Xbox Developer Direct January 2026: When It Starts, How to Watch, and What to Expect
Xbox is wasting absolutely no time kicking off 2026. The fourth annual Developer Direct showcase airs today, on January 22, and it promises to deliver extended gameplay deep dives and developer insights for some of the most anticipated titles on the horizon. If you're looking to catch the action live, here's everything you need to know.
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When Does the Xbox Developer Direct Start?
The Xbox Developer Direct begins at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern / 6 PM GMT on January 22, 2026. Based on previous showcases, we're expecting the broadcast to run somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour, focusing on substantial gameplay segments rather than rapid-fire trailers. This is a Developer Direct, after all, and the format tends to prioritize depth over breadth.
Where to Watch the Xbox Developer Direct
You can catch the Developer Direct live on Xbox's official YouTube channel, which will broadcast in 4K/60 for those with the bandwidth to handle it. The stream will also air simultaneously on Twitch, Steam, and various regional Xbox channels around the globe. For viewers in China, the showcase will be available on Bilibili the following day.
Watch the Xbox Developer Direct Here, in case our featured embed doesn't load immediately.
What Games Are Being Shown?
Microsoft has confirmed three titles for this year's Developer Direct, with each presentation led by the developers themselves. Given that this marks Xbox's 25th anniversary year, the lineup carries some serious weight.
Fable
Playground Games is finally pulling back the curtain on Fable with the first truly in-depth look at the long-awaited reboot. We've been waiting years for substantial gameplay, and this Developer Direct promises to deliver exactly that. The team will showcase the magic and mischief awaiting players in Albion, touching on the series' signature themes of choice, consequence, drama, and that distinctly British humor the franchise is known for. And yes, chickens are confirmed.
Fable has been penned for a 2026 release, so this presentation should give us a much clearer picture of when we'll actually be returning to Albion.
Forza Horizon 6
The second Playground Games title on the docket is Forza Horizon 6, and this one's a big deal. We're getting the very first gameplay reveal for the open-world racer, which takes the series to Japan for the first time. The presentation will dive into how the team is bringing modern Japan to life across its contrasting landscapes, alongside reveals of new features that should set this installment apart from its predecessors.
Forza Horizon 5 set an incredibly high bar, so expectations for this one are through the roof. Japan has been a fan-requested location for years, and seeing how Playground Games handles everything from winding mountain roads to neon-lit cityscapes should make for a compelling showcase segment.
One of the reasons why we're particularly interested in Horizon 6 is that Forza Motorsport, the franchise's realism-focused offshoot, has wrapped up development much to the fans' dismay. Thing is, the developer Turn 10 is now working to support Horizon's Playground Games on FH6, so there may be some exciting stuff happening as a result of this, sad as it may be.
Beast of Reincarnation
As for the wildcard, it's certainly that.. Beast of Reincarnation is the first original non-Pokémon project from Game Freak in quite some time, and it's generating serious curiosity. The action RPG is set in post-apocalyptic Japan and follows protagonist Emma alongside her canine companion, Koo. Gameplay revolves around unique plant manipulation mechanics, and the visual style looks unlike anything else on the horizon.
Game Freak will reveal more details about Emma's abilities and the world players will explore. For a studio that's spent three decades synonymous with one franchise, Beast of Reincarnation represents a fascinating creative departure.
Will There Be Surprises?
History suggests we should expect at least one unannounced reveal. Every previous Developer Direct has featured something unexpected, and there's been plenty of speculation about what Microsoft might have up its sleeve. We won't spoil the rumors here, but keep your expectations appropriately calibrated for a potential fourth game.
2026 is shaping up to be a crucial, formative year for Xbox, and the Developer Direct sets the tone for everything to come. Tune in today and see what's in store. If you can't, stay tuned for a detailed look at the reveals right here at 2Game.
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Xbox Developer Direct airs January 22, 2026 at 10 AM PT. Watch Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation gameplay reveals live @2Game!
MIO: Memories in Orbit on Steam Deck – Is It Good?
Not a single Metroidvania comes out without us installing it onto our Steam Decks right away. Not one! That's because these games may be the single best genre to play on a modern gaming handheld: they (usually) run well, they offer heaps of content, and there's an immaculate sense of progression to these games. MIO: Memories in Orbit, in particular, has gotten some really high marks from critics and players alike, and so it's a given that we'd be heavily focused on it as well!
The big question, though, is whether MIO: Memories in Orbit is a good fit for the Steam Deck. An objectively low-end piece of gaming hardware, the Deck is getting slightly long in the tooth, and it's not a given that all the latest releases would work well on it. Remember: just checking the Steam Deck Compatibility chart alone is not enough, as Valve doesn't test for performance in these metrics. That's where we come in, and we've got some excellent news for you.
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Assessing MIO: Memories in Orbit on the Steam Deck
In our testing, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a natural fit for the Steam Deck. The game easily maintains a rock-solid 60 FPS frame-rate on the Steam Deck (having tested on both the LCD and OLED models at this point), but you do need to lower the baseline graphics settings just a tad.
Specifically, MIO: Memories in Orbit's starter graphics settings for the Steam Deck are 'High', which leads to occasional performance drops and an overall crummier frame-time graph. We recommend dropping down to 'Medium' instead, with an in-game FPS cap of 60 FPS. Do not touch the TDP counter nor the Steam Deck's own frame-rate cap, as this leads to some frame-rate and frame-time instability in our experience. Just drop things down a tad and cap to 60, and you're golden.
Another lovely boon of dropping down to 'Medium' is that your Deck's battery life will be substantially improved, giving you about four to four-and-a-half hours' worth of playtime on full charge on the OLED Deck. The LCD model will give you about three hours of playtime, conversely.
All in all, then, MIO: Memories in Orbit is an excellent technical showing that - crucially - still looks phenomenal on Medium or even Low settings due to its strong sense of style and visual acuity. It's a marvel to look at, really, and the fact that you can take the game with you on the go makes the package that much more enticing.
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MIO: Memories in Orbit has got our attention, which means we had to try it out on the Steam Deck. Does it work well, though, or is it a wash?
MIO: Memories in Orbit Map: A Complete Guide to Navigating the Vessel!
MIO: Memories in Orbit doesn't hold your hand. That much becomes clear within the first hour of exploring the Vessel, the enormous derelict spaceship that serves as the game's sprawling, interconnected world. You wake up as MIO, a nimble android, and almost immediately find yourself lost in corridors of rusted machinery and overgrown vegetation. If you're struggling to get your bearings, we've got you covered.
Here's everything you need to know about the MIO map system and how to make it work for you.
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How to Unlock the MIO Map
Unlike most Metroidvanias, MIO: Memories in Orbit intentionally withholds navigational tools at the start of the game. This is a deliberate design choice from French developer Douze Dixièmes, meant to encourage exploration and genuine discovery as you stumble through the Vessel's labyrinthine corridors.
The map is unlocked through an NPC named Shii, located in the Spine area above the Nexus hub. To activate map functionality, you'll need to donate raw Nacre droplets (not Crystallised ones) to Shii's pond. The good news? If you die while carrying raw Nacre, those droplets automatically go to Shii rather than being lost forever. This is a small mercy in an otherwise unforgiving game.
Once you've donated enough Nacre, Shii will allow you to view the map by selecting the "Look through his eye" dialogue option. From there, the Vessel transforms from a confusing maze into something actually navigable.
