But what are they up to, and are their offerings going to be enough to either go toe to toe with the PS5, or, at the very least, gather enough momentum to attempt reversing the two consoles’ fading fortunes? We’re here to help answer those questions.

Join us as we take a look at what Xbox Game Studios is cooking up for a year that’s shaping up to be just as good as the one before it on the gaming front. It’s also a big year as the Xbox turns 25, and as such, there’s going to be a lot to be excited about if you’ve been a fan over the years. Let’s get started.

The Coalition

The studio behind the Gears of War franchise is all set to take the meta-narrative it has established over the years back to its roots, bringing back Marcus and Dom to the stage for a prequel that has fans excited to learn more about the gruff soldier’s turbulent relationship with his superiors and the events that led to the Locusts rising as a threat to his world in Gears of War: E-Day.

In a look back at the year it had at 2025, which featured studio heads discussing future projects, Mike Crump (who heads The Coalition) was pretty excited to assert that E-Day is the franchise’s “most ambitious title yet”, and confirmed that it was on track to release later this year with Polish studio People Can Fly joining the studio to lend a helping hand.

We’re going to be watching out with very sharp eyes for a release date announcement, and we’re sure that those among you who love Gears of War share our enthusiasm.

Compulsion Games

The South of Midnight developer has been basking in the success of the title, expressing gratitude for its excellent reception and confirming that a new project is already in the works. It has been stated that the lessons it picked up from developing South of Midnight have allowed it to grow and mature as a studio, and that this new project is going to reflect those learnings to be a game that is made to impress.

However, the studio is likely to focus on the multiplatform release for South of Midnight over this year, and its new project is likely not going to surface in 2026.

Double Fine

The studio has been relatively silent since the release of Keeper last year, and with little to no news about its next project surfacing in the months that followed, we can only guess that the team behind a very unique game is getting some well-deserved rest while they put down ideas for their next big thing on the drawing board.

That’s not to say we may not hear from the studio over the course of the year, though, and we’re hoping for more unique ideas, given its last project was a game with no dialogue that still managed to keep us glued to our screens.

Halo Studios

It looks like Halo is taking the Gears of War route this year, with Halo Studios all set to release Halo: Campaign Evolved sometime this year for the PS5, PC, and Xbox. A remake of a timeless classic, the new game is slated to bring several improvements to the original’s gameplay loop, such as the ability to hijack vehicles, weapon zooming, a redesign for the Warthog, up to 4-player online coop and 2-player couch coop, and so much more.

The visuals are also getting a leg up with Unreal Engine 5 powering the experience. The game’s iconic multiplayer being given a pass is a bummer, though. However, getting to see the campaign in a whole new light is something we’re definitely excited about. The bonus missions that act as a prequel are another nice touch that we’re curious about.

InXile Entertainment

We’ve been looking forward to Clockwork Revolution ever since this title was announced by inXile back in 2023. With a solid look into how the game works last year, and rumors that it could be slated for release this year, which must be taken with a pinch of salt, this is definitely one to watch out for.

If you’re unfamiliar with the game, it brings a very interesting premise with some time-travel shenanigans that pits you against a manipulative antagonist and her quest to consolidate power with a customizable protagonist. It’s quite impressive, and we hope the rumors that it’s making its way to our screens later this year are true, although we’re only carefully optimistic on that front.

Mojang Studios

There’s a lot to be excited about if you’re into Minecraft, as Mojang is bringing eight new baby farm mobs to the game, replete with visual changes that make them quite adorable indeed. However, the drop is still in its testing phase, and you might have to wait a while for an official release announcement, depending on how things progress.

However, that’s still good news, and we’ll be sure to have an update for you as soon as we can confirm any changes to the status quo.

Ninja Theory

The studio behind Hellblade is reportedly working on a new title that’s focused on being more interactive and action-oriented than its past offerings while sustaining the cinematic quality that it is now known for, as per Windows Central’s Jez Corden.

While there is speculation that the new title could be Hellblade 3, it could very well be a new IP. Either way, it’s likely that 2026 might be a quiet year for Ninja Theory, but that could very well change in the coming months.

