XBOX Wire

Five Ways to Build a Better Used-Car Business in Used Cars Simulator

john sherwood, 3rd Party Product Specialist — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Summary

Out Now on Xbox Series X|S.
Inspect, negotiate, repair, customize, resell.
Five tips for smarter deals, exploration, and bringing the chaos.

Buying a cheap car is easy. Figuring out whether it is actually a good deal takes a little more work.

In Used Cars Simulator, every vehicle can be an opportunity – or a collection of dents, missing parts, and unexpected expenses waiting to eat into your profit. Growing your business means learning which cars are worth your money, what needs fixing, and when it is better to walk away.

And that is only the business side. Outside the shed, there are quests to complete, places to explore, physics to experiment with, and a few considerably less respectable ways to acquire your next vehicle.

Whether you plan to become a careful car trader or embrace the unpredictable side of the sandbox, these five tips can help you get started.

1. Inspect First, Then Plan the Repair

The most important part of a profitable flip happens before the car belongs to you.

Take the time to check its condition, look for the damages and missing parts, and think about how much work it will take before the vehicle is ready to sell again. A low asking price does not automatically make something a bargain. The cheaper car may end up becoming the more expensive project once you start ordering parts and fixing everything you missed.

And do not forget to negotiate. Money saved before the car reaches your shed gives you more room for profit when it leaves.

Once you have made the deal, resist the temptation to immediately reach for the paint. Start with the problems that actually need attention. Fix dents, replace missing parts, and get the vehicle back into good shape before focusing on washing, repainting, and customization.

A freshly restored car can look dramatically different from the wreck you started with, but remember that you are still running a business. The goal is not necessarily to make every car perfect – it is to make smart improvements that help turn your purchase into a profitable sale.

2. Keep Your Money Moving

You begin with limited money and an old shed, so every early purchase matters.

A useful rhythm to keep in mind is simple: find a deal, buy the car, repair it, sell it, and reinvest the money.

It can be easy to become attached to a vehicle after replacing its parts, fixing every dent, and giving it a fresh coat of paint. But selling successful projects is what gives you the freedom to look for better cars and continue growing your business.

3. Leave the Shed Once in a While

Your business may revolve around cars, but there is plenty happening beyond the workshop.

Drive around the different locations, meet characters, complete quests, and explore the surrounding world. If you want a change of pace, you can even head into the desert with a metal detector and see what you uncover. Exploring gives you a reason to step away from the repair loop and discover other activities and opportunities along the way. If you have spent the last hour staring at dents and replacement parts, going out from the shed for a while might be exactly what you need.

4. Remember That Cars are Also Physics Toys

You can carefully restore your cars.

You can also jump them.

The physics-driven sandbox lets you drift around corners, hit jumps, experiment with vehicles, and chase scores on the leaderboards. There is only one small problem: the beautifully repaired car you just finished preparing for sale may not be the ideal choice for testing how far you can launch something from a ramp. If profit is your priority, it might be wise to keep your business inventory separate from your physics experiments. Your repair budget will probably appreciate it.

5. Decide How Much Chaos Your Business Can Handle

Negotiating with an owner is not the only way to get your hands on a car. Some methods are considerably less respectable.

Illegal activities and police interactions are part of Used Cars Simulator, which means a shortcut to your next vehicle can quickly become an attempt to escape the cops. You can build your business around careful inspections, good negotiations, and properly restored cars. Or you can discover what happens when one of the vehicles in your inventory still has an owner who would very much like it back.

But you also do not have to spend every minute maximizing your profit.

One session might be all about finding a damaged car, negotiating a good price, repairing it, cleaning it, and putting it up for sale. The next might involve exploring the abandoned city, searching the desert, completing quests, drifting for leaderboard scores, or finding out how quickly one questionable decision can attract police attention.

Whether your next project is a cheap used car, a wreck that needs serious work, or a vehicle whose previous owner would probably like it back, the fundamentals stay the same: inspect carefully, spend wisely, repair with a purpose, and know when it is time to sell. What happens between those steps is up to you.

Used Cars Simulator

PlayWay S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99 $15.99

Pre-order

Welcome to the world of trading used (or stolen) cars! Got little money and nothing to lose? We were waiting for you! In Used Cars Simulator, you’ll fix up cars, put them up for sale, grow your business in an old shed, drive around an abandoned city, drink beer, and wander the desert with a metal detector. And it all starts when you meet a beautiful woman in a red dress at your favorite bar… Are you in? Find a good offer: In Used Cars Simulator, you'll learn how to make money by trading cars. First, find a good deal. Check the car’s condition, negotiate the price, and if everything looks good – just buy it. Fix the car: Fix the dents, order and install missing parts, wash the car, repaint it, and put it up for sale. If it wasn’t yours, you’d probably want to buy it yourself! Be bad: In Used Cars Simulator, there are many ways to get cars. Are they all legal? Sure – as long as the cops don’t catch you.

The post Five Ways to Build a Better Used-Car Business in Used Cars Simulator appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Gears of War: E-Day x Liquid Death – Unlock a Legendary Pose and More

Joe Skrebels, XBOX Wire Editor-in-Chief — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Gears of War: E-Day launches with a collab that puts a Legendary pose in your hands. We’re teaming up with Liquid Death from September 25 through November 30, bringing an in-game reward, a limited-edition merch drop, and a new way to gear up for Emergence Day.

Unlock Chainsaw Flex

Pick up Liquid Death Energy at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Instacart, or Kroger and you can unlock an in-game content pack for Gears of War: E-Day, headlined by Chainsaw Flex — a Legendary animated pose you can equip on any playable character. Nothing says “I’m fine, everything’s fine” on Emergence Day quite like flexing with a Chainsaw.

Liquid Death Energy is an easy-drinking energy drink with just 5 calories, zero sugar, and 100mg of unextreme caffeine.