Understanding the Vessel's Layout
The Vessel is divided into several distinct biomes, each with its own aesthetic, enemy types, and platforming challenges. The zones you'll encounter include:
The Severed Spine serves as your central hub, housing NPCs like Mel the shopkeeper and Estrogen the Librarian. You'll return here frequently to upgrade abilities, purchase items, and access other areas.
The Dwellings is a frozen zone you'll enter early in your journey. It's here that you'll face Acat, the guardian boss who blocks the path to Metropolis. Expect icy surfaces, slippery platforming, and plenty of enemies lurking in the cold.
Feral Undergrowth is a lush, overgrown area teeming with vegetation and hostile flora. You'll need the Silo Access Badge to enter, and it's home to some of the game's more challenging encounters.
The Aviaries requires a special Passepartout key to access and expands the Vessel's scope considerably. Additional zones branch out from these core areas, creating a dense web of interconnected pathways.
Why You Need an Interactive MIO Map
The in-game map is functional, but it won't show you everything. Hidden pathways, secret collectibles, and locked doors requiring specific abilities are scattered throughout every zone. White markers on your map indicate areas you can't access yet, but tracking exactly which ability unlocks which path can be tricky without external help.
That's where this interactive MIO map posted by GamerGuides becomes invaluable. It shows all collectible locations, upgrade points, and shortcuts in one clean interface. Whether you're hunting for Coating Components, tracking down Mel's missing Scraplings, or just trying to figure out where a locked door leads, having a comprehensive map reference saves hours of backtracking. This is the tool we're using for our MIO playthrough, too, and we cannot recommend it enough!
Quick Map Tips for New Players
Save at Attunement Gates frequently, since your map only updates when you rest. Donate raw Nacre to Shii before using Crystalliser robots, as unlocking the portable map early makes everything easier. Use Assist Menu options if you're stuck, since Pacifist Mode lets you focus on navigation without combat interruptions.
MIO: Memories in Orbit rewards patient explorers who take the time to learn its world. The Vessel is vast, gorgeous, and full of secrets. Getting lost is part of the experience, but having the right tools makes the journey far more enjoyable.
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MIO: Memories in Orbit is bound to be your next Metroidvania obsession, but did you know there’s an interactive map available already?
MIO: Memories in Orbit Demo: Everything You Need to Know
Not sure whether MIO: Memories in Orbit is worth your time? The good news is you don't have to guess. Douze Dixièmes and Focus Entertainment have kept the game's demo live even after the full release, giving you a substantial slice of the experience before committing to a purchase. Here's what the MIO: Memories in Orbit demo offers and whether it's worth downloading.
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Where to Download the MIO: Memories in Orbit Demo
The demo is currently available on two platforms: Steam and the Microsoft Store. If you're playing on PC, Steam is the most straightforward option. Xbox players can grab it directly from the Microsoft Store, which also means the demo runs natively on Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Worth noting: the demo is fully Steam Deck Verified, so handheld players can jump in without worrying about compatibility issues or performance hiccups. Douze Dixièmes confirmed this alongside the full game's release, and both versions run smoothly on Valve's portable hardware. We're actively looking into those claims, mind!
How Long Is the Demo?
The MIO: Memories in Orbit demo offers roughly two to three hours of gameplay, which is genuinely generous by modern standards. This isn't a 20-minute vertical slice designed to tease you into buying the full game. Instead, you're getting the actual opening section of the experience, complete with meaningful progression.
During those hours, you'll explore early areas of the Vessel, unlock your first movement abilities, and face off against a major boss encounter that serves as a legitimate skill check. There's also a hidden secret area tucked away for players willing to poke around the environment, which gives a taste of the exploration-heavy design that defines the full experience.
What Does the Demo Include?
The demo covers the introductory portion of MIO: Memories in Orbit, letting you experience the game's core mechanics before the full release ramps up the complexity. You'll wake up as MIO, an android with no memory, aboard a decaying spaceship called the Vessel. From there, exploration begins immediately.
In terms of gameplay systems, the demo introduces combat fundamentals, basic platforming, and your first traversal upgrade. You'll fight corrupted machines, navigate environmental hazards, and get a feel for the hand-drawn aesthetic that Douze Dixièmes spent five years crafting. The demo also includes accessibility options from the Assist menu, letting you tweak difficulty settings if the challenge proves too steep.
The boss encounter at the end of the demo is particularly telling. It's designed to test whether you've internalized the movement and combat mechanics, and it doesn't pull punches. If you can beat this boss comfortably, the full game's difficulty curve will feel manageable. If you struggle, the Assist options are there to help.
Is the Demo Worth Playing Now That the Full Game Is Out?
Absolutely. Even with MIO: Memories in Orbit now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, the demo remains an excellent way to test compatibility with your system and your taste. The full game runs 20 to 30 hours depending on playstyle, so confirming you enjoy the core loop before diving in makes sense.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers have an even easier decision. The full game launched day one on Game Pass, meaning you can skip the demo entirely and jump straight into the complete experience at no additional cost. For everyone else, the demo provides a risk-free way to sample what Douze Dixièmes has built.
If you enjoy Metroidvanias, downloading the MIO: Memories in Orbit demo is a no-brainer. Two to three hours of polished gameplay costs nothing but your time, and you'll know within the first hour whether it clicks. The full version expands everything the demo introduces across a 20-plus hour adventure, and we've got the community's verdict ready for your consideration already.
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MIO: Memories in Orbit Reviews: What Critics and Players Are Saying
MIO: Memories in Orbit launched on January 20, 2026, and the critical response has been overwhelmingly positive. Developed by French studio Douze Dixièmes over a five-year development cycle, this hand-drawn Metroidvania has already staked its claim as one of the early frontrunners for indie game of the year. Here's what the MIO: Memories in Orbit reviews are saying across critics and players alike.
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Critical Reception: Glowing!
On Metacritic, MIO: Memories in Orbit currently holds an 84 on PC based on 26 critic reviews, with 88% of those reviews classified as positive and zero negative scores in sight. The PlayStation 5 version matches that 84, while the Xbox Series X version sits slightly lower at 79 based on fewer reviews.
Steam users have been similarly enthusiastic. The full game holds an 87% positive rating across 73 reviews at the time of writing, with players praising the same elements critics highlighted: stunning visuals, tight platforming, and an atmosphere that rewards curiosity. The demo, which remains available for those on the fence, boasts an even stronger 88% positive across over 525 reviews.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers have an easy entry point, since the game launched day one on the service. Early player feedback from that community echoes the broader consensus: MIO delivers a polished, challenging experience that punches well above its indie weight class.
What the Reviewers Loved
The visual design dominates nearly every review. Region Free awarded the game a perfect 100, calling it "one of the most beautiful games ever made." Pocket Tactics gave it a 90, describing the experience as "brutal and beautiful" in equal measure. Combo Infinito, also at 90, praised the watercolor-like aesthetic as one of the most striking art directions in recent years.
That visual identity stems from Douze Dixièmes' decision to build the game on a proprietary engine developed specifically for this project. The result is a hand-painted world that feels cohesive in a way that licensed engines often struggle to achieve. Every area of the Vessel, the decaying spaceship that serves as the game's setting, carries distinct personality while maintaining visual consistency throughout.
The soundtrack has earned similar acclaim. Composed by Nicolas Gueguen, the 75-track album blends ambient synths with live-recorded choir vocals to create something that feels both melancholic and hopeful. Multiple reviews specifically called out the music as essential to the game's emotional impact.
Exploration receives universal praise. Unlike some Metroidvanias that funnel players along obvious critical paths, MIO trusts players to get lost. The Outerhaven's review described it as "a gorgeous, exploration-driven platformer that thrives on your curiosity," noting that what begins as a confusing journey gradually unfurls into a vibrant world packed with secrets. Environmental storytelling does heavy lifting here, with crumbling corridors and corrupted machines sketching out the Vessel's tragic history without relying on exposition dumps.