Obsidian Entertainment

There are reportedly four new projects in development, along with speculations that a remake of Fallout: New Vegas in the vein of last year’s Oblivion is likely coming this year. However, that remains currently unconfirmed, so hopefully this month’s Xbox Direct may bring news on that front.

But if you happen to miss it, fret not, since we’re definitely going to have your back on that one!

Playground Games

The long-standing staple of Xbox Game Studios is going to be front and center at the Developer_Direct event, with both Fable and Forza Horizon 6 slated to make an appearance in what is shaping up to be a big year for the studio.

With no gameplay currently available for both titles, we’re quite certain that we’ll be getting quite a close look at what each of them is bringing to the table. While Fable is poised to be a reboot of the franchise, aimed at modernizing it for a new generation of players, Forza Horizon 6 is going to take you to Japan this time around, with a map that’s touted to be the biggest one yet in the franchise and a lot to look forward to in it.

We expect a release date announcement later this month, although that could take a little longer. Both games are currently slated for a 2026 release, though.

Rare

While the cancellation of Everwild is sure to have been a blow to the Sea of Thieves developer, the appointment of Lousie O’ Connor as the Chief of Staff for Xbox Game Studios might help with dealing with that loss and the layoffs that affected the studio.

It’s looking like a quiet year that’s going to be spent figuring out a way forward for the studio; however, we’re hopeful that we at least get a hint at what it aims to do next.

Turn 10 Studios

The studio behind Forza Motorsport is going to stop updates to its flagship title in order to help Playground Games with Forza Horizon 6. While that news is bittersweet, we’re still happy that the studio has managed to survive the turbulence of last year and come out on top.

Who knows, we might even get news of a new project a little later down the line. But for now, it’s looking like a relatively quiet year for this one.

Undead Labs

We’re still waiting on news about State of Decay 3 after Undead Labs posted that very cryptic teaser ahead of the 2025 edition of Summer Games Fest. However, things have been very quiet on that front, and the studio’s layoffs from last year have us a tad worried about the title’s current status.

We’re still holding out hope, however, and would be delighted to hear some good news at Developer_Direct later this month. Fingers crossed, we’d say.

World’s Edge

The studio’s job postings from last year fuelled a lot of speculation that it was taking a more hands-on approach to Age of Empires, and that an Unreal Engine-powered new addition to the franchise was in the works. And while nothing is confirmed at this moment, that could very well change later this year.

It would make sense for the studio to bring out a new title in its flagship franchise, and you can bet that we’d be very happy to hear about it over the course of this year. Once again, we’re going to advise cautious optimism, but one can always hope, right?

And that’s a wrap on all of the big releases and potential announcements from Xbox Game Studios as it gears up for a year that’s quite the landmark for the iconic console. We can’t wait to get our hands on all of the titles that are coming our way, and hope to join you as we enjoy a year of great games from these talented studios.

During the Xbox Two Podcast with Rand al Thor 19, Corden alleges that the title, announced in 2020, was “just a concept; it’s not a game they are currently working on. It might be something they work on eventually, but Project: Mara is not a game that is currently being worked on at Ninja Theory.”

What is on the cards? Hellblade 3, apparently, and it’s reportedly going to be “a bit more interactive than Hellblade 1 and 2. They want to make it more of a game, and broaden its appeal,” said Corden. This may very well be the studio’s next project that was allegedly greenlit in May 2024 following the release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.

Project: Mara was described as an “experimental” horror title that “explores new ways of storytelling.” Featuring Melina Juergens, who plays Senua in the Hellblade series, it would have offered a “real-world and grounded representation of mental terror.”

While there’s no official confirmation on Project: Mara’s status, Ninja Theory hasn’t exactly inundated the world with details since its reveal. The last major update was in January 2021, when a developer diary confirmed that the story would unfold in a single apartment.

The speculation around that secret fourth game thus continues, but fortunately, we won’t have to wait too long to find out. The Xbox Developer_Direct ’26 airs on January 22nd at 10 AM PST, and features the likes of Fable, Forza Horizon 6 and Beast of Reincarnation.