The pack also includes a Liquid Death–branded in-game banner, emblem, and icon.

To claim it, head to liquiddeath.com/freechainsaws, connect your retailer account through the digital reward landing page, then purchase Liquid Death Energy through that retailer online or in store. Offer runs in the U.S. only from September 25 – November 30, 2026.

A Pint Glass With Teeth

Additionally, at 12pm PT today, the limited-edition Liquid Death x Gears of War: E-Day chainsaw pint glass drops for $25 at the Liquid Death Merch Store. Limited edition means limited edition. Move accordingly.

Gears of War: E-Day Pre-Order

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Emergence Begins Pre-order Gears of War: E-Day, get an XBOX gift card and unlock the Exfil Dom Character Skin and the Exfil Weapon Skin Set in-game at launch.* more details here https://aka.ms/Gears26 Experience the horror and brutality of Emergence Day. Fourteen years before the original Gears of War, join Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago in a gripping origin-story campaign as the Locust Horde first erupt from below, igniting a desperate fight for survival. Rally your squad and fight on in multiplayer with a reimagination of Gears’ iconic PvE mode, Horde Siege, or go head-to-head with a refined Versus PvP.* Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, Gears of War: E-Day delivers the most immersive Gears yet. The Story of E-Day Fight through the chaos of Emergence Day in a gripping origin story campaign. Battle alone, side by side in two-player split-screen, or rally up to four players online across Campaign, Horde Siege, and Versus.* Horde Siege PvE – Back and Bigger Than Ever Survive a city under siege in an evolved take on Gears’ iconic co-op wave survival mode built for larger maps, more players, and bigger battles. Choose your class – Assault, Marksman, Medic, or Breacher – then drop in as a 4-player squad to fight back the Locust. Team up with multiple squads to conquer shared objectives and take down world bosses. Survive to earn rewards, unlock customization and improve your loadout for the next match. Versus Returns – Refined and Focused PvP Battle across all-new maps and refined fan-favorite 4v4 modes. Choose your level of competition. Lock in and climb the ranks in Ranked or jump into Social playlists for a more relaxed match. Modernized controls and movement make combat feel more fluid while retaining Gears’ signature cover-based feel. Jump, vault, slide, and flank with intent. A Terrifying Threat from Below A darker, grittier tone and reimagined enemies restore fear and dread to the series. Atmosphere and detail are pushed further than ever. The world feels more grounded, believable, and dangerous. Familiar enemies are more threatening, joined by all-new creatures and villains that reestablish a true sense of horror. Feels Like Gears. Plays Like New. Iconic cover‑based combat returns, enhanced with modernized movement and traversal that add freedom and verticality. Fan‑favorite weapons return and are reimagined, alongside all‑new weapons built for brutal, close‑quarters combat. Rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 A new technical foundation for Gears. Built for modern performance with 4K resolution and up to 60FPS across Campaign and Multiplayer.* *Important Information Pre-Order Offer: valid with pre-orders made before October 6, 2026 (7:59 am PT). At participating retailers while supplies last. Pre-order benefits may require redemption of a single-use code. Consult your retailer for details. Limit: 1 offer per person/account. Online Multiplayer: Online campaign co-op, Horde Siege, Versus and other multiplayer features require a Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer, sold separately. 2-Player Split-Screen: is available for console only. 4K and 60FPS: require a compatible display. Game requires initial download. May require future updates (additional storage may be required). All downloads and updates require significant storage and broadband internet connection (ISP fees apply). You must accept the Microsoft Services Agreement (microsoft.com/msa). May require additional hardware and subscriptions. Content, features, services, online play (if applicable), and support not available in all regions (xbox.com/regions) and may vary, change, or terminate. Microsoft Account required. WARNING: Some people may experience a seizure when exposed to flashing lights or patterns in video games. (xbox.com/healthandsafety).

The post Gears of War: E-Day x Liquid Death – Unlock a Legendary Pose and More appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Celebrate Delta Force’s 2nd Anniversary With New Ways to Play, Exclusive Rewards, and More

Will Fulton, XBOX Wire Editor — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Summary

Season Reorientation is live now on XBOX Series X|S, with Delta Force‘s second-anniversary celebration beginning September 26.
Game Director Shadow Guo shares how two years of player feedback shaped the new season, from a smoother path into each match to more ways to play across Operations and Warfare.
The second anniversary brings new rewards and the next chapter of Delta Force esports, including RISE Series Season 2 and the Delta Force Invitational at DreamHack Stockholm.

Has It Really Been Two Years?

An anniversary is a great checkpoint for a live game. It is a reason to celebrate, and a chance to look at how far the game has moved from the version first placed in players’ hands.

Delta Force began on PC, expanded to mobile a few months later, and arrived on XBOX Series X|S a little over a year ago. Each platform brought in new players, different habits, and a fresh set of expectations. Their feedback has continued to change how we build the game.

“Two years went faster than we expected,” Game Director Shadow Guo says. “At the beginning, our focus was simple: make a good shooter. Then players came in and played it in ways we had not planned for. They showed us where the game was strong, and where it was asking too much from them.”

That last point comes up throughout our conversation. Depth matters to Delta Force, especially in Operations, where learning how to prepare, move, fight, and extract is part of the experience. Players also need a clearer way to learn that depth. Friction at the start affects new players, experienced Operators returning after time away, and anyone trying to bring a friend into their squad.

The community has made those problems easier to see. Guides, forum posts, videos, and match data show the team something different about what players value and where the experience gets in their way. “Good feedback tells us what players want to keep,” Shadow says. “Critical feedback tells us where to look next. We read both, and we are especially hungry for critical feedback.”