Combat earns strong marks as well, though opinions vary more here than in other categories. The game blends precise platforming with dynamic encounters, asking players to adapt and experiment with an evolving arsenal of abilities. Boss fights receive particular attention, with reviewers highlighting creative designs and challenging patterns that reward pattern recognition and persistence.
Where the Reviewers didn't Care For
Not every review is glowing. Shacknews gave the game a 60, arguing that while the world and story are beautiful, the combat drags down the experience. Their review stated bluntly that "if there was no combat, it would be a substantially better game."
Several critics flagged specific design decisions as frustrating. Boss runbacks, a Soulslike staple that forces players to traverse significant distances after dying to a boss, drew criticism for feeling dated. The Outerhaven's otherwise positive review specifically called out a story-related mechanic that removes health upgrades players have painstakingly collected, describing it as "less like meaningful storytelling and more like the game reaching into your progress and pulling it away."
Accessibility options receive mixed assessments. While an Assist menu exists with options like Pacifist Mode, several reviewers noted that the available settings may not go far enough for players who struggle with dexterity-intensive sequences. Requests for additional options like adjustable timing windows or extended stamina appeared across multiple reviews.
Pacing in the early hours also drew some criticism. Jeuxvideo.com noted that the game loses momentum toward the end due to content thinning out, though they still praised the overall experience. Other critics mentioned that the first few hours can feel directionless, with the game eventually opening up but requiring patience to reach that point.
Player Feedback
Steam reviews echo the critical consensus while adding player-specific observations. The Hollow Knight comparisons appear constantly, which makes sense given both games share genre DNA and atmospheric ambitions. However, players note that MIO carves out its own identity through its sci-fi setting, unique traversal mechanics, and more accessible difficulty curve compared to Team Cherry's notoriously demanding masterpiece.
The module-based upgrade system receives praise for enabling diverse playstyles. Players can customize MIO's abilities through Modifiers found throughout the Vessel, with options ranging from enhanced health regeneration to deadlier combo attacks. This system encourages experimentation and rewards thorough exploration with tangible power increases.
Completion time estimates range from 20 to 40 hours depending on playstyle. Trophy hunters and completionists report the higher end, while players focused on the critical path can finish closer to 20 hours. The game features multiple endings, including a True Ending that requires additional exploration and puzzle-solving to unlock.
The Verdict: Stellar Stuff!
The consensus from MIO: Memories in Orbit reviews is clear: Douze Dixièmes has delivered a confident, creative entry in a crowded genre. The visual design alone would be enough to recommend trying it, but the tight gameplay loop and rewarding exploration elevate it beyond mere eye candy. Criticisms around accessibility, pacing, and certain design choices prevent universal acclaim, but even the more critical reviews acknowledge the game's ambition and artistry.
For Metroidvania fans, MIO represents an easy recommendation, especially at its $19.99 price point or through Xbox Game Pass. If you choose to purchase a copy outright, you can use the featured links to score a special early bird discount through 2Game, which we highly recommend you do! Those who bounced off Hollow Knight's punishing difficulty may find MIO more approachable, while veterans seeking challenge will find plenty to test their skills in the Vessel's depths.
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MIO: Memories in Orbit gives us an exciting new take on sci-fi Metroidvania, with the kind of graphics we could only dream of. Here’s the critical verdict!
New Retro Games on Xbox Game Pass: An Early 2026 Look!
Xbox Game Pass has quietly become one of the best places to play retro games, whether you're chasing the authentic classics from gaming's golden age or discovering modern titles that channel that old-school spirit. Between the Retro Classics collection and a steady stream of pixel-art indies, subscribers have access to a surprisingly deep catalogue of games that look and feel like they belong in an arcade or plugged into a CRT television.
And on that front, on the off chance to you know someone with a decent high-end CRT that's still in good condition, almost all the games we've listed here would look and feel astonishingly good on it. Give it a shot, if you can.
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Xbox Retro Classics: The Big-Ticket Item
The biggest development for retro enthusiasts came in May 2025 when Microsoft shadow-dropped the Retro Classics collection with zero prior announcement. Built in collaboration with Antstream Arcade, this dedicated applet gives Game Pass members access to a growing library of classic titles from the 1980s and 1990s, all playable via cloud streaming on console, PC, and supported devices like Samsung and LG Smart TVs.
The collection launched with over 60 games and has since expanded to more than 100 titles as of January 2026. Microsoft adds roughly four new games each month, drawing primarily from Activision, Blizzard, and Sierra's extensive back catalogues that many of us had grown up with. The result is a time capsule spanning multiple platforms, from Atari 2600 cartridges to DOS adventures to, somewhat surprisingly, a PlayStation 1 title in the form of MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. Niche stuff, to be sure, but incredibly valuable regardless.
What's in the Collection?
The Retro Classics lineup reads like a museum exhibit of gaming history. Activision's Atari 2600 library is well represented with iconic titles like Pitfall!, River Raid, H.E.R.O., Kaboom!, Frostbite, and Enduro. These games defined what console gaming could be in the early 1980s, and while they're undeniably simple by modern standards, there's a purity to their design that still holds up.
Sierra fans will find plenty to love with adventure games like Police Quest, Space Quest 2, Space Quest 6, Quest for Glory 1, Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood, The Dagger of Amon Ra, and the legendary Zork 1: The Great Underground Empire. These point-and-click and text adventures represent a very different era of game design, one where puzzles demanded genuine thought and a notepad by your side.
The mech combat crowd gets MechWarrior and MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat, while action fans can jump into Commando or Rock N Roll Racing. The January 2026 update brought the collection past the 100-game milestone with additions including Rise of the Dragon, a 1990 graphic adventure originally released for DOS and later ported to the Sega CD.
Modern Features for Classic Games
What separates Retro Classics from simply firing up an emulator is the layer of modern functionality Microsoft and Antstream have added. Every game supports cloud saves, meaning you can finally pick up where you left off in titles that originally demanded you start from scratch each session. There are also achievements to chase, leaderboards to climb, and community challenges that let you compete against other players in 24-hour score battles.
The streaming-based approach does come with caveats. Some players have reported input lag depending on their connection quality, which can be particularly frustrating in reflex-heavy games like River Raid. If you're on a solid connection near one of Antstream's servers, the experience tends to be smooth, but your mileage may vary.
Since you don't have to source your own ROMs or BIOS files, either, the whole process is silky-smooth and easily doable no matter how (un)tech you may or may not be. The obvious caveat is that you don't get to keep the ROMs and BIOS files, naturally, but that's a different can of worms.
Modern Games with a Retro Edge
Beyond the genuine classics, Xbox Game Pass has become a home for modern games that draw heavy inspiration from gaming's past. These titles combine pixel-art visuals, chip-tune soundtracks, and old-school design philosophies with contemporary production values and quality-of-life improvements.
Vampire Survivors and the Bullet Heaven Revolution
No discussion of retro-styled Game Pass games would be complete without Vampire Survivors. This deceptively simple roguelite dropped players into an endless wave of monsters with nothing but auto-firing weapons and the ability to move. The pixel-art aesthetic, the arcade-style progression, and the addictive "one more run" loop all harken back to a simpler era of game design.
The game proved so successful that developer Poncle announced Vampire Crawlers for 2026, a spin-off that reimagines the formula as a turn-based deckbuilding dungeon crawler. It's confirmed for day-one Game Pass release, carrying forward the series' distinctive visual style while adding strategic depth through card-based combat.