Retailing for $29.99, it’s also a free upgrade for those who own the PS4 version. Best of all, it includes all the enhancements from the Xbox Series X/S version, including modes with ray tracing and 120 frames per second. It also supports the PS5 Pro and the DualSense’s Haptic Feedback.

Check out our review of the original here for more details. You can also read our thoughts on the PS5 version of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Alongside support for the console (and PS5 Pro), its release coincides with the Enhanced update, which adds a 60 FPS mode, the Dark Rot Challenge, new Photo Mode features and over four hours of commentary from the cast and development team.

Senua returns as the protagonist, venturing into Iceland to save her people from the Northmen. Combat is similar to the first game, featuring hack-and-slash gameplay and intermittent puzzles as Senua must contend with the Furies, voices manifesting from her psychosis.

Alongside the PS5 release, a brand new Enhanced update is available for all platforms. It adds a Performance Mode for consoles, finally enabling 60 FPS gameplay, and the new Dark Rot Challenge, where death causes the Rot to spread through Senua. The game ultimately ends with all progress wiped out if it reaches her head.

Fans can also look forward to more than four hours of behind-the-scenes commentary, new Photo Mode settings, and much more. Check out our review, where we gave it an eight out of ten.

Fans can expect support for Adaptive Feedback, Haptic Triggers and Dolby Atmos as a result. However, even more intriguing is how the team handled PlayStation 5 Pro support. Hellblade 2 is built on Unreal Engine 5, but the version it shipped on wasn’t PS5 Pro “aware.” As a result, Ninja Theory ported features from later versions, implementing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution and Variable Rate Shading.

Of course, Xbox Series X/S and PC players have something to look forward to with the Enhanced update. It adds Performance Mode for Series X, delivering 60 FPS gameplay and a “Very High” preset for even greater visual fidelity on PC. There’s also a new challenge mode, Dark Rot, which pays homage to the premise of Senua’s Sacrifice.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 launches on August 12th for PS5. Check out our review here for more details.

The sequel to 2017’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice may not drastically alter the gameplay loop that Ninja Theory set up in the franchise’s debut, but makes up for that lack of new mechanics by plunging players into a story that serves as a worthy continuation of the harrowed heroines adventures, giving Senua a conclusion to her tale that validates all the pain and suffering she underwent to get there.

"It also helps that the newly introduced Performance Mode maintained a buttery smooth 60fps for the whole adventure with no stutters, crashes,or dropped frames at any point."

The shores of Iceland are an excellent stage for the cinematic experience that Ninja Theory has crafted as a labor of love, while the new Performance Mode on the PS5 does wonders for how players are able to witness its grand set pieces. However, I truly believe that Senua’s Saga is a game that could have balanced those set pieces with a more engaging gameplay loop to truly let it shine.

With that being said, you must be wondering if the new Enhanced Edition is worth your time – and money. Let’s find out.

From the very beginning of Senua’s latest adventure, the game’s new setting boasts of a visual splendor the likes of which I have only seen in Death Stranding 2. There is a frankly astounding level of detail on offer within the letterboxed presentation of Senua’s attempts to earn redemption after her acceptance of her fragile mental state in the previous game.

The lands she explores are filled with evidence of a conflict that has wrought untold havoc on the environment and its people. The dead are ever-present, serving to balance the ethereal beauty of these islands with the fact that there are forces in them that continue to bring sinister, malevolent consequences due to their actions.

Senua’s own psychosis only serves to exacerbate that contrast, and you never know when her mind is about to throw a curveball at you, the player. I once stopped to take in a particularly beautiful view only to find that Senua’s inner demons soon took control of her eyes, and the camera, plunging my surroundings into a darkness that was almost suffocating to behold.

That moment, along with every other one in the game, was made all the more real thanks to brilliantly designed character models that were very effective at conveying the desperation, panic, and sometimes sheer terror of each character depending on the situation at hand. Every emotion that a character was feeling during this adventure was evident in the weariness in their eyes or the furrows in their brows. It’s a level of realism that had me spellbound, a fact made all the more satisfying thanks to this being my first time playing the game since its release.

It also helps that the newly introduced Performance Mode maintained a buttery smooth 60fps for the whole adventure with no stutters, crashes,or dropped frames at any point. As far as visuals go, Hellblade II is a benchmark, and I truly hope that more studios aim to craft experiences that are this immersive.