Reorientation Starts Before You Deploy

Season Reorientation is the result of that process. Its various QoL changes share one practical goal: reduce the work around each match and give that time back to players. Shadow explains the season by tracing the path into an ordinary Operations run. That path begins well before anyone sets foot on a map.

“We looked at the whole process,” he says. “Where are the players waiting? Where do new players get lost? What are experienced players repeating every time? Each one looks like a small problem, but together they take too much time away from playing.”

The first point is matchmaking. Operations can now form matches across regions, designed to improve matchmaking efficiency while accounting for latency. “The team will watch how it performs, and what players say. We are also considering the same capability for Warfare and other modes,” adds Shadow.

Then comes the loadout screen. One-click loadout prepares a recommended setup for the map ahead, using the player’s stash first and purchasing what is missing. If Tekniq Alloy runs short, the new Combat Support Fund can cover part of the difference within a set limit. Shadow describes the value in simple terms: “The important part is the time you get back. You can spend less time comparing attachments between every run.”

The same thinking shaped the new-player experience. A redesigned tutorial gives new Operators a clearer start, while the G.T.I. Field Manual keeps essential information inside the game and easy to revisit. These changes help players through their first match and make it easier for an existing player to bring a friend along.

More Than One Pace in Operations

Once players deploy, Shadow describes Reorientation through a different idea: pace. A run can hold pressure, recovery, exploration, and sudden escalation without asking players to stay at the same intensity for every minute. Layali Grove 2.0 shows the quieter side of that idea. The map extends farther along its river with new places to explore, while fishing gives squads a reason to pause between firefights. It has its own progression and map-specific catches, which can be displayed in the Collection Room aquarium. The river also becomes part of the action through a two-player jet ski and the new Breaking Wave bounty mission, which puts squads on an assault boat.

“We heard the questions about adding fishing to an extraction mode,” Shadow notes. “It is a bit like lemon cheesecake. The cheesecake is still the main part. The lemon gives it some balance. Operations still has its tension, and fishing gives players a short break from it.”

Polaris Patrol takes that range in a more intense direction. The play-as-a-boss experience returns with one side taking the role of Security Director Desmoulins, who is linked to the armed vehicle Requin and backed by the specialized Polaris Squad. “When players took on the role of Saeed last time, we received a lot of feedback,” Shadow says, “from which, we learned that the balance was the part we needed to improve.” The encounter has been reworked to give every side a fairer chance, with richer rewards including the DESMY–REQUIN MODEL — the game’s first craftable collectible — and Serenity, a new Legendary appearance for the M700.

Rover and Clover bring another option to squads. Rover can incapacitate an enemy or help an injured teammate recover with his Dart Rifle, while Clover searches the area and tracks nearby threats. “Rover and Clover can create a rescue window, or help keep the squad from needing one,” Shadow says. “And more importantly, you can pet Clover!”

The Mog Brings Black Hawk Down to Warfare

When our conversation turns to Warfare, the season’s focus on pace becomes movement on a much larger scale. Inspired by the setting of Black Hawk Down, The Mog follows a defecting Skynet engineer caught between G.T.I. and Haavk. The search draws both sides into close-quarters and mid-range combat across dense urban ground. At the center of the map is a new convoy escort experience.

G.T.I. must move the convoy through a series of checkpoints while Haavk tries to stop it. Enough damage brings the vehicle to a halt, forcing the attacking side to repair it under fire and giving defenders a clear moment to counterattack. “The combat revolves around the convoy,” Shadow says. “You have to fight for every inch.”

That makes each stretch of road a new contest over position, timing, and the condition of the convoy itself. The battle can also draw a Black Hawk squadron into the air above the map. Players can deploy directly onto a helicopter, operate weapons from different positions, or take a repair role to keep it flying.

Two Years, Built With the Community

As our conversation turns to the second anniversary, I ask Shadow what his take on the relationship between the game and its community is. “Players have stayed with us, challenged us, and helped us see the game more clearly,” he says, “so both myself and the team would like to thank them.”

The second-anniversary celebration, beginning September 26, is one way the team is doing that. Daily tasks offer up to 3,900 limited-time Delta Tickets, while Golden State — a Legendary appearance for the AUG — arrives alongside a second-anniversary Charm and Badge. Secret Haavk airdrops add one more prize to chase: Absolute Cinema, a limited Red collectible inspired by one of Delta Force community’s favorite memes.

The same community is also pushing Delta Force competition forward. RISE Series Season 1 brought teams together across EMEA and the Americas for five weeks of play, ending with regional titles for Dark Entities and Evil Geniuses. Season 2 is already underway, and the top two teams from each region will advance to the Delta Force Invitational at DreamHack Stockholm, taking place November 27–29.

“We will keep reading, keep listening, and keep building the game with players,” he concludes.

Season Reorientation is live now in Delta Force, free to play on XBOX Series X|S.

Delta Force

TiMi Studio Group

☆☆☆☆☆ 4548

★★★★★

Get it now

Delta Force is back! The iconic series returns as the definitive free-to-play modern team-based tactical shooter, and featuring three distinct gameplay modes: – Warfare: battle the enemy across land, sea and air in truly epic 32 v 32 PvP combat, featuring a wide range of vehicles and unique tactical gear. – Operations: Delta Force meets the next generation extraction shooter as you deploy behind enemy lines with your squad, search for valuables, take on rival players, and extract before it’s too late. Alternatively, our PvE Raid mode offers challenging objective-based missions designed to push your squad to the limit. – Black Hawk Down: step into the boots of legendary Delta Force operators for this remake of the classic series campaign based on the gripping 2001 movie. We are committed to NO PAY-TO-WIN and development is driven by community feedback. Fair play is a top priority, and our dedicated G.T.I. security anti-cheat team ensures a fair gameplay experience by proactively targeting and removing cheaters. And remember… “No-one gets left behind”

The post Celebrate Delta Force’s 2nd Anniversary With New Ways to Play, Exclusive Rewards, and More appeared first on XBOX Wire.

How Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Brings High Flying Drama to XBOX Series X|S

Mike Nelson, XBOX Wire Editor — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Few game franchises capture the fantasy of becoming an ace pilot quite like Ace Combat – with accessible arcade-like controls, beautiful looking fighter jets, and cinematic storytelling, it has long been a recipe for a good time for over 30 years. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve returns us to that world of soaring spectacle starting October 2 for XBOX Series X|S with even deeper aircraft customization and more epic set pieces along with a squadron whose personalities bring added weight to every mission.

As you can tell by the trailer footage and screenshots, Ace Combat 8 is an incredible looking game. The work put into the new cloud layer tech really brings the sky to life, as well as the touches on the ground environments that show off some extraordinary attention to detail. Buildings and trees are easily identifiable, and the shape of the canyon terrain is impressive when flying through these large gameplay maps. Same goes for the interior and exterior of the carrier Endurance, your primary home base throughout the game, which shows its wear and tear with pride during the campaign as a floating island of refuge.

But it’s the aircraft, as always, who are the stars of the show – and they’re just as impressive as ever. This game is truly a visual marvel, one that shines a light on the beautiful mechanical design of fighter jets, from the swept-wing F-14 Tomcat to the brash-but-beautiful A-10 Warthog. And for good reason – they’re front-and-center throughout the campaign. Yes, there are alternate in-cockpit views available for each aircraft, but I kept the external camera as my primary so I could see these majestic machines in action during my missions.

There are over 30 aircraft featured in the game, and as you progress through the campaign you earn in-game credits to spend on unlocking additional planes and upgrades in the aircraft tree; completing additional objectives can net you more credits to spend. You can bet I was taking every opportunity to mop up some additional ground targets on each mission to help fill my wallet.

There are four main types of aircraft that you can acquire, and they each have a role to play on the missions: Fighters (combat), Multirole (versatile), Attacker (ground attack), and Electronic Warfare (buffer/support). You’re not wrong in thinking that sounds like a prime recipe for a good dungeon crawling party, as bringing a balanced, multi-role fighter group into the missions is one of the keys to success that I found.

Before each sortie, you’re given a lot of flexibility in not only the makeup of the fighter group you put together, but also in terms of upgrades you can apply to your craft like improved maneuverability, acceleration, and targeting improvements that make each mission feel that much more unique and opens up a lot of replayability potential. Want to take Prowler on a mission in a support role, or mop up ground targets in an A-10 while your wingmen cover you? That’s completely on the table.

Having now played through the first 10 campaign missions, I found them all incredibly fun and robust, giving you a mix of everything from escort missions, bombing runs, air-to-air combat, mixed in with some incredible set pieces like taking out a land battleship or protecting your fragile carrier fleet. Each mission has felt distinct and unique, with its own challenges to manage, and in-flight decision making that can help turn the tide of battle.

If you need help getting your bearings, Ace Combat 8 also offers a series of progressively challenging training missions to help you get used to the controls – personally, I’m pretty adept at these types of games, so I didn’t dabble too much into this feature, but I appreciate the work put in to make this game as accessible as possible to help newer pilots earn their wings.

That’s good because combat in Ace Combat 8 really tests your ability to understand some basic rules about dogfighting and air combat – it’s far more involved than simply pointing and shooting. Beyond the obvious (don’t hit the ground), being able to manage your aircraft’s speed and positioning to enemy aircraft is key to coming out on top, especially against some of the harder foes you face off with when it starts to feel like a chess match in the skies, trying to anticipate the enemy’s next move.

I also really liked the interactions with Joker Flight throughout my time with Ace Combat 8, who helped bring an emotional weight to the storyline that feeds into each mission. There’s the patient veteran Professor, the spunky civilian-turned-pilot Tasha, and the reclusive musician Noise who are with you nearly every step of the way. They’re more than just chatter over the radio, as they’re all very capable shots helping take out objectives and to clear bogeys off my six.

They’re also incredibly good at following orders. You can issue commands to them via the d-pad: Up is forward attack (attack my target), Left is dispersed attack (fire at will), Down is support (cover me), and Right is special weapons clearance (high damage). Not only does that help throughout the game’s missions, but it makes the crew much more tangible as the stakes is raised in the latter missions of the campaign. I found myself really coming to rely on them as the difficulty of the missions progressed, and it was great seeing them assist in taking out some of the larger, more complex objectives.

Between missions is when the characters take center stage. In previous entries, the story largely played out with a briefing map and cinematic cutscenes. Now the story is told from a first-person perspective using the in-game engine, as you hear directly from Joker Flight, tour the carrier deck, sit down in the mess hall, or enjoy some downtime watching a band play. If there was a single feature to highlight about what makes Ace Combat 8 different from previous entries, Joker Flight is that strong differentiating factor that makes you want to continue playing in order to find out what comes next – and who is going to make it back home when all is said and done.