Halls of Torment, which joined Game Pass in October 2025, scratches a similar itch. This action roguelike draws obvious inspiration from Vampire Survivors but adds its own twist with a darker aesthetic and more aggressive gameplay that feels pulled straight from a 1990s hack-and-slash.
Replaced: The Most Anticipated Pixel-Art Game of 2026
If there's one retro-styled game that Game Pass subscribers should have on their radar, it's Replaced. This 2.5D cinematic action-platformer from Sad Cat Studios has been generating buzz since its reveal in 2021, and after years of delays, it finally has a release date: March 12, 2026.
Set in an alternate 1980s America ravaged by nuclear catastrophe, Replaced puts players in control of R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped inside a human body navigating the neon-soaked streets of Phoenix-City. The game's hand-crafted pixel art, enhanced with modern lighting effects, creates something that feels simultaneously nostalgic and cutting-edge. Think Flashback or Another World filtered through a cyberpunk lens with combat that's been tightened for modern sensibilities.
The visual direction alone would make Replaced worth watching, but the narrative ambitions seal the deal. Themes of identity, corporate control, and what it means to be human run through a story that promises to be far darker than its gorgeous screenshots might suggest. It's arriving day one on Game Pass, making it one of the easiest recommendations for subscribers looking for something that channels retro energy without the rough edges of actual retro games.
Other Retro-Styled Games Worth Playing
The Game Pass library is dotted with other titles that embrace pixel art and old-school design. Moonlighter, the action RPG about a shopkeeper who moonlights as a dungeon crawler, blends 16-bit visuals with modern roguelite mechanics. Its sequel, Moonlighter: The Endless Vault, hit Game Pass in November 2025.
Pentiment, from Obsidian Entertainment, takes a different approach to retro aesthetics. Rather than pixel art, it draws from illuminated manuscripts and woodcut prints to tell a murder mystery set in 16th-century Bavaria. The result feels like playing through a historical document, and the narrative complexity is anything but old-fashioned.
For those who want their retro fix with a side of cozy, Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland offers charming pixel-art exploration and gentle puzzles wrapped in a language-learning adventure. It's the kind of low-stakes, discovery-focused experience that recalls the wonder of early adventure games without the frustration of obtuse puzzle design.
But Wait, There's More (Coming)!
Microsoft has committed to expanding the Retro Classics library beyond the current 100-plus titles, with Antstream confirming plans to add another 100 games throughout 2025 and 2026. Given the Activision Blizzard acquisition, there's potential for classic Blizzard titles like The Lost Vikings or early Warcraft entries to eventually join the collection, though nothing has been officially announced.
On the modern retro front, 2026 looks particularly strong. Vampire Crawlers will bring deckbuilding to the Vampire Survivors universe, Replaced will finally deliver on years of promise, and the steady drip of indie titles with retro sensibilities shows no signs of slowing.
The combination of authentic classics and modern homages makes Game Pass an unexpectedly comprehensive destination for retro gaming. Whether you want to experience Pitfall! the way it was meant to be played, chase high scores in Vampire Survivors, or lose yourself in the pixel-perfect dystopia of Replaced, there's something here for every flavour of nostalgia. The only question is whether your backlog can handle it.
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Xbox Game Pass has quietly become one of the best places to play retro games, whether you’re chasing the authentic classics from gaming’s golden age or discovering modern titles that channel that old-school spirit. Between the Retro Classics collection and a steady stream of pixel-art indies, subscribers have access to a surprisingly deep catalogue of […]
Is Hytale on Xbox Game Pass?
No, Hytale is not on Xbox Game Pass, and it won't be joining the service anytime soon. The long-awaited sandbox RPG from Hypixel Studios launched into Early Access on January 13, 2026, exclusively on PC, and there are currently no plans to bring the game to consoles during this development phase.
There's still plenty of hiccups for the developer to sort out, to be sure, but everything suggests that Hytale is the true spiritual follow-up to Minecraft and Terraria, so even if you're not particularly interested in the game just yet, we highly recommend keeping an eye on it for future reference.
Why Hytale Isn't on Game Pass
The situation with Hytale and Xbox Game Pass is a curious one. When the game was still under Riot Games' ownership, the prospect of a Game Pass release seemed plausible. Riot has an existing partnership with Microsoft that brought titles like League of Legends and Valorant to the subscription service, so Hytale could have theoretically followed the same path.
That all changed in June 2025 when Riot Games cancelled the project after more than a decade of development. A few months later, original co-founders Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette reacquired the IP and reformed Hypixel Studios as an independent company. This move effectively severed any connection to Riot's Microsoft partnership, and with it, any realistic chance of a Game Pass debut.
The newly independent Hypixel Studios has made it clear that their focus is on refining the PC version before considering other platforms. Executive Director Patrick Derbic stated in an official FAQ that the team wants to focus on making a good game first, with console ports requiring substantial backend work that would distract from that goal.
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When Will Hytale Come to Xbox?
Console versions of Hytale are definitely planned, but we're looking at a significant wait. The developers have confirmed that Xbox and PlayStation releases will only happen after the full release, not during Early Access. Given that Hypixel Studios hasn't announced how long the Early Access period will last, we could realistically be looking at 2027 or 2028 before Hytale hits consoles.
There's even speculation that the game might skip the current console generation entirely and target next-gen hardware instead. This would make sense from a development perspective, especially if the team wants to take full advantage of their extensive modding tools, which currently present compatibility challenges with console platforms.
For now, the only Xbox-branded device that can run Hytale is the ROG Ally X handheld, which operates on Windows.
Is Hytale Worth the Wait for Console Players?
The Early Access launch has been nothing short of extraordinary. Hytale reportedly hit nearly 3 million concurrent players on day one, sold over 2.8 million copies within hours, and dominated Twitch with over 420,000 viewers at its peak. The game blends sandbox building with RPG exploration across a procedurally generated world filled with dungeons, creatures, and secrets.
If you're an Xbox player hoping to jump in, you'll unfortunately need to exercise some patience. The good news is that Hypixel Studios has secured funding for at least two years of development, so the project is in stable hands. The bad news is that console players are firmly at the back of the queue while the team focuses on getting the PC version right.
Games Like Hytale on Xbox Game Pass
If you're craving that sandbox RPG fix while waiting for Hytale to hit consoles, Game Pass has you covered with several worthy alternatives.
Minecraft remains the obvious starting point. As a first-party Microsoft title, it's included with all Game Pass tiers and offers unlimited creative freedom alongside survival gameplay. The Hypixel team that created Hytale cut their teeth building one of Minecraft's most popular servers, so the DNA runs deep.
Palworld brings a creature-catching twist to the survival sandbox formula. You can capture and train Pals to help with everything from resource gathering to base defense, and the game supports both solo play and multiplayer. It's scheduled to leave Early Access with a massive 1.0 update sometime in 2026.
Terraria is available on Xbox Game Pass for console players, though not on PC Game Pass. This 2D survival sandbox has been going strong since 2011 and just received a major content update with version 1.4.5 in late January 2026. If you enjoy exploration, boss battles, and crafting progression, it scratches much of the same itch as Hytale.
Grounded, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, offers a unique take on survival gameplay where you're shrunk down to insect size and must survive in a suburban backyard. It blends base building with cooperative multiplayer and has that same sense of discovery that makes sandbox games so compelling.