The newly introduced Photo Mode is sure to find many takers, considering the breathtaking visual quality on offer in Iceland’s desolate shores.

"Credit must also be given to Steven Hartley for his sinister portrayal of The Shadow."

Complementing the incredible graphics on offer, the game’s audio design and voice acting were another highlight of the experience. I would go as far as to say that this is the best cast of voice actors I’ve seen in a video game since my time with Baldur’s Gate 3.

Melina Jürgens’ portrayal of Senua is spot-on, effectively conveying her fears and insecurities while managing to convey her determination to see her quest through. In moments of terror, her gasps, screams, and labored breathing make the tension so palpable you feel like you could reach out and touch it.

Abby Greenland and Helen Golan are equally brilliant, returning to their roles as the Furies and just knocking it out of the park. They flit between suspicion, scorn, disdain, curiosity, measured optimism, and pure terror with reckless abandon, making their inner monologue in Senua’s head a reflection of the world she sees around her. They play the role of echoes of Senua’s self-doubt with aplomb, elevating the entire experience as a result.

Credit must also be given to Steven Hartley for his sinister portrayal of The Shadow. He is ominous and sinister, his guttural declarations of her ineptitude serving as a humbling reminder of how her acceptance of her flaws is simply not enough to ensure that he properly heals from the trauma he inflicted on her.

While playing the game on a home theater was quite immersive, I must say that Ninja Theory’s insistence on playing this game with a good set of headphones is definitely the way to experience this adventure. I was able to get a solid audio loop through a pair of wireless earbuds hooked up to my TV, and the difference was evident.

Every other character in the game sells the material they were given to work with, conveying a distinct personality to the NPCs that Senua meets along her journey.

And what a journey it is! If you’re already familiar with the game’s story, you know that it is an excellent take on how one’s trauma could either serve to inspire them to a better path or drown them entirely in their perceived sorrows.

If, like me, this is going to be your first time with Senua on the PS5, know that this is an experience that no other game comes close to matching. Ninja Theory must be commended for its sensitive yet bold approach to presenting Senua’s hallucinations and psychosis. There were several points in the story where I put down my controller to reflect on what had just unfolded on screen, lost in somber reflections on the complex themes that this tale tackles with style and substance.

The stories of the people Senua encounters, as well as some of the antagonists she must defeat, are deeply rooted in poignant histories, their actions being a response to events that left them feeling devoid of hope and powerless to avoid the dark paths that they were forced to take.

"The game’s combat is so absurdly easy that it almost negates the newly introduced Dark Rot Mode."

Hellblade II’s Nordic inspirations serve as the perfect material to ground this narrative, allowing Ninja Theory to present Senua’s inner conflict as a lens through which we, as players, live through all of the pain she must endure in her quest to end the oppression of the Northmen once and for all.

The story on offer in Senua’s Saga works well with its visuals and stellar cast of actors, and is certainly among its strongest points. However, playing through it means engaging with the game’s most glaring weakness.

That brings me to an aspect of this experience that I’m almost sad to call disappointing. The core gameplay loop on offer simply does not do enough to be exciting in comparison to everything else on offer.

You spend a lot of time guiding Senua from one location to the next, solving fairly simple puzzles to clear obstacles in her path. They do not pose any sort of challenge, simply requiring the intelligent use of the returning Focus mechanic, or perhaps lighting a few torches to dispel pesky shadows blocking the way.

When Senua is beset by enemies hell-bent on bringing her adventure to a premature end, all she needs to do is dodge their attacks, waiting for the right moment to initiate a parry that throws them off balance, eventually using Focus to slow the action down and deal a flurry of strikes before ending things with a finishing blow.

While I do understand Ninja Theory’s aim to present combat as part of a seamless experience, it’s truly baffling to see the action in an action-adventure title fall so flat. There is no variety to enemy types and their attacks, with slightly altered animations requiring you to adjust the timing of your parry to gain the upper hand.