And that’s what keeps me thinking about how much I enjoyed my time with the newest entry in this long-running series. It has always looked good, but now it looks great. The stakes have always felt high, but now they feel like they matter. Your wingmen were present, but now they feel tangible. Across the board, it’s a masterclass in finding new and inventive ways to improve upon their excellent previous entry. You don’t want to miss it.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2 for XBOX Series X|S and is available for pre-order today on the XBOX Store. Pick up Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Deluxe Edition to start playing September 28 in early access plus a copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, available for the first time on XBOX Series X|S.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Deluxe Edition Pre-Order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 49

★★★★★

$89.99

Pre-order

Pre-order Bonus includes: – Playable Aircraft: F-14A – ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (Xbox Series X|S Version) – 3-Day Early Access *Early Access is scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM (PDT) *Release date, contents and specifications are subject to change without notice. *Bonuses other than ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (Xbox Series X|S Version) may be released at a later date. *ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR was also known as ACE COMBAT: THE BELKAN WAR in some regions. *ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (Xbox Series X|S Version) Supported Languages: Japanese, English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Please be aware of potential language differences from ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE when purchasing. The Deluxe Edition includes: – ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE – Customizable Cosmetic Set – PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE delivers high-octane aerial action! Step into the cockpit and take flight as an elite pilot across stunning skies. Enter intense dogfights, eliminate threats, and rise through gripping missions to earn your wings in this game developed by PROJECT ACES, the acclaimed team behind the franchise. Aerial Warfare in Living Skies. Campaign Mode showcases stunning visuals with dynamic multi-layered cloudscapes that capture the majesty of living skies. Feel the rush of fast-paced arcade-style gameplay while deploying powerful weapons to dominate the battlefield. A visceral journey from cockpit to ground. Beyond the chaos in the air, exhilarating first-person scenes reveal your pilot’s story through breathtaking cinematics. Experience the pressure of command, the weight of decisions, and the bonds forged in battle. Between missions, bond with your squad members, rise to meet adversity, and prove yourself as a true ace. The Largest Online Mode of the Series ACE COMBAT ONLINE delivers the most expansive multiplayer experience in franchise history. Step into the series’ first online lobby, explore an air base with your custom avatar before diving into multiplayer games. Sortie into online missions with pilots worldwide in a variety of modes including Co-Op and cross platform play. *This is the Deluxe Edition of the game. A Standard Edition is also available. Please take care to avoid duplicate purchases. —- ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE& ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. CORE IMAGERY – VIEW-READY © 2025 Vantor. All trademarks and copyrights associated with the manufacturers, aircraft, models, trade names, brands and visual images depicted in this game are the property of their respective owners, and used with such permissions. Produced under license. BOEING and all Boeing product names, logos, brands, and their distinctive markings and trade dress are trademarks of The Boeing Company. Copyright Dassault Aviation 2026 © Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the leading combat aircraft in the world. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH. Produced in cooperation with Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Lockheed Martin Trademarks used under license to Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. The Northrop Grumman name, logos, aircraft, and content are trademarks and copyrights of Northrop Grumman. Copyright SAAB AB Produced under license. Bell and all Bell product names, logos, brands, and their distinctive markings and trade dress are trademarks of Textron Innovations Inc.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE Pre-Order

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 49

★★★★★

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 49

★★★★★

$69.99

Pre-order

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve – October 2
Step into the cockpit and take flight as an elite pilot across stunning skies. Enter intense dogfights, eliminate threats, and rise through gripping missions to earn your wings in this game developed by PROJECT ACES, the acclaimed team behind the franchise. Early Access starts September 28 for those who pre-order the Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Deluxe Edition.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition

CD PROJEKT S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆ 5998

★★★★★

$49.99 $24.99

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered – September 29
XBOX Play Anywhere

Free upgrade for all owners of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Discover the definitive version of the award-winning dark fantasy role-playing game on September 29. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered brings an array of improvements and modernizations to visuals, gameplay, character progression, and much more. Remastered also includes the acclaimed Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.

Gothic II Complete Classic

THQ Nordic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Gothic II Complete Classic – September 28

Gothic II Complete Classic brings together the excitement of Gothic II and the expansion Night of the Raven. You have torn down the magical barrier and freed the prisoners of the Valley of Mines. Now the former convicts roam the forests and mountains, causing trouble around the city of Khorinis.

Step into the grim world of heroic fantasy with King’s Blade – a classic beat ’em up that channels the spirit of legendary arcade titles. Take command of the elite warriors of the King’s Blade and fight your way through the hordes of the Barganian Empire!

Mia's Journey (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mia’s Journey – September 30

A mysterious curse has transformed Mia into an adorable little cat, and now she must find a way to return to her human form. Guided by the enigmatic Cat God, Mia embarks on an enchanting journey filled with puzzles, magic, and discoveries!

The Vorlec

Nor Dreams

☆☆☆☆☆ 1

★★★★★

Get it now

The Vorlec – September 30

The Vorlec is a third-person action platformer set in a vibrant RetroWave world. Journey through dangerous dimensions, defeat enemies, overcome challenging puzzles and platforming sections, and face powerful bosses. Master your movement and combat skills in a fast-paced linear adventure where every step can be dangerous.

Chronicles Of Albian: The Magic Convention

Ocean Media LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Chronicles of Albian: The Magic Convention – October 1

Wizards and sorcerers of the world descend upon Albian for the magical convention of a lifetime and expect incredible accommodations. Use your Hidden Object talents to find hidden treasures and help finance the required repairs and upgrades to the castle grounds in Chronicles of Albian: The Magic Convention!

Mirrors of Deception: The Poisoned Legacy

Ocean Media LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mirrors of Deception: The Poisoned Legacy – October 1

Agatha Hastings thought she was leaving the chaos behind when she accepted an invitation to the Thompson estate.But the moment she stepped through the door, that illusion shattered, she’d walked right into a murder investigation. Across 140 immersive clutter levels and 20 bonus puzzle challenges, every hidden object you uncover pulls you further into a mystery that refuses to stay hidden.

PUCKOFF: RELOADED

Kuura Playhouse Oy

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Pre-order

PUCKOFF: RELOADED – October 1
XBOX Play Anywhere

The latest, and greatest, version of the (in)famous game, PUCKOFF, previously available only for personal computers. Enter the world of no-rules hockey as a total newbie and work on your skills and attitude to meet with the mythical terrorizer, Dominator. Build your team of has-beens and legends while learning different playstyles to defeat a plethora of colorful characters around the globe.