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No, Hytale is not on Xbox Game Pass, and it won’t be joining the service anytime soon. The long-awaited sandbox RPG from Hypixel Studios launched into Early Access on January 13, 2026, exclusively on PC, and there are currently no plans to bring the game to consoles during this development phase. There’s still plenty of […]
Code Vein 2: Everything We Know
The wait is almost over. Code Vein II is Bandai Namco's long-awaited sequel to the 2019 anime-styled action RPG that captured the hearts of Soulslike enthusiasts everywhere. After being officially revealed during Summer Game Fest 2025, we finally have a concrete picture of what the sequel has in store. Players take on the role of a Revenant Hunter who, alongside a mysterious girl named Lou, must travel through time to prevent the world's inevitable collapse.
With a refined combat system, deeper character customization, and a narrative that spans two distinct eras, Code Vein II is shaping up to be a massive leap forward for the franchise. Here's everything we have on the game so far.
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Code Vein 2 Release Date
Code Vein II launches worldwide on January 30, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The announcement was made during Sony's State of Play presentation on September 24, 2025, roughly seven years after the original game hit shelves.
For those who pre-order the Deluxe, Ultimate, or Collector's Edition, early access begins 72 hours ahead of the standard launch. That puts early access players in the Zone starting January 27, 2026.
The game is developed by Bandai Namco Studios with co-development by Shift Inc., the same team behind the original Code Vein.
Code Vein 2 System Requirements
Code Vein II demands significantly more robust hardware than its predecessor. The original game was relatively lightweight by comparison, but this sequel expects modern rigs to hit its performance targets. Notably, Bandai Namco has set Windows 11 as the baseline operating system and 16 GB of RAM as the absolute floor for entry.
Minimum Requirements (1080p / 30 FPS on Low Settings)
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super / AMD Radeon RX 5700 / Intel Arc B570 |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| Storage | 70 GB available space |
Recommended Requirements (1080p / 60 FPS on High Settings)
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-12700KF / AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| Storage | 70 GB available space (SSD recommended) |
The inclusion of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on the recommended side suggests that CPU performance plays a significant role in maintaining smooth frame rates during intense combat encounters. An SSD is strongly recommended to reduce load times and improve overall responsiveness.
It's also worth noting that the PC version will use Denuvo anti-tamper DRM, with a limit of five different system activations per day.
Code Vein 2 Editions and Content
Code Vein II is available in four editions: Standard, Deluxe, Ultimate, and Collector's. Each higher tier builds upon the previous, so purchasing the Ultimate Edition includes everything from the Deluxe and Standard versions.
Pre-Order Bonus (All Editions)
All pre-orders include the Stylized Forma Set:
- Forma Face Paint: A cosmetic item that applies a forma design to the corner of your character's eyes.
- Twin Fangs of the Lone Wolf: Twin blades engraved with a special forma. These weapons deliver a powerful lunging slice attack.
Standard Edition ($69.99) @2Game
- Base game
- Pre-order bonus items
Deluxe Edition ($89.99) @2Game
Everything in the Standard Edition, plus:
- 72-hour Early Access: Play starting January 27, 2026.
- Custom Outfit Pack: Contains 3 costume sets and 1 weapon.
- Expansion DLC: Mask of Idris: The first major expansion, scheduled for release by January 2027.
Ultimate Edition ($99.99) @2Game
Everything in the Deluxe Edition, plus:
- Code Vein Character Costume Set: Contains 6 costumes based on characters from the original Code Vein.
- Code Vein II Digital Mini Artbook & Soundtrack: Digital extras for fans who want a deeper dive into the game's visual and audio design.
Collector's Edition ($179.99)
Everything in the Ultimate Edition, plus:
- Lou MagMell Limited Figurine (18 cm): A detailed statue of Lou, the mysterious Revenant girl who serves as the protagonist's companion.
- Physical Artbook (60 pages): A journey through the game's post-apocalyptic environments, character designs, and concept art.
- Steelbook Metal Case: A premium metal case for collectors.
- Physical Disc: Includes an Ultimate Edition voucher for all digital content.
The Collector's Edition is currently sold out through most retailers, though a waitlist is available on Bandai Namco's official store.
Code Vein 2 Co-Op
Here's where things get a bit disappointing for fans of the original. Code Vein II does not feature online multiplayer co-op. The game is a single-player experience with a strong focus on AI companions.
The original Code Vein allowed players to summon friends into their world using a distress signal system similar to Dark Souls. Progress was limited to the host's world, but the option to team up with real players was there. That feature has not made the jump to the sequel.
Instead, Bandai Namco has doubled down on the Partner System. AI companions now play a much larger role in combat, with two distinct modes of operation:
- Summoning Mode: Your Partner fights independently alongside you, offering support and dealing damage on their own.
- Assimilation Mode: Your Partner merges with your character, granting enhanced stats and devastating power.
Each Partner also brings unique Link Traits that remain active while your bond with them is strong. Taking too much damage weakens this bond and temporarily disables these traits.
The decision to drop online co-op has been a point of contention in the community. We've written more on this topic in a separate article, but the bottom line is that Code Vein 2 is going to have no multiplayer mode(s) to speak of.
Code Vein 2 Demo
A Character Creator Demo for Code Vein II launches ahead of the full game, giving players a chance to build their Revenant Hunter before diving into the main experience. It's not a full-on gameplay demo, no but it's something to tide you over.
Demo Release Dates
- PC (Steam): January 22, 2026
- PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S: January 23, 2026
What's Included in the Demo
The Character Creator Demo focuses entirely on customization rather than gameplay. Players can access the full suite of character creation tools, including options for:
- Body type
- Hairstyle
- Facial features and expressions
- Accessories
- Makeup and cosmetic details
The demo supports 64 save slots, and all created characters can be transferred directly into the full game at launch. This means you can spend as much time as you like perfecting your ideal Revenant Hunter without worrying about losing your progress.
Beyond the character creator itself, the demo provides access to the MagMell Institute, the game's central hub area. Players can explore this space to see their character in action, visit the hot spring to view their creation under different lighting conditions, and use Photo Mode to capture and save their designs.
This is a purely cosmetic preview. There's no combat or story content included, but it's a welcome opportunity to get familiar with the game's extensive customization system before launch day.
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Code Vein II arrives on January 30, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Here’s all the stuff you need to know!
Monster Hunter Stories 2 All Monsties: The Complete Guide to Every Ridable Monster
If you've been diving into Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin and wondering just how many Monsties you can collect, hatch, and train, you've come to the right place. We've put together the definitive guide to every ridable Monstie in the game, covering base game content, DLC additions, egg locations, riding actions, and everything else you need to become a master Monster Rider.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 launched with 81 ridable Monsties at release, but that number has grown considerably through post-launch updates. All 68 ridable Monsties from the original Monster Hunter Stories made their return, alongside new favorites from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate through to Monster Hunter Rise. With free title updates adding Palamutes, Elder Dragons, and fan-favorite Deviant monsters, the full roster now stands at over 90 ridable companions.
How Monsties Work in Monster Hunter Stories 2
Unlike the mainline Monster Hunter titles where you hunt monsters, Monster Hunter Stories 2 casts you as a Rider who forms bonds with these creatures. You hatch them from eggs, raise them as companions, and fight alongside them in turn-based battles.
Every Monstie comes with three key attributes that define their role in your party:
Attack Type determines how your Monstie behaves in combat. The three types follow a rock-paper-scissors dynamic: Power beats Technical, Technical beats Speed, and Speed beats Power. Winning head-to-head clashes by predicting your opponent's attack type is essential for filling your Kinship Gauge and dealing maximum damage.
