waning days of the Clone Wars, the Darksaber fell into the possession of the Nightsisters of Dathomir. It was then claimed by Sabine Wren, a Mandalorian expatriate and member of the Rebel Alliance. Sabine used the blade to rally her people against Viceroy Gar Saxon, the Imperial-appointed ruler of Mandalore. Sabine then bestowed the Darksaber to Bo-Katan Kryze, sister of the late Duchess Satine.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/01/18/star-wars-rebels-sabine-trains-with-the-darksaber”]

That act seemed to open a brighter future for Mandalore and its people. Unfortunately, The Mandalorian has repeatedly hinted at a dark fate for this planet, with several characters alluding to the Empire’s purge of Mandalore and the survivors being forced into hiding. The fact that Moff Gideon now wields the blade suggests he himself may be responsible for overthrowing Bo-Katan and robbing Mandalore of its rightful ruler. But at least we know Bo-Katan is still alive, as Katee Sackhoff will play the character for the first time in live-action in Season 2. Assuming she doesn’t appear solely in flashback form, that is.

How The Mandalorian Connects to The Clone Wars and the Siege of Mandalore

The Mandalorian’s Season 1 finale reveals the real name and origin story of Pedro Pascal’s character. We see a young Din Djarin narrowly survive a Clone Wars battle that claimed the lives of his parents. Though Din isn’t a Mandalorian by birth, as a “foundling” he’s recruited into their culture and raised to become an honorable warrior and hunter.

Din’s origin helps tie the series more firmly to the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. As that series unfolds, Mandalore and its surrounding worlds become a hotly contested battleground in the conflict between the Republic and Separatists. That culminates in one of the last and most destructive battles in the Clone Wars – the Siege of Mandalore.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/12/the-mandalorian-katee-sackhoff-to-play-bo-katan-kryze-in-season-2″]

Star Wars fans finally got to see the Siege of Mandalore play out thanks to The Clone Wars: Season 7. The Siege of Mandalore is the last of three major story arcs in that final season. While the final episodes don’t show Din Djarin or other characters from The Mandalorian: Season 1, it does reveal how Ahsoka Tano’s good intentions in leading a Republic strike force to capture Darth Maul wound up opening Mandalore to Imperial occupation. With Ahsoka herself reportedly appearing in Season 2 (played by Rosario Dawson), the series may explore Ahsoka’s lingering guilt over her role in Mandalore’s sad fate.

A Knights of the Old Republic Connection

Even as The Mandalorian’s season finale forges new links to projects like The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, it also makes an unexpected connection to a much more distant part of the Star Wars timeline. Emily Swallow’s character, The Armorer, recalls the ancient battles between the Mandalorians and the Jedi, a conflict which directly set the stage for the 2002 video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

This is actually the second time since the release of Episode IX that a Star Wars project has alluded to the events of KOTOR. The Rise of Skywalker: The Visual Dictionary reveals that one of Emperor Palpatine’s Sith Trooper legions is named after ancient Jedi Master-turned-Sith Lord Darth Revan.

[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=every-returning-jedi-cameo-in-star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker&captions=true”]

The timing of these twin KOTOR cameos doesn’t seem coincidental. After years of ambiguity over whether KOTOR and other Old Republic-era stories are still included in Disney’s official Star Wars continuity, it seems this beloved game might be on the way to finally, officially becoming canonized. And hopefully, these subtle callbacks will lead to full-fledged new stories set in the distant past of the Star Wars universe.

For more on The Mandalorian, find out about an unexpected connection between the series and the Rise of Skywalker and see our breakdown of all The Mandalorian’s actor cameos. And if you want access to loads of Star Wars content, here’s what you need to know about Disney+ bundles, of which there are a surprising number.

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

Pokemon Go Incense Day: Schedule, Shiny Carvanha, And More

Pokemon Go‘s second Incense Day is just around the corner. The event takes place this Sunday, May 17, and much like the first Incense Day, it’ll bring out certain types of Pokemon at different hours, including another Shiny.

The event kicks off at 11 AM local time. Any Incenses that you use during the day will attract certain types of Pokemon–in this case, Water or Dark types–depending on what time it is. You can see the full event schedule and what Pokemon you’re more likely to find during those hours below:

  • 11 AM – 12 PM: Water-type Pokemon
  • 12 PM – 1 PM: Dark-type Pokemon
  • 1 PM – 2 PM: Water-type Pokemon
  • 2 PM – 3 PM: Dark-type Pokemon
  • 3 PM – 4 PM: Water-type Pokemon
  • 4 PM – 5 PM: Dark-type Pokemon
Carvanha
Carvanha

During the Water-focused hours, you’ll have a chance to encounter Pokemon like Alomomola, Horsea, and Tympole, while the Dark-focused hours will bring out Scraggy, Murkrow, Sableye, and others. You’re also much more likely to find Carvanha throughout the event, regardless of what time it is, including a Shiny Carvanha.

If you haven’t stocked up on Incenses, Niantic will offer a special bundle during the event that costs one PokeCoin and contains three Incenses. You can read more about the Incense Day event on the official Pokemon Go website.

In the meantime, the Legendary Pokemon Virizion is back in five-star Raids until May 19. Season 2 of the Go Battle League is also underway after a delayed start, and there are new Field Research tasks for May to complete. Niantic has also shared details on Pokemon Go’s May Community Day. The event takes place on Sunday, May 24, and features the Grass-type Pokemon Seedot.

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.