Storebound

Embers

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Storebound – October 1
XBOX Play Anywhere

Storebound is a co-op puzzle horror experience built as a six-episode campaign. Prepare for a 5-to-7-hour descent into the darkness of a cursed megastore trapped between dream and nightmare. Every two chapters, you’ll explore an entirely different era and area of the store, facing unique puzzles and new horrors.

Weekend Solitaire: Summer Village

Ocean Media LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Weekend Solitaire: Summer Village – October 1

It’s time to take on Solitaire Challenge. Conquer challenging card configurations and take on a big, vibrant game with several levels of varying difficulties. Weekend Solitaire Summer Village dives into a bright world filled with vibrant gameplay, colorful animations, and hours of addictive card-solving fun!

Kwalee

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

RetroSpace – October 1

You were but a simple janitor, now you are the last hope of all humanity! A space station has been swallowed by a sentient black hole, weird animal and plant hybrids roam the corridors, and even time itself has gone completely mad around you. Navigate with stealth or unleash a blast-tastic odyssey through the cursed station. Will you be the hero Earth needs, or are you groovin’ to save your own soul? The choice is yours!

TOYCRAFTER

NewGen, PerfectGen

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Toycrafter – October 1

You were once a dedicated toycrafter, spending hours working alone in your workshop. But recently you lost your passion for your trade. Working on small toys no longer satisfies you. You shifted your focus towards something more grand, more robust. Grab a doll, grab your tools, and get to work.

Wax Museum: Hidden Objects

Crisp App Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$7.99 $6.39

Pre-order

Wax Museum: Hidden Objects – October 1
XBOX Play Anywhere

Step into a mystical story wrapped in secrets and puzzles! Following a severe storm and a sudden car accident, you are forced to seek refuge inside an abandoned Wax Museum. But the moment the doors close behind you, you realize an unknown force has trapped you inside.

Aetherfall

Revulo Games LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Aetherfall – October 2

Jump, explore, and master new mechanics as you make your way deeper into the world of Aetherfall. Explore a variety of levels, leap between floating platforms, collect coins, and use the environment to open new paths forward. Buttons, crates, moving obstacles, and new mechanics keep each stage fresh and introduce new ways to overcome challenges.

Aery – Calm Horizon 2

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Aery – Calm Horizon 2 – October 2

This game is an interactive game experience that is designed to relax your mind and soul. You jump into the role of a little bird, explore beautiful landscapes and collect magical crystals that mark certain landscapes.

Agefield High: Rock the School

Perp Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Agefield High: Rock the School – October 2

Relive your high school days in the town of Agefield. It’s the early 2000s, and graduation is on the horizon. REBEL with your friends, win over your dream girl and ROCK the school! A coming-of-age adventure about friendship, love, and rebellion inspired by the raunchy teen comedies of the era.

KAWAII PUSH

YUME GAME STUDIO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Kawaii Push – October 2

KAWAII PUSH is a casual and relaxing Sokoban-style game in which players must push boxes to the correct locations. The protagonist is a red-haired girl who explores cute and colorful anime-style environments. With moderately challenging puzzles, the game offers a fun and accessible experience for players of all ages.

Tim — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Starting today, XBOX Insiders can join the Chicken Invaders Collection preview from InterAction studios on XBOX consoles and Windows PC.

Chicken Invaders puts you on the front line against invading intergalactic chickens bent on revenge against humanity. For the first time since the series debuted in 1999, the Chicken Invaders saga is together in one collection, featuring fast-paced arcade shooting action, gigantic boss fights, and an original orchestral soundtrack. Save the world alone or team up with up to 8 friends!

Whether you’re a longtime Chicken Invaders fan or preparing to defend humanity for the very first time, now’s your chance to jump in, take on the invasion, and help the development team prepare the collection for release.

How to Participate

On your XBOX console or Windows PC, sign in and launch the XBOX Insider Hub app (or install the XBOX Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary)
Navigate to Previews > Chicken Invaders Collection
Select Join
Wait for the registration to complete and be directed to the Store to install Chicken Invaders Collection Demo

We Want Your Feedback!

Once you’ve had a chance to play, don’t forget to let us know what you think!

Complete the Chicken Invaders Collection surveys available in the XBOX Insider Hub to share your experience with the team. Your feedback can help InterAction studios as they prepare the game for release.

If you run into an issue while playing on XBOX, please report it using Report a Problem.

Hold down the home button on your XBOX controller.
Select Report a problem.
Select the Games category and Chicken Invaders Collection Demo subcategory.
Fill out the form with the appropriate details to help our investigation.

Good luck out there, Insiders. Humanity is counting on you!

The post XBOX Insiders Can Join the Chicken Invaders Collection Preview Today! appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Free Play Days – PGA TOUR 2K25, The Escapists 2, Young Suns, and The Division 2

Danielle Partis, XBOX Wire Editor — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Tactics, ties, treason, and tees: Dive into it all with Free Play Days!

The Escapists 2 and Young Suns are available this weekend for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, September 24 until Sunday, September 27. Young Suns will be available on console and PC.

Additionally, PGA TOUR 2K25 and The Division 2 are free for all XBOX members to try from September 24 until September 27 (XBOX Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required).

How to Start Playing

Scroll down and find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on XBOX.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the XBOX Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your XBOX One and XBOX Series X|S.

Keep the Fun Going

Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.

Free Play Days (Game Pass Membership Required)

Escapists 2
Bust out of the toughest prisons in the world in The Escapists 2 – for free! Team up with friends, follow the prison rules (or at least pretend to), and secretly hatch the perfect escape plan. You’ll need to get creative, turning everyday items like soap and socks into the tools you need to make your great escape. And when your carefully laid plans inevitably descend into chaos? Raise your fists and fight your way to freedom. Think you’ve got what it takes to escape?

