Spoiler Alert! There are tons of spoilers for Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War and much of the MCU below. You’ve been warned!
With so many beloved characters crammed into Avengers: Endgame, even with a three-hour run time some were bound to get short shrift. It’s nevertheless shocking and disappointing that the Hulk, one of the most popular original Avengers and the second-longest tenured MCU hero, is almost completely absent from both Endgame and Infinity War.
Wait a second, you might say. Hulk is all over Endgame! The simple truth, however, is that the character featured in Endgame — helpfully dubbed Professor Hulk by the internet in honor of a similarly merged version from the comics — is not the Hulk at all.
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The next game in Ubisoft’s spy series is Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, and it’s coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC on October 4. In it, you play as a Ghost, an elite special ops soldier whose fellow soldiers have turned against you. It takes place in an open-world environment, and you can play through the entire game in co-op with up to four players.
Below, we have all the information about Ghost Recon: Breakpoint’s upcoming release, including preorder bonuses, pricing, and what comes in each edition. Let’s dive in.
Following a classic Ubisoft leak, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint was announced at a reveal event today and is scheduled to release October 4 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. A sequel to Ghost Recon: Wildlands, the open-world game is described as a “story-driven four-player experience” and will feature Major Cole D. Walker, a rogue special ops soldier with an army of weaponized drones at his disposal. Walker is voiced by actor Jon Bernthal.
More info about Ghost Recon: Breakpoint is still being revealed, but in the meantime, the game is already available for pre-order. If you were a fan of Wildlands and know you’ll be picking up Breakpoint, here’s what we know about the available pre-order bonuses and its various editions, including the Wolves Collector’s edition. Note that this story is still being updated as more retailers open pre-orders.
Ghost Recon: Breakpoint pre-order bonuses
Pre-order Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, and you’ll receive the Sentinel Corp Pack, which includes the Hammer MK.2 vehicle, the Sentinel MK.2 heavy outfit, and the Valor assault rifle. Those who pre-order are also guaranteed beta access.
My Best Buy members will receive $10 reward credit when pre-ordering the game.
Ghost Recon: Breakpoint standard edition
The standard edition will include the base game and any applicable pre-order bonuses.
PS4:
Xbox One:
PC:
Ghost Recon: Breakpoint Steelbook Gold edition
If you decide to upgrade and get the Steelbook Gold edition, you’ll receive:
Base game with any pre-order bonuses
Three-day early access starting October 1
Year 1 Pass
Two DLC: “Deep State” and “Transcendence”
Launch mission, “Siren’s Call”
One-week early access to three new classes, released throughout the year
Special Operations Forces Pack
Quiet DMR
Covered ACH
Crye G3 combat pants
Cross Draw vest
Collectible steelbook (physical version only)
Here’s where you can pre-order the Steelbook Gold edition:
The fanciest edition of Ghost Recon: Breakpoint is the Wolves Collector’s edition, a Ubisoft Store exclusive that includes in-game bonus content and some physical collectibles. The Wolves Collector’s edition comes with the following:
Everything offered in Steelbook Ultimate edition
24 cm collectible figurine of Cole D. Walker
Exclusive steelbook metal case
Confidential file containing three lithographs
Game soundtrack
Walker’s dog tag
Waterproof map of Aurora
As usual with these types of collector’s editions, it’s very likely the Wolves Collector’s edition will sell out soon, so don’t wait to pre-order if you’re interested in owning it.
In the past, Ubisoft has received criticism for not tackling the political issues its games touch upon, and while the newly announced title Ghost Recon: Breakpoint features some heavily political topics, it seems the company’s stance remains unchanged.
Breakpoint‘s story focuses on a silicon valley genius who develops advanced AI and drones to help humanity and save American lives. The tech giant and its drone army are hijacked by a group of rogue US soldiers, and the game’s reveal stream states the drones assassinate an election candidate. Despite all this, lead developer Sebastien Le Prestre says Ubisoft isn’t trying to make any particular point.
“We’re creating a game here, we’re not trying to make political statements in our games,” he says. “We’ve rooted ourselves in reality, and you’ll get what you get out of your playthrough–everybody will get something different out of their experience. The story might make you see different situations, but we’re not trying to guide anybody or to make any sorts of statements. It’s a ‘What if?’ scenario, it’s Tom Clancy, it’s purely fictional.”