It’s a combat loop that’s so simple, my first real death came at the hands of a particularly memorable monster that incorporated fire into its repertoire of skills, and a poorly timed evade that had me on the backfoot for the rest of the fight since my reflexes failed to keep up with the action. However, my next attempt against that enemy saw Senua swat aside its attempts to hurt her with ease, plunging her sword into its gut almost disdainfully.

The game’s combat is so absurdly easy that it almost negates the newly introduced Dark Rot Mode, a returning feature from the first game, entirely. For those among you who don’t know what that is, think of it as the game’s version of New Game Plus where Senua is touched by Hel’s darkness. It’s a curse that spreads its effects every time she falls in battle. Die enough and you lose all of your progress and will have to begin your adventure anew.

"There’s a lot to love in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Edition."

Since that mechanic is designed around dying frequently, its presence in the Enhanced Edition only serves as a reminder to just be more cautious in a fight and master your parry timings. It could have been a lot better if Ninja Theory had tightened up evade and parry windows, adding some real stakes to the equation in order to make dying more impactful with Dark Rot Mode active, but it is what it is.

The gameplay loop could have been a whole lot better, with complex puzzles and a more challenging combat loop being sorely missed in an otherwise stellar experience.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is the second instalment in a franchise that takes a very nuanced approach to its depictions of trauma and mental illness, packaged within an action adventure that has kept many players on their toes since it launched in 2024 for the Xbox Series X|S and PCs.

The PS5 version is slated to bring a host of improvements to the table, switching things up by bringing what Ninja Theory is rightly calling an Enhanced Edition of the game to the console.

Senua’s adventures since the original game’s release have become something of a legend while the sequel’s excellent art direction and cinematic presentation have elevated the experience that Ninja Theory offers its players, making Senua’s Saga a game in which the shores of Iceland are the stage for a story of redemption, revenge, and acceptance of one’s own limitations in desperate situations.

It’s the perfect option for players looking for novel experiences and is one that has already achieved critical and commercial acclaim on other platforms. It’s time to take a look at what the PS5 version is set to offer and dive into what makes this one a tale for the ages.

15. Multiple Editions to Choose From

With preorders already available at the time of writing, there are currently two versions of the game to choose from. The standard edition is priced at $49.99 and comes with the PS5 enhanced version of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. While it does include all of the new additions that Ninja Theory is bringing to the table, newcomers to the franchise might want to make the most of what the Deluxe Edition offers.

That’s because it justifies its $69.99 price tag by including a PS5-enhanced copy of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, the adventure that started it all, and one that is well worth experiencing alongside its sequel. It also comes with the original game’s excellent soundtrack for those of you who are interested.

While the sequel does include a recap of events in the first game, playing the two titles together is a great way to experience it in its entirety with some current-gen goodness thrown into the mix.

14. A Free Upgrade for Senua’s Sacrifice PS4 Owners

If you were quick enough to bag a copy of Senua’s Sacrifice back in August 2017 for the PS4 during its limited release on the last-gen console, there’s good news for you. You could very well save some cash and pick up the sequel’s Standard Edition since you get a free PS5 upgrade for your copy of the first game.

However, it’s worth mentioning that for those of you who do not own the PS4 version of Senua’s Sacrifice, the Deluxe Edition of Senua’s Saga is the only way you can own both games at once.

13. Senua’s Story Continues

Senua’s story from the first game continues almost immediately after its conclusion in Senua’s Saga, with the embattled heroine taking the fight to the Northmen who continue to attack her people. Although her plan to infiltrate their ranks is soon thrown into chaos, her determination to see things through with only the voices in her head for company as she explores Iceland is both poignant and riveting.

Expect a lot of twists and turns, along with some excellent world-building and lore drops that further flesh out her character and those whom she encounters along the way.

12. An All-New Performance Mode

The game’s action as well as the adventure are sure to benefit from an all-new Performance mode that allows you to experience it at a smooth 60fps framerate, an omission from the original release build that left quite a few players dissatisfied.

While the game’s stunning graphics did a good job of alleviating those annoyances, this new and improved version is set to be the definitive way to experience Senua’s latest tangle with fate. You could always choose its Normal/Quality mode to make the most of its incredible visuals if that’s more to your liking.

