007 First Light Launches May 27 — Play Bond Before the 00 Status

One week from today, IO Interactive's 007 First Light drops on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It's the first proper James Bond game in years, and it's coming from the studio behind Hitman — so expectations are high.

The Setup

This isn't the suave, unflappable Bond you already know. 007 First Light follows a 26-year-old James Bond on his very first MI6 mission — the one that earns him his legendary 00 status. It's a full-blown origin story, and IO Interactive is leaning hard into the drama of that.

Think of it as Bond before Bond became Bond. He's capable, but still raw. The stakes feel real because failure is actually on the table.

Gameplay

IO Interactive describes 007 First Light as a third-person stealth-action game. You'll navigate missions using stealth approaches, gadgets, and when things go sideways, direct combat. There's significant weapon variety, and the game rewards creative problem-solving — very much in the Hitman DNA.

• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Nintendo Switch 2 version coming later in 2026)
• Release date: May 27, 2026
• Early access for pre-orders: May 26

Why This One's Worth Watching

The James Bond game franchise has a mixed history. For every GoldenEye 007, there's been a string of forgettable licensed tie-ins. IO Interactive has real stealth-action credentials, and they've had creative control over this project rather than being handed a tight licensed deadline.

The origin story angle is smart — it means the game isn't constrained by an existing film plot, and it gives the studio room to build genuine character development around a younger, less polished Bond.

Pre-orders are live now. 007 First Light releases May 27, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.