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Community developer Laura Cordrey elaborated by saying Ubisoft is “always inspired by what’s happening around us, and it’s always our goal to stay authentic … but the story does remain fictional.”
Many Ubisoft games touch on political topics, such as The Division 2‘s defence of the White House in Washington DC or Far Cry 5‘s disaffected, ostracized community and Donald Trump references. However, Ubisoft executives have previously described engaging in politics in video games as “bad for business.”
As for the new Ghost Recon game itself, check out our hands-on impressions and thoughts on why Breakpoint is both promising and concerning. It’s coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC on October 4.
During a livestream today, Ubisoft revealed Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, a new open-world entry in the shooter franchise coming this fall.
Slated for an October 4 release date, Breakpoint follows in the vein of 2017’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, with a massive world, four-player co-op, and a mix of tactical firefights and vehicle combat. Despite the similarities, though, Breakpoint may be the franchise’s biggest departure yet. I attended a Ubisoft presentation last week, and got 20 minutes of hands-on time, and if one thing is clear, it’s this: Breakpoint is, for better and worse, an attempt to answer Wildlands’ critics.
Ubisoft Paris’ previous game brought the series to its first open-world in cartel-occupied Bolivia. In doing so, it drew flak for its problematic depiction of the South American country (more on this later). Breakpoint, on the other hand, is set in Auroa, a fictional Pacific archipelago with rocky coasts, dense forests, and even a volcano. In terms of ecosystems, think small-scale New Zealand.
Auroa serves as the headquarters of a corporation focused on AI research and advanced military technology. When the company goes radio silent, you’re sent in to investigate, only to discover that one of your former teammates has taken over the islands. If you’ve played Wildlands’ recent Operation Oracle DLC, you’ll recognize the rogue agent: Cole Walker, played by Jon Bernthal of Marvel and Netflix’s The Punisher fame.
With a drone army and special ops training, Walker’s paramilitary force is a much more formidable threat than Wildlands’ cartel
Walker and his paramilitary force present a more formidable challenge than the cartel of Wildlands. In Breakpoint, you’re not the predators, but the prey. As Ubisoft told me, you’ll be continually hunted by Cole, his agents, and their newly acquired drone army. This sets the stage for a more stealth-oriented experience.
By crouching in ferns or going prone in tall grass, you can enter concealment a la modern Assassin’s Creed titles. You can even cover yourself in mud, should a nearby patrol emerge from the woods, or a group of drones pass overhead.
Based on my short demo, these mechanics allow for environmental interaction that Wildlands largely lacked. Ubisoft’s Bolivia was more than just window dressing, sure, but there was always a barrier between how we wanted to use the world and the limited ways we were actually able to use it. Breakpoint seems to recognize that. And if all goes well, it will weaken that barrier–if only just a little.
Supplementing this increased focus on tactics are character classes. Whereas Wildlands allowed for custom loadouts–you could complete most of the game with an assault rifle and grenade launcher attachment, if you chose to–Breakpoint divides perks, abilities, and weapons into specialized roles. At release, there will be four classes, with more to come in updates or expansions. What’s more, Breakpoint features shared progression across all of its modes: your character improvements will carry over from single-player to co-op, to the yet-to-be-revealed PvP mode.
For my demo, I chose the Panther, a class that emphasizes stealth and evasion. My team’s mission was to extract an injured civilian from an enemy outpost, shortly after detonating explosives we had previously planted. Following an enemy ambush, I activated the Panther’s instantaneous smokescreen ability, obscuring our retreat as the outpost went up in flames. All the while, my human teammate crouched in the woods in his ghillie suit and killed the enemy threats we couldn’t see.
Breakpoint is, for better and worse, an attempt to answer Wildlands’ critics
But the execution of this mission is only half of the story. Breakpoint puts as much emphasis–if not more–on planning and preparation. It does so with the use of bivouacs. For the less militarily inclined among us, these are essentially temporary, makeshift camps.
In Breakpoint, bivouacs are a chance to change your loadouts and pick your character class, yes, but also to check the weather forecast and choose the best time for your next mission. They’re also a place to clean and maintain your weapons. You can even zero your rifle for accuracy bonuses, or treat injuries that have been harming your max health. Oddly enough, using a bivouac reminds me of Dragon’s Dogma or State of Decay, games that encourage you to plan expeditions carefully before venturing into a dangerous world.