11. PS5 Pro Enhancements

PS5 Pro owners will be thrilled to know that the game is PS5 Pro Enhanced, although Ninja Theory hasn’t been too forthcoming with the details of what those enhancements would entail.

However, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to expect a Balanced Mode that allows the enhanced visuals of the new version to run at an improved framerate at the very least. Either way, those enhancements are sure to work well with the next entry on our list, whatever they are.

10. An Immersive, Cinematic Experience

The graphical overhaul that Senua’s Saga is bringing to the table will be an excellent addition to what was already a very immersive, visually splendid title. There’s a reason that Senua’s Saga was featured on our list of the best next-gen graphics out there, with its opening sequence making it quite evident that it is a game that pushes the boundary of what modern gaming hardware can achieve in terms of presentation.

Ninja Theory’s cinematic experience is sure to be even better with improved framerates and graphical enhancements, and is probably going to be a reason for many players starting up a new playthrough next month.

9. Developer Commentary

For players who like a peek behind the curtain on their favorite games, Senua’s Saga is adding more than 4 hours of developer commentary to the game. It’s a great way to know more about how Ninja Theory managed to pull off one of the best experiences in modern gaming, offering up a window into the studio’s creative choices and impactful decisions during its development.

We’re certainly going to check it out and try to guess which of those lessons the studio could potentially bring to its future titles.

8. A More Fluid Combat System

Speaking of impactful decisions, Ninja Theory has given the combat system from Senua’s Sacrifice a solid overhaul, creating a more focused, fluid gameplay loop this time around.

Senua’s foes tend to favor a one-on-one approach and the Furies once again return as voices in her head, guiding your actions in the field while the camera now gets in close and personal, just like her enemies.

The ability to slow time, which you acquire around halfway through the previous title, is at your disposal almost from the get-go and requires you to be pragmatic in its use, considering the utility it brings to the game’s combat loop in its latest outing.

7. Dualsense Haptic Feedback

In another improvement to the overall experience, Senua’s Saga is all set to make good use of the DualSense’s advanced haptics. That’s sure to be a great addition to the experience, considering the many opportunities that Ninja Theory has at its disposal as far as bringing your controller to life in your hands is concerned.

We’re guessing that every swing of your blade, every block, every parry, and every surface you travel across could come with a distinct feel, improving the immersion on a title that is already quite strong on that front!

6. The Dark Rot Mode From Senua’s Sacrifice Returns

For those of you that enjoyed the punishing Dark Rot Mode from Senua’s Sacrifice, it is making its way to the new game. It adds a sort of curse to Senua, making her adventure all the more dangerous since it grows each time you are downed in battle, and can bring her adventure to a premature end once it goes far enough.

This means that you have to take the game’s new combat loop all the more seriously, mastering your moves while being as vigilant as you can against enemy attacks lest you’re sent packing right back to the beginning of your adventure.

5. A Dynamic Weather System

Restarting your adventure after the Dark Rot might not be too bad, though. The PS5’s enhanced version of Senua’s Saga is sure to make an excellent weather system from the base game even better.

That’s definitely great news considering how the night’s inky blacks form an atmosphere so oppressive that it becomes a crucial part of the experience, while rolling plains and desolate villages make Senua’s trek through this new world all the more visually enthralling.

4. Photo Mode

The dynamic weather and Ninja Theory’s well-designed world in Senua’s Saga could be a great opportunity to stop and take in the sights, and perhaps even document some of your best moments with a new and improved photo mode making its way to the game’s latest avatar.

A new and improved toolset is primed to ensure that each shot carries its weight while the addition of a new Motion tab is sure to make grabbing clips of your best battles seamless and intuitive. We can’t wait to get snapping!

3. Bring Your Best Headphones Along

If you didn’t already know, both Senua titles come with a very impressive audio design that forms a key part of the gameplay loop they offer. The PS5 version of the game is no exception, and you will want to use your best set of headphones in order to make the most of the Furies’ guidance as you explore the world or take on new enemies.

That’s because dodging and parrying attacks is based on their voices in Senua’s head, which you hear as part of a well-implemented audio system that makes the most of a good spatial audio setup. It’s quite immersive and a fascinating way to bring Senua’s mental state right into the game’s DNA.