The Escapists + The Escapists 2

Team17 Digital Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆ 6724

★★★★★

$34.99

Get it now

Young Suns
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S, Smart Delivery, XBOX Play Anywhere
Young Suns is a multiplayer player narrative life sim set on Jupiter in the aftermath of a successful revolution against predatory corporations. Explore fantastical moonlets, converted stations, and derelict ruins in your very own spaceship with a crew of up to three friends, or entirely on your own, discovering and repairing broken items for your own use or to donate to the common good. Decorate and customize your spaceship. Build relationships with a huge cast of lovable characters. Help rebuild and improve society for everyone!

Free Play Days For All

PGA TOUR 2K25
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX Play Anywhere
Hit the fairways for free during Xbox Free Play Days from September 24 to 27, with the PGA TOUR 2K25 Standard Edition. Make a name for yourself this weekend in Ranked Tours at the Championship at Del Cerro. Battle it out on the course to earn themed Ranked Rewards for your MyPLAYER. Head to the Quest tab and give it everything you’ve got. This week’s featured quest is The Captain’s Call: Hit 5 FIRs, record 5 birdies in a single round, and make 3 putts from 10+ feet to earn 250 VC, 3 Fittings, a LVL↑ Token, 600 MyPLAYER XP, and a Silver Leather Watch cosmetic.

PGA TOUR 2K25

☆☆☆☆☆ 525

★★★★★

$39.99 $17.99

Get it now

The Division 2
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Answer the call in Tom Clancy’s The Division 2. Defend and rebuild Washington, D.C. after a devastating pandemic in this tactical open world third-person shooter. Engage enemies in intense, cover-based firefights where tactical positioning and utility usage make the difference between life and death. Explore a transformed Washington, D.C. solo or with friends, and save up to 90% on the Standard Edition for a limited time.

Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to XBOX Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest XBOX gaming news.

The post Free Play Days – PGA TOUR 2K25, The Escapists 2, Young Suns, and The Division 2 appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Minecraft LIVE Returns This Saturday

Joe Skrebels, XBOX Wire Editor-in-Chief — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 08:37:50 +0000

The post Minecraft LIVE Returns This Saturday appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Meet Key Players Shaping Makoto Daito’s Journey in STRANGER THAN HEAVEN

Danielle Partis, XBOX Wire Editor — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 02:01:00 +0000

SEGA is thrilled to pull back the curtain on some of the pivotal figures in Makoto Daito’s 50-year saga in STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, launching January 15, 2027.

From 1915 to 1965, Makoto Daito fights to survive across five cities in search of a place to call home. Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, he belongs fully to neither country. As he carves out a life in a turbulent age, he tumbles through the orbits of a cast of characters carrying their own ambitions, convictions, and pasts.

Follow Daito, his close friend Shinjo, and the many lives drawn into their gravity as fates converge.

The Story

On a late night in 1915, a ship departs from the port of San Francisco in America.

Rumors surround the vessel and even the police refuse to go near it. Aboard this vessel hides a lone young man. His name is Makoto Daito, a man born to an American father and a Japanese mother. Having suffered severe discrimination, Daito longs to travel to his mother’s homeland, Japan, and risks his life sneaking aboard the ship to get there.

Unbeknownst to him, his encounter with Orpheus, the captain of this vessel, and another stowaway, Yu Shinjo, will dramatically alter the course of his fate. What awaits Daito in the Japan he has so long admired?

This is the beginning of one man’s journey across five cities and five eras.

The Cast

Makoto Daito (Portrayed by Yu Shirota)

「So, this is Japan…」

A half-Japanese half-American man. After facing persecution in America, he sets out for Japan. On the voyage, he meets a merchant named Orpheus and Yu Shinjo, a young man who shares similar circumstances. These encounters will change his life forever.

Yu Shinjo (Portrayed by Dean Fujioka)

「This is my one chance to start over.」

A half-Japanese half-British man. Like Daito, he faces persecution in his homeland and seeks a new life in Japan. He meets Daito aboard the ship to Japan, and the two decide to stick together to survive. Cool-headed and sharp-witted, he is always one step ahead of Daito.

Orpheus (Portrayed by Snoop Dogg)

「’Taking what’s meant to be where it’s meant to be.’ That’s our motto.」

A globe-trotting merchant with an ‘open mind’ toward the legality of his wares. After discovering Daito stowed away aboard his ship, he teaches him the harsh realities of life in Japan and comes to recognize his talent for music.

Heigo Yashima (Portrayed by Akio Otsuka)

「In this business, respect is everything.」

A merchant and boss in Kokura. Built up his fortune in trade.

The People Who Cross Paths with Daito

Tae Matsumoto (Portrayed by Moeka Hoshi）

「You know, it’s always nice to be requested like this.」

A café waitress in Kokura. Also a yakuza’s mistress.

Suzy Day (Portrayed by Tori Kelly）

「Well, all right. That sounds like a challenge.」

A talented singer who dreams of making it big. After meeting Daito, she begins her rise through the world of show business.

Kiyoshi Otsuru (Portrayed by Tokuma Nishioka）

「I feel like the three of us’ll get along just fine.」

A stylish old man with an unmistakable air of authority.

Takashi (Portrayed by Satoshi Fujihara）

「Aniki! How’s it goin’!?」

Daito’s sworn brother, a man who lives for the moment. Also a gifted pianist. Daito’s discovery of his gift rekindles his passion for music.

The Veiled Stranger (Portrayed by Cordell Broadus）

「I been lookin’ forever.And, shit, here you are!」

A man stationed in postwar Japan.

Keiko Shirai (Portrayed by Ado）

「When it comes down to it, those are kinda all I’ve got.」

The diva of wartime Osaka.

Genzo Iwaki (Portrayed by Bunta Sugawara/Voiced by Takashi Ukaji）

「Idiot…Not even sake’s enough to stomach him.」

The big boss of Kure, with unmatched influence.

In STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, the late and legendary actor Bunta Sugawara appears. SEGA received formal consent from his family, and, with materials provided by Toei Company, Ltd. – which produced many of Mr. Sugawara’s films, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity – RGG Studio crafted his CG character design based on archival footage and photographs from the time.

The character’s voice is performed by actor Takashi Ukaji, who shared a close connection with Mr. Sugawara.

Tadashi Hataoka (Portrayed by Takashi Ukaji）

「You don’t know who I am? Some Yashima man you are.」

A swaggering, violent yakuza from Kokura.

Takeo Godai (Portrayed by Takaya Kuroda）

「That’s wishful thinkin’ if I’ve ever heard it.」

A skilled craftsman, and a man of few words.

Suekichi (Portrayed by Kouhei Tsuji）

「What, the whorehouse again? You’re puttin’ those girls to work.」

Daito’s sworn brother. Carefree, but dependable when it counts.

Tetsuya Hama (Portrayed by Yasukaze Motomiya）

「Stop your whinin’, dumbass!」

A young yakuza from Kure. Iwaki’s right-hand man.

Amaru (Portrayed by Tupac）

「No one can really know what goes on in another man’s heart.」

A man in hiding in Japan.

Tupac’s portrayal of the character Amaru in STRANGER THAN HEAVEN is made possible with the permission and ongoing supervision of his estate, Amaru Entertainment. RGG Studio is treating this integration with the utmost respect for his legacy, crafting every aspect in close collaboration and without the use of AI, including his character design based on archival footage and photographs. More details regarding his role will be shared at a later date.

Kimura (Portrayed by Daisuke Shiba）

「Tell you what. Let’s at least get something to eat!」

An easygoing nightclub worker in Kamurocho.

STRANGER THAN HEAVEN launches January 15, 2027, on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, and XBOX Cloud. It will be an XBOX Play Anywhere title and available with XBOX Game Pass.

STRANGER THAN HEAVEN

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆ 92

★★★★★

Get it now

■FACE DOWN FATE A fifty-year saga of those with nowhere to go and their desperate struggle to find a home. San Francisco, 1915. Our story begins as a young boy sneaks aboard a mysterious ship in the dead of night. His name? Makoto Daito. Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, Makoto's world is one of harsh persecution, a fate cruely cast upon him simply because of his Asian heritage. After losing both of his parents and finding himself completely alone, Makoto, in an act of desperation, decides to risk it all and travel to his mother's birthplace. If the United States won't accept him for who he is, maybe Japan will… With nothing but the shirt on his back, Makoto soon learns, however, that his voyage across the Pacific is anything but a "free ride," and that this one choice will forever change the course of his life. What awaits our young stowaway in Japan? And where will the years take him next? ■5 ERAS, 5 CITIES The story unfolds across a version of Japan that may have existed in another life altogether, immersing you in 5 sprawling cities, each modeled after real locations of their respective eras. 1915, Kokura, Fukuoka: home of what was said to be one of the world’s largest foundries, a smoke-scorched town bursting with the passion of hard-driven, equally fiery workers. 1929, Kure, Hiroshima: a port town dominated by Japan’s largest naval arsenal and heavily influenced by the presence of yakuza organizations. 1943, Minami, Osaka: the biggest entertainment district in western Japan, set against the ever-rising tension of a world at war. 1951, Atami, Shizuoka: a bustling seaside getaway synonymous with tourism in postwar Japan. 1965, Shinjuku, Tokyo: Japan’s most iconic pleasure district—a city of swirling and unpredictable chaos. ■THE MOST CREATIVE, INTUITIVE, AND EXTREME VIOLENCE In these turbulent times, fighting to survive means one thing: doing whatever it takes. Experience this struggle through the raw brutality of an ever-changing combat system that feels alive. You won't just control Makoto Daito, you'll become him—moving his left and right sides independently and instinctively as you attack, defend, and force your way to victory. Follow a jab with a crushing blow, send enemies flying with a charged attack, tackle them while they stagger or pin them to the ground and unleash a relentless flurry of punches. Nothing is off the table in Makoto's world. You can also block enemy strikes with one hand and instantly counter with the other. Reading their moves and creating your own openings is key to coming out on top. Additionally, you’ll master and enhance a wide array of weapons—knives, hammers, katanas, and more—as you fight your way through era after violent era. ■LIFE OF A SHOWMAN In the earliest chapters of our story, Makoto's guide and mentor discovers his hidden talent for music, and, before long, Makoto finds himself not only singing a tune or two but stepping into the role of a showman, producing a wide variety of incredible acts throughout all of Japan. In order to get these shows off the ground, Makoto must gather rumors from the streets and use them to scout skilled singers and performers. He can then head out into town to create new music—collecting any and every sound he can find: the swish of a broom, snoring of a sleepy neighbor, the rumble of passing trains, distant animal cries, even the grunts and growls of the enemies he fights. By combining these sounds, Makoto can craft original tracks, brand new music for the whole nation to hear. From there, he'll choose the setlist, arrange the band, assign a cast, and design the production—from lighting colors to staging—all in an effort to bring each show to life. As you tour the country staging performances and captivating audiences, you’ll experience Makoto's rags-to-riches rise to success as a master showman. Will the relentless determination of two men racing through fifty years of chaos change the future as we know it? From RGG Studio—the master storytellers behind some of gaming's most intense battles and heartfelt drama—comes their latest unforgettable adventure.

The post Meet Key Players Shaping Makoto Daito’s Journey in STRANGER THAN HEAVEN appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Viking Sagas Available Now

Joe Skrebels, XBOX Wire Editor-in-Chief — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0000

The post Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Viking Sagas Available Now appeared first on XBOX Wire.