Riding Actions allow your Monstie to interact with the world in unique ways. Some can fly across maps, others swim through water, and certain Monsties can break rocks or dive through lava. Building a party with diverse riding actions ensures you can access every hidden area and Everden the game has to offer.
Genes form the backbone of Monstie customization. Every Monstie hatches with a 3x3 gene grid that determines their skills, passive abilities, and elemental affinities. Through the Rite of Channeling, you can transfer genes between Monsties to create truly unique companions.
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Complete Monstie List by Region
The world of Monster Hunter Stories 2 spans multiple regions, each home to different Monstie populations. We've organized every ridable Monstie by their native habitat so you know exactly where to search for eggs.
Hakolo Island Monsties
Hakolo Island serves as your starting area, introducing basic Monsties perfect for newcomers.
| Monstie | Attack Type | Riding Action | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aptonoth | Power | Plant Search | ★ |
| Popo | Power | Plant Search | ★ |
| Velocidrome | Speed | Jump | ★★ |
| Gendrome | Technical | Nest Search | ★★ |
| Iodrome | Technical | Monster Search, Rock Breaker | ★★ |
Alcala Monsties
Alcala opens up significantly more variety, including your first Flying Wyverns and Royal Monsters.
| Monstie | Attack Type | Riding Action | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yian Kut-Ku | Technical | Monster Search | ★★ |
| Blue Yian Kut-Ku | Technical | Monster Search | ★★ |
| Khezu | Technical | Roar | ★★★ |
| Red Khezu | Technical | Roar | ★★★ |
| Basarios | Power | Ore & Bone Search, Ground Dive | ★★★ |
| Ruby Basarios | Power | Ground Dive | ★★★ |
| Paolumu | Technical | Fly | ★★★ |
| Nargacuga | Speed | Stealth | ★★★★ |
| Green Nargacuga | Speed | Nest Search | ★★★★ |
| Rathian | Speed | Fly | ★★★★ |
| Rathalos | Power | Fly | ★★★★ |
| Tigrex | Speed | Dash, Ivy Climb | ★★★★ |
| Anjanath | Power | Roar | ★★★★ |
| Astalos | Speed | Fly | ★★★★ |
Loloska Monsties
The frozen region of Loloska introduces Ice-elemental Monsties and the invaluable Swim riding action.
| Monstie | Attack Type | Riding Action | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulldrome | Power | Dash | ★★ |
| Zamtrios | Power | Swim | ★★★ |
| Lagombi | Technical | Mushroom Search | ★★★ |
| Barroth | Power | Ground Dive | ★★★ |
| Jade Barroth | Power | Ground Dive | ★★★ |
| Barioth | Speed | Fly | ★★★★ |
| Gammoth | Power | Mega Breaker | ★★★★ |
| Legiana | Speed | Fly | ★★★★ |
| Fulgur Anjanath | Speed | Roar | ★★★★ |
| Kecha Wacha | Technical | Ivy Climb | ★★★ |
| Ash Kecha Wacha | Technical | Ivy Climb | ★★★ |
Lamure Monsties
Lamure offers a lush, forested environment with access to several powerful Leviathans.
| Monstie | Attack Type | Riding Action | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Ludroth | Technical | Swim | ★★★ |
| Purple Ludroth | Technical | Swim | ★★★ |
| Mizutsune | Technical | Swim, Dash | ★★★★ |
| Monoblos | Power | Ground Dive | ★★★★ |
| White Monoblos | Power | Ground Dive | ★★★★ |
| Nerscylla | Technical | Ivy Climb | ★★★ |
| Qurupeco | Technical | Bug Search | ★★★ |
| Crimson Qurupeco | Technical | Bug Search | ★★★ |
Terga Monsties
The volcanic Terga region houses Fire-elemental Monsties and those with the unique Lava Dive ability.
| Monstie | Attack Type | Riding Action | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gypceros | Technical | Fly | ★★★ |
| Purple Gypceros | Technical | Fly | ★★★ |
| Gravios | Power | Lava Dive | ★★★★ |
| Black Gravios | Power | Lava Dive | ★★★★ |
| Uragaan | Power | Lava Dive | ★★★★ |
| Brachydios | Power | Rock Breaker | ★★★★ |
| Glavenus | Technical | Roar | ★★★★ |
| Diablos | Power | Ground Dive | ★★★★ |
| Black Diablos | Power | Ground Dive | ★★★★ |
| Brute Tigrex | Power | Dash, Ivy Climb | ★★★★ |
Hakolo Island (Post-Game) Monsties
After completing the main story, additional Monsties become available in High Rank dens.
| Monstie | Attack Type | Riding Action | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagiacrus | Power | Swim | ★★★★★ |
| Ivory Lagiacrus | Power | Swim | ★★★★★ |
| Seregios | Speed | Fly | ★★★★★ |
| Bazelgeuse | Power | Fly | ★★★★★ |
| Deviljho | Power | Roar | ★★★★★ |
| Stygian Zinogre | Technical | Jump | ★★★★★ |
| Azure Rathalos | Power | Fly | ★★★★★ |
| Pink Rathian | Speed | Fly | ★★★★★ |
| Yian Garuga | Technical | Fly | ★★★★ |
Elder Dragons
The most powerful Monsties in Monster Hunter Stories 2 are the Elder Dragons. These legendary creatures require considerable effort to obtain but reward you with devastating abilities and top-tier stats.
| Elder Dragon | Attack Type | Element | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nergigante | Power | Dragon | Terga (available before post-game) |
| Kirin | Speed | Thunder | Lamure/Pomore Garden |
| Teostra | Power | Fire | Terga Volcano Base |
| Kushala Daora | Speed | Ice | Alcala/Etulle Lofty Trees |
| Velkhana | Speed | Ice | Loloska/Base of Mt. Lavina |
| Oroshi Kirin | Speed | Ice | Loloska (DLC) |
Elder Dragon eggs feature a distinctive star pattern and appear in Super Rare High Rank Monster Dens. These diamond-encrusted dens spawn at less than 1% frequency, making Elder Dragon hunting a serious commitment. Your best strategy involves farming Super Rare Expedition Quests through the multiplayer Quest Board.
Among the Elder Dragons, Velkhana stands out as arguably the most powerful Monstie in the game. Boasting the highest Ice attack stat and the ability to inflict Skillseal (which prevents enemies from using special moves), Velkhana dominates both PvE content and player-versus-player battles. Nergigante offers incredible survivability through its Calamity Slash self-healing ability, while Kirin provides unmatched speed and paralysis potential.
Deviant Monsties
Deviants represent enhanced versions of standard monsters, featuring unique abilities and significantly stronger stats. Monster Hunter Stories 2 includes both base game Deviants and several added through free title updates.
Base Game Deviants
| Deviant | Base Monster | Attack Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverwind Nargacuga | Nargacuga | Speed | Alcala (Super Rare Dens) |
| Dreadking Rathalos | Rathalos | Power | Hakolo Island (Super Rare Dens) |
| Dreadqueen Rathian | Rathian | Speed | Terga (Super Rare Dens) |
| Bloodbath Diablos | Diablos | Power | Terga (Super Rare Dens) |
| Thunderlord Zinogre | Zinogre | Speed | Loloska (Super Rare Dens) |
DLC Deviants
| Deviant | Base Monster | Attack Type | Added In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boltreaver Astalos | Astalos | Speed | Title Update 3 |
| Hellblade Glavenus | Glavenus | Technical | Title Update 3 |
| Elderfrost Gammoth | Gammoth | Power | Title Update 4 |
| Soulseer Mizutsune | Mizutsune | Technical | Title Update 4 |
Deviant eggs share the shell pattern of their base monster but feature distinct coloring. Finding them requires patience: Deviants only appear in Super Rare High Rank dens or through specific co-op Expedition Quests. The Prayer Pot in Mahana Village can improve your odds through Finding Prayers.