2. A Suite of Accessibility Options

It’s clear that Ninja Theory wants to make its painstakingly crafted masterpiece playable to as wide an audience as possible. To that end, Senua’s Saga comes with a wide range of accessibility options, allowing you to tweak the experience to your liking.

From four difficulty modes to other tweaks that allow you to set button mash inputs to hold, and even automate offensive and defensive actions for those who want to sit back and let the experience unfold in front of them, there’s a lot to unpack in the game’s menus, and is well worth checking out before you get started.

1. A Gruelling Adventure

For those of you wondering how long it takes to complete the game’s story, Senua’s Saga could be wrapped up in about 7 hours if you ignore its side content like collectibles for the most part. However, considering how well-integrated that content is, you could look at anything between 10-12 hours of total playtime based on your chosen difficulty settings and the time it takes you to figure out some of its more complex puzzles.

It’s the perfect game to take on during a slow weekend and power through once you come to grips with its mechanics.

And that’s everything you need to know about this action-adventure title that blends style and substance into an innovative package. Are you going to be picking up a copy for your PS5? Let us know in the comments below!

PC players get a new “Very High” graphical preset, and the title will also be verified for the Steam Deck. In terms of gameplay, Ninja Theory is bringing back The Dark Rot from Senua’s Sacrifice. Whenever Senua falls, the Rot spreads her body, and if it reaches her head, the game is over. Your progress is also effectively gone, making this a powerful hardcore-style challenge.

Photo Mode is also getting enhancements, including a Motion tab for video capture and improvements to “a multitude of settings.” There will also be over four hours of commentary from the cast, development team and more.

Stay tuned for more details when the update drops. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is available for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Check out our review here.

Pre-orders are now available on the PlayStation Store, with the Standard Edition retailing for $49.99. Those who purchase the Deluxe Edition for $69.99 will also receive the PS5 version of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice with improved visuals. It’s unknown whether this is the same enhanced version exclusive to Xbox Series X/S since August 2021, which includes ray tracing and new graphics modes.

Of course, if you own the PS4 version of the original, you can upgrade to the enhanced version for free. Deluxe Edition owners will also receive the original soundtrack for Senua’s Sacrifice.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is currently available for Xbox Series X/S and PC. It follows Senua as she ventures on a quest to Iceland to save her people from the brutal Northmen. Check out our review here.

No official announcement has been made as of yet, and even Limited Run Games’ official website doesn’t yet list Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 as one of its upcoming releases. The links provided on the ESRB page also don’t have any mention of physical editions of the game. Rather, the links are simply search entries on the appropriate storefront, which currently only seem to have codes for the digital version of the game for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.

Interestingly, the ESRB website also has a new listing for the original Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, once again being published by Limited Run Games, but this time around for the Nintendo Switch.

Limited Run Games is known for partnering up with various game developers and publishers to release lavish physical releases. While these sometimes only feature a disc with the game, other times, there also tend to be physical goodies involved, like maps, art books, posters, and soundtrack CDs.

A PS5 release for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 was officially announced just last week after several rumours. The upcoming release will include new features that will also be brought in to the PC and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game with a free update. The title will also make use of some PS5-exclusive features, including haptic feedback through the DualSense controller, as well as visual enhancements for the PS5 Pro.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 was originally released for PC and PS5 back in May 2024. The game puts players in the shoes of the eponymous Senua as she embarks on a quest to free her people in ninth-century Iceland. Shortly after its initial release, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 got a trailer showcasing all of the accolades it had gotten from the press.

Ninja Theory studio head Dom Matthews had revealed last year that development on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 hadn’t begun until the studio was done with working on its multiplayer title Bleeding Edge. This was despite the title having gotten its official announcement all the way back in 2019.

“It’s been seven years since the last [Hellblade] game, but we’ve been working on it [Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2] for less time than that,” said Matthews. “When we announced it in 2019, we had that trailer, but that was really all we had on the game. Things weren’t developed beyond that point.”

“We pushed to do that,” Matthews explained when asked how it felt to have the game announced alongside the console. “We were excited about the creative idea that we had around that.”

For more details about Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, check out our review from back when it first came out last year.