It’s worth noting that, owing to its focus on survival, Breakpoint’s single-player won’t include AI teammates this time around. Instead, you’ll have player-controlled drones that allow for the series’ signature Sync Shot ambushes. Ubisoft said it hopes removing AI teammates will contribute to a sense of isolation and (brace yourself) realism.
Herein lies my biggest concern with Ubisoft’s direction. In fact, it’s in the title itself: “Breakpoint.” That question of how far a combatant can go before giving up–of what needs to happen before they, in so many words, break down.
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Three times throughout Ubisoft’s presentation, I heard the word “realism” touted as a focus of the narrative. Emil Daubon, Breakpoint’s writer and military advisor, and a 14-year-member of the U.S. Army’s Green Berets, promised that he and the studio are taking pains to paint trauma, brotherhood, and mental exhaustion as accurately as they can.
Still, only two years ago, Wildlands stumbled painfully in its narrative department. Its characters were flat, its dialogue cringey, and any attempts to reference the complicated problems the Ghosts faced during or after combat were the absolute low points in an otherwise thrilling experience. At best, Wildlands’ story felt obligatory. At worst, it was a detriment to the whole game.
None of this is to mention that video games, as a medium, have a terrible track record of depicting war, trauma, and mental illness. And Breakpoint is is not the first time a studio has hired a military advisor to ensure accuracy. Far from it. Call of Duty has long employed the knowledge of veterans and active military members, and the franchise is as close to campy action-blockbusters as games can be.
Lastly, as someone with numerous familial ties to combat veterans of the American military, I’m on the periphery of post-traumatic stress disorder every day. It’s complicated and it’s pervasive. It is a sensitive subject very much worth talking about, and I’m not looking to the creators of Ghost Recon: Wildlands to depict it faithfully.
But who knows? Maybe Ubisoft Paris will change my mind. Maybe it will stick the landing, and be the next AAA developer to do this subject matter justice. I’m not betting on it, but I’m holding out hope.
Almost everything else about Breakpoint’s gameplay tweaks and design decisions suggest the studio understands where Wildlands fell short. It’s focusing less on Grand Theft Auto mayhem, and more on survival in a dangerous world. And that’s encouraging. But if Ubisoft’s writers can’t find a way to reconcile their sensitive narrative material with the game unfolding around them, Breakpoint might be an extension of Wildlands. In other words: another gem that’s at its best when you ignore anything profound it’s trying to say.
The leak was true. Ubisoft pulled back the curtain on a brand-new entry in the Ghost Recon series during today’s world premiere livestream. Titled Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, the new open-world shooter is coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC this fall, and it introduces some notable changes to the tactical shooter franchise.
Breakpoint is set in Auroa, a fictional Pacific archipelago reminiscent of New Zealand. Auroa is home to Skell Technology, a corporation specializing in AI drone tech. When communication with the company ceases, you’re sent to the archipelago to investigate. When you get there, however, you’ll find yourself not in the role of the hunter, but the hunted.
Throughout the game, you’ll encounter a paramilitary group known as the Wolves, who Ubisoft says are just as skilled on the battlefield as the Ghosts. Because of this, the game places a greater emphasis on stealth. You’ll be able to employ drones and hide the bodies of any enemies you kill. Similarly, you can avoid detection by crouching in foliage or covering yourself with mud. The game also features some survival elements; any injuries you sustain will need to be treated, and you’ll need to maintain your weapons.
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The Wolves are led by Cole D. Walker, who is portrayed by actor Jon Bernthal. Wildlands players will recognize Walker as the Ghost who was introduced in that game’s recent Operation Oracle update, which Ubisoft says serves as a prelude to Breakpoint.
In contrast with Wildlands, the perks, abilities, and weapons you’ll be able to use in Breakpoint are determined by distinct character classes. Ubisoft says there will be four of these available at launch, with additional classes following in the months after release. The company also confirmed there will be solo, co-op, and PvP modes at launch, and your progress will carry over between them.
Ghost Recon: Breakpoint launches for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on October 4. Players who pre-order the title will get access to an upcoming beta test ahead of the game’s release. We had a chance to go hands-on with Ghost Recon: Breakpoint at a demo event and thought it was both promising and concerning.