Palamute Monsties
Title Update 1 introduced the beloved Palamutes from Monster Hunter Rise as ridable Monsties. Unlike other monsters, Palamutes come in six elemental variants, each with a corresponding egg color.
| Palamute Type | Element | Egg Color |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Elemental | None | Brown/Tan |
| Fire | Fire | Red |
| Water | Water | Blue |
| Thunder | Thunder | Yellow |
| Ice | Ice | Light Blue |
| Dragon | Dragon | Purple |
To obtain Palamutes, you need to complete the 5-star co-op quest Palamute Den or the 8-star quest Palamute Home. Both require Palamute Tickets, which you can earn from the quest Throw Me A Bone or purchase from Melynx Inc. using Bottle Caps.
Palamutes function as Speed-type Monsties with the Dash riding action. While their base stats might not match Elder Dragons, their versatility across all six elements makes them excellent candidates for filling gaps in your party composition.
Subspecies and Variants
Beyond standard Monsties and Deviants, Monster Hunter Stories 2 features numerous subspecies and rare variants.
Subspecies Available as Monsties
| Subspecies | Base Monster | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Yian Kut-Ku | Yian Kut-Ku | Water element instead of Fire |
| Red Khezu | Khezu | Fire element instead of Thunder |
| Ruby Basarios | Basarios | Fire element instead of None |
| Pink Rathian | Rathian | Poison specialist |
| Azure Rathalos | Rathalos | Enhanced aerial combat |
| White Monoblos | Monoblos | Higher attack stats |
| Black Diablos | Diablos | More aggressive behavior |
| Green Nargacuga | Nargacuga | Poison element |
| Jade Barroth | Barroth | Ice element instead of None |
| Purple Gypceros | Gypceros | Poison specialist |
| Emerald Congalala | Congalala | Water element |
| Brute Tigrex | Tigrex | Higher Power stats |
| Ivory Lagiacrus | Lagiacrus | Thunder element instead of Water |
| Stygian Zinogre | Zinogre | Dragon element instead of Thunder |
| Fulgur Anjanath | Anjanath | Thunder element instead of Fire |
Title Update Additions
Post-launch updates added several highly anticipated monsters:
| Monster | Update | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Rathalos | Title Update 5 | Fire specialist with enhanced stats |
| Gold Rathian | Title Update 5 | Poison/Fire hybrid |
| Molten Tigrex | Title Update 5 | Blast element |
Riding Actions Explained
Your Monstie's riding actions determine which areas you can access while exploring. Building a balanced party means ensuring you have coverage for all terrain types.
Essential Riding Actions
Fly unlocks after completing the Ascending the Tower story quest and dramatically changes exploration. Flying Monsties let you soar over terrain, skip encounters, and reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Rathalos, Rathian, Paolumu, and most Flying Wyverns possess this ability.
Swim grants access to water-covered areas and underwater chests. Royal Ludroth provides the earliest access, followed by Zamtrios, Lagiacrus, and Mizutsune.
Jump appears on many common Monsties and lets you leap across gaps within dens and caves. Velocidrome and most Bird Wyverns have this ability.
Ground Dive allows passage through dirt mounds. Basarios provides early access, with Monoblos, Diablos, and Barroth following later.
Ivy Climb enables scaling vine-covered walls. Congalala, Kecha Wacha, Nerscylla, and Tigrex all possess this skill.
Lava Dive works exclusively in Terga, letting you traverse molten lava streams. Gravios and Uragaan are your primary options.
Utility Riding Actions
Stealth (Nargacuga family) turns you invisible to monsters, avoiding unwanted encounters.
Roar (Khezu, Anjanath, Deviljho) intimidates nearby monsters into fleeing.
Dash (Bulldrome, Lagombi, Tigrex, Mizutsune) provides a speed boost for faster traversal.
Rock Breaker/Mega Breaker (various) destroys blocking rocks. Mega Breaker (Gammoth) handles larger obstacles.
Search abilities highlight specific resources on your map: Monster Search, Nest Search, Ore & Bone Search, Plant Search, Mushroom Search, and Bug Search.
The Gene System and Rite of Channeling
The Rite of Channeling represents Monster Hunter Stories 2's deepest customization system. By sacrificing Monsties, you transfer their genes to others, building combinations impossible through normal hatching.
Gene Basics
Every gene occupies one slot on your Monstie's 3x3 grid. Genes have two properties:
Element (shown by color): Non-Elemental, Fire, Water, Thunder, Ice, or Dragon.
Attack Type (shown by icon): Power, Speed, Technical, or Passive (no icon).
Achieving Bingo Bonuses
Lining up three genes of the same element or attack type in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) triggers a Bingo Bonus, granting significant damage increases. A perfectly optimized Monstie can achieve up to eight Bingos, though the bonus caps at 150%.
The rare Rainbow Gene acts as a wildcard, counting as any element or attack type for Bingo purposes. However, Rainbow Genes provide no skills themselves, making them purely connectors.
Gene Transfer Strategy
When building competitive Monsties, focus on:
- Mono-element builds: Fill the grid with genes matching your Monstie's natural element for maximum Bingo bonuses.
- Attack type coverage: Give your Monstie genes covering all three attack types so they can counter any opponent.
- Critical hit stacking: Genes boosting critical rate combine with active skills that deal bonus damage on crits.
- Survivability: Tenacity genes (survive lethal hits above 50% HP) pair well with healing abilities.
Where to Find the Rarest Eggs
Hunting rare Monsties requires understanding the different den types.
Regular Monster Dens spawn commonly and contain standard Monsties native to that region.
Rare Monster Dens feature a golden glow and offer better egg quality with higher gene counts.
Super Rare High Rank Monster Dens appear as diamond-encrusted caves with less than 1% spawn rates. These contain Elder Dragons, Deviants, and the rarest subspecies.
Retreat Dens spawn when you force a monster to retreat during battle (break parts, use Paintballs). These guarantee an egg of that specific monster.
Everdens are hidden caves containing Bottle Caps and occasional eggs, often requiring specific riding actions to access.
Expedition Quests
The most reliable method for obtaining rare Monsties involves multiplayer Expedition Quests:
- SR Expedition Tickets guarantee access to Super Rare dens
- Elder Dragon Dens focus on specific Elder Dragons
- Palamute Home/Den exclusively spawn Palamute eggs
You can tackle Expedition Quests solo by selecting Local Play and proceeding without a partner. AI companions will join automatically.
Best Monsties for Each Role
Building an effective party means covering all three attack types while maintaining diverse riding actions.
Best Power Monsties
Nergigante dominates as the premier Power Monstie thanks to its self-healing capabilities and strong Non-Elemental/Dragon damage.
Teostra offers exceptional Fire damage with blast status effects.
Gammoth provides massive HP pools and Mega Breaker utility.
Best Speed Monsties
Velkhana reigns supreme with unmatched Ice damage and Skillseal utility.
Kirin paralyzes enemies while dealing devastating Thunder damage.
Zinogre/Thunderlord Zinogre balance strong Thunder attacks with paralysis infliction.
Best Technical Monsties
Mizutsune/Soulseer Mizutsune combine Water damage with excellent status effects.
Glavenus/Hellblade Glavenus offer powerful Fire/Blast technical attacks.
Kushala Daora provides Ice damage with Wind-based abilities.
Tips for Completing Your Monstie Collection
Tracking down all 90+ Monsties requires patience and strategy. Here are proven methods:
Use Nest Search: Monsties with this riding action reveal nearby dens on your map, dramatically speeding up Super Rare den hunting.
Activate Finding Prayers: The Prayer Pot in Mahana Village can increase rare egg spawn rates.
Force Retreats: When hunting specific monsters, use Paintballs and focus on breaking parts to trigger retreats and guaranteed egg drops.
Farm Bottle Caps: Everdens contain Bottle Caps redeemable at Melynx Inc. for Expedition Tickets.
Check Your Monstiepedia: The in-game Monstiepedia tracks which Monsties you've encountered and hatched, helping identify gaps in your collection.
Target Co-Op Quests: Many rare Monsties appear exclusively in multiplayer Expedition Quests. These can be completed solo through Local Play.
Post-Game Monstie Hunting
After completing the main story, High Rank content unlocks alongside the Elder's Lair. This challenging dungeon series culminates in battles against every Elder Dragon, plus the legendary Fatalis (who unfortunately cannot be hatched as a Monstie).
High Rank dens spawn exclusively in post-game and contain significantly stronger egg variants with more unlocked gene slots. When building your ultimate team, focus on High Rank eggs to ensure maximum customization potential.
The journey to collect every Monstie in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin offers hundreds of hours of content. Whether you're chasing that perfect Velkhana egg or simply want to ride every creature the game offers, the satisfaction of building your ideal Monster Rider party makes every hunt worthwhile.
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If you’ve been diving into Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin and wondering just how many Monsties you can collect, hatch, and train, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together the definitive guide to every ridable Monstie in the game, covering base game content, DLC additions, egg locations, riding actions, and everything […]
Resident Evil 9 Showcase: All New Requiem Info in One Spot!
Capcom's much-anticipated Resident Evil Showcase aired yesterday, and while it clocked in at just 12 minutes, those 12 minutes were packed with new details about Resident Evil Requiem. We got our first proper look at Leon Kennedy's gameplay, learned about some genuinely creepy new zombie behaviors, and finally got confirmation that Ink Ribbons are making a comeback. Here's everything you need to know.
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Leon Kennedy's Action-Heavy Gameplay
Director Koshi Nakanishi opened the showcase with a knowing smile, addressing the elephant in the room: "I never said he wasn't going to show up."
After months of Capcom pretending Leon Kennedy wasn't in the game, the Resident Evil 9 Showcase finally delivered proper gameplay footage of everyone's favorite DSO agent. And yes, it looks exactly as action-packed as we'd hoped.
Leon's sections are designed as a direct evolution of the Resident Evil 4 Remake formula. He's traded his iconic combat knife for a hatchet that can be used to parry enemy attacks, and that hatchet needs to be sharpened to maintain its durability. The showcase footage demonstrated limb targeting, with Leon blasting out zombie kneecaps to stagger them before delivering brutal roundhouse kicks and finishing moves.
The most exciting new mechanic? Leon can now pick up enemy weapons and turn them against the horde. The showcase made this abundantly clear by showing him parrying a chainsaw-wielding zombie, putting it down, and then grabbing the chainsaw for himself. We've been waiting years for this.
Nakanishi explained that the team originally tried to make a horror game starring Leon, but ultimately concluded that "people wouldn't want to see a timid Leon." His years of experience fighting bio-weapons simply make him too capable to feel vulnerable in the same way a newer character would. That's where Grace comes in.
Grace Ashcroft's Survival Horror Experience
While Leon gets to chainsaw his way through enemies, Grace Ashcroft's sections lean into classic survival horror territory. Nakanishi compared her gameplay to Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 7, with tight spaces, limited resources, and enemies that are better avoided than confronted.
Grace isn't entirely defenseless, though. She carries a high-caliber assault revolver called "Requiem", which is where the game gets its title. The weapon hits like a truck and can absolutely shred through zombies, but ammunition is extremely scarce. You'll need to make every shot count.
The Resident Evil 9 Showcase also revealed a new crafting system unique to Grace's sections. She can acquire a special device that allows her to craft items using infected blood harvested from zombies. The showcase demonstrated one particularly gruesome application: injecting a concoction into a zombie's neck, causing it to explode in a shower of blood and gore.
Both protagonists can be played in either first-person or third-person perspective, swappable at any point during the game. This gives players the flexibility to experience Leon's action sequences with the over-the-shoulder RE4 camera, or to play Grace's horror sections in first-person for maximum immersion.
Ink Ribbons Are Back
Purists, rejoice. The Resident Evil 9 Showcase confirmed that Ink Ribbons are making a return in Requiem, though with a twist.
Players can choose between Casual and Standard difficulty settings. Casual offers aim assist, more forgiving player health, and reduced enemy durability. Standard, meanwhile, comes in two flavors: Modern and Classic. If you select Standard Classic, Grace can only save her game using Ink Ribbons, demanding careful resource management and strategic decision-making about when to commit to a save.
The Ink Ribbon requirement only applies to Grace's sections, which makes sense given their survival horror focus. Leon's action-oriented gameplay likely won't require the same level of resource conservation.
Zombies With Habits
One of the creepiest reveals from the Resident Evil 9 Showcase concerned the behavior of the zombies themselves. According to Nakanishi, the undead in Requiem retain characteristics from their lives before infection.
The showcase demonstrated this with several examples: a chef zombie obsessively preparing food and calling out "next" for a finished order, a singer who won't stop singing, a maid who compulsively cleans mirrors and mutters about them being "messy," and a janitor who polishes surfaces endlessly.
This isn't just atmospheric flavor. Capcom is designing these behaviors as something players can exploit. If a zombie is fixated on a particular task, you might be able to sneak past them while they're distracted. It adds a new layer of strategy to Grace's survival horror sections in particular.
The Elpis Mystery
The showcase touched briefly on the story, teasing a mysterious keyword called "Elpis" that connects the entire narrative together. According to Nakanishi, Elpis ties directly to the death of Grace's mother, Alyssa Ashcroft (a character longtime fans may recognize from Resident Evil Outbreak), as well as Grace's own past and her connection to Leon.
Nakanishi also hinted that Leon has a "big secret" related to Elpis, though he declined to elaborate. The implication seems fairly obvious to anyone who's been following the marketing materials, but we won't spoil the speculation here.
30th Anniversary Celebrations
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Resident Evil franchise, and Capcom is celebrating with "Resident Evil Symphony of Legacy" orchestral performances across Japan, North America, and Europe. Specific dates and venues for the Western concerts haven't been announced yet, but the first ticket lottery is currently open to Resident Evil Ambassadors in Japan.
No Demo (Yet)
If you were hoping the Resident Evil 9 Showcase would end with a surprise demo drop, you're not alone. The comments sections across gaming sites are full of disappointed fans who expected Capcom to follow its recent tradition of pre-release demos for major Resident Evil titles. RE7, Village, and the remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 all received playable demos before launch.
For now, we'll just have to wait until February 27 to get our hands on the full game. And hey, if you're interested in proper automatic watches, don't forget to read up on the newly announced Resident Evil Hamilton promo.
Get Resident Evil Requiem now at 2Game!
Capcom’s much-anticipated Resident Evil Showcase aired yesterday, and while it clocked in at just 12 minutes, those 12 minutes were packed with new details about Resident Evil Requiem. We got our first proper look at Leon Kennedy’s gameplay, learned about some genuinely creepy new zombie behaviors, and finally got confirmation that Ink Ribbons are making […]
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