Fortnite: Battle Royale’s Season 9 didn’t come in quietly. In fact, as players who attended the Unvaulting event will attest to, it was quite an explosive transition into the new season. After jumping into the mysterious vault at the center of Loot Lake and then freeing the Tommy Gun, players were launched back into the sky above the island. There they watched as the volcano that appeared early in Season 8 erupted, destroying Tilted Towers. This was the setup for Season 9 and, now that it’s begun, we finally have a look at what’s changed–and it includes two major new named areas, Neo Tilted and Mega Mall.
Season 9 has a futuristic theme and, if you watch the trailer, you’ll know that a few new areas have appeared to support this theme. The first is Neo Tilted, which replaces the Tilted Towers of old and has a very vibrant, city of the future vibe to it. There’s neon lighting, floodlights piercing the sky with pearlescent beams, and a blimp floating about.
Neo Tilted is home to Slipstreams tunnels, which are a new type of map element. Players can leap into them and ride wind currents to quickly move around the map. Check it all out in the image below.
Another area that has appeared in the wake of the volcano’s eruption is the Mega Mall, which replaces Retail Row. The Mall looks to be a little bigger than Retail Row and, like Neo Tilted, there is a Slipstream tunnel that snakes around it. All the stores you’d expect to see in a mall are present and accounted for, there’s restaurants, toy stores, arcades, and more. Alongside the Slipstream, there are various air vents located around the Mega Mall, which are handy for getting around the larger space. Take a look at the Mega Mall in the image below.
Naturally, there are various other small tweaks to the map, but these two locations are the biggest changes. We expect players will be visiting them regularly, as Epic likes to tie new locations closely to weekly challenges. (Week 1 challenges include visiting all the sky platforms.) This season, there’s an extra set of challenges focused on finding Fortbytes, a new pickup that will reveal the secrets of the season. You can learn more about Fortbytes here.
A new Battle Pass is also available, which means there’s new unlocks to be had. If you’re not familiar with how all that works, head over to our Fortnite Season 9 Battle Pass guide, where we explain what a Battle Pass is, how you can get one, what you’ll get for having one, and more.
Fortnite players are used to have challenges and mysteries thrown their way regularly and, with the start of Season 9, Epic Games has a new way to keep players on their toes. For the new season, a collectible called Fortbytes is being introduced, and they’re the key to solving the mystery of Season 9.
When you load up the game and head to the Challenges section, you’ll now find a new entry in the events category. Here you’ll find the Fortbyte challenges, which task players with using clues to find the new, special items on the island. These items are small, glowing computer chips and, once acquired, will uncover a small piece of a larger picture. Some of these Fortbytes are also unlocked by meeting certain conditions such as earning 175,000 XP, reaching specific Battle Pass tiers, or going to certain areas. The ultimate goal is to collect all the Fortbytes from across the season and decrypt the mystery. You can find a list of Fortbyte challenges below.
Fortnite Season 9 Fortbyte Challenges
1: Awarded for gaining 175,000 XP
10: Awarded for gaining 60,000 XP
13: Found at a location hidden within loading screen number 2
25: Awarded at Battle Pass tier 40
35: Awarded for gaining 225,000 XP
36: Accessible by Sentinel on a frozen island
39: Awarded for completing six challenges from Week 2
44: Awarded at Battle Pass tier 20
46: Awarded at Battle Pass tier 100
57: Awarded by finishing top 10 in squads, duos, or solo 25 times
66: Awarded by finishing top 10 in squads, duos, or solo 75 times
71: Awarded for completing six challenges from Week 1
84: Awarded at Battle Pass tier 60
85: Awarded for gaining 30,000 XP
87: Awarded by finishing top 10 in squads, duos, or solo 50 times
90 Awarded by finishing top 10 in squads, duos, or solo 100 times
96: Awarded at Battle Pass tier 80
99: Awarded for gaining 125,000 XP
It’s important to note that Fortbytes and are exclusive to those that have spent V-Bucks on a Battle Pass. They are, effectively, another set of unique challenges that function similar to the way as the Battle Pass-exclusive weekly challenges, which means if you don’t own the Battle Pass, you won’t be able to see any of it. You can read our Fortnite Season 9 Battle Pass guide to find out how it works and what it includes.
Fortnite Season 9 brings a number of other new additions, tweaks, and changes to Epic Games’ battle royale title. You can read the full Fortnite Season 9 update patch notes to get a breakdown of it all. If you haven’t already seen it, check out the first trailer for Fortnite Season 9, as it sets up all the weird changes that have happened on the island through a short and sweet story about a couple of lads getting locked in a vault.
