007 First Light: Release Date, Story, Gameplay, Cast, Editions, and Platforms

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It’s been over ten years since James Bond starred in a big video game on consoles or PCs. The last one, called 007 Legends, wasn’t successful and quickly disappeared from stores. Since then, fans haven’t seen a new Bond game, making this the longest wait for a Bond game in history.

That wait ends on May 27, 2026.

Unlike previous Bond games, 007 First Light isn’t simply tied to a movie, relying on nostalgia, or a rehash of familiar shooting gameplay. It’s a brand new, in-depth origin story for James Bond, created by the team behind the popular Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy (IO Interactive) and supported by Amazon MGM Studios. The game stars a young and impulsive James Bond before he becomes the iconic 007. It features a story specifically designed for interactive gameplay, with a cast including Patrick Gibson, Lennie James, Gemma Chan, Priyanga Burford, and Lenny Kravitz. It also includes a theme song by Lana Del Rey, the Aston Martin Valhalla car, and a game design that emphasizes stealth, combat, driving, and social skills as key elements of Bond’s abilities throughout each mission.

This is the complete guide — everything confirmed, sourced, and up to date ahead of launch.

Quick Facts

Title: 007 First Light
Developer / Publisher: IO Interactive (developed in association with Delphi Interactive LLC)
Release Date: May 27, 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5 (incl. PS5 Pro Enhanced), Xbox Series X|S, ROG Ally / ROG Ally X, PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Windows/Xbox app, with Xbox Play Anywhere support), Nintendo Switch 2 (Summer 2026)
Genre: Action-adventure, stealth, third-person
Modes: Single-player; optional online features (leaderboards). No multiplayer or co-op announced.
Price: $69.99 / €69.99 / £59.99 (Standard); $79.99 / €79.99 / £69.99 (Deluxe)
Engine: Glacier
Rating: ESRB Teen in the U.S. (Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence, In-Game Purchases); regional ratings may vary
Story collaboration: Amazon MGM Studios

What Is 007 First Light?

007 First Light is a new action-adventure game where you play as James Bond in an original story. While inspired by Ian Fleming’s novels and the James Bond films, it’s not based on either. The creators at IO Interactive, working with Amazon MGM Studios, aimed to capture the feeling of Bond’s early adventures as described in Fleming’s books – a look at Bond before he became the polished, sophisticated spy we often see in movies and games.

This game puts you in the role of a 26-year-old James Bond, a skilled but impulsive naval air crewman, on a crucial mission. Success will earn him the coveted 00 status, while failure could end his career before it even starts. It’s a story of transformation – exploring the price of stepping from everyday risks into a much more dangerous world. And this is the first time a game has truly captured that story with the level of development, talent, and creative vision it deserves.

The Long Road Back

It’s helpful to look back at the history of Bond video games, as the periods between releases have been surprisingly long and unusual.

Following the negative reception of 007 Legends and the subsequent removal of Activision’s Bond games from online stores in 2013, the publisher stopped making licensed games, and the James Bond franchise disappeared from gaming for more than ten years. There were no new game announcements or sequels – just a complete lack of Bond titles.

IO Interactive started developing the new 007 game, codenamed First Light, while still completing Hitman 3. According to company president Hakan Abrak, they initially thought Eon Productions, the owners of the Bond franchise, weren’t interested in a new game. It seemed Eon was unhappy with the focus on action in earlier Bond games and wasn’t looking for another installment. IO Interactive’s pitch succeeded because it offered a fresh approach: a game centered on stealth, blending into social situations, and letting players find their own solutions, rather than simply being a fast-paced shooter with a Bond theme.

Originally revealed in November 2020 as “Project 007,” the new Bond game was a collaboration between Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Things changed in February 2025 when Amazon MGM Studios partnered with Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, taking creative control of future Bond films and games while Wilson and Broccoli continued to co-own the franchise. IOI officially named the game 007 First Light on June 2, 2025, and then showed off the first trailer during a Sony State of Play event on June 4.

The game was initially planned to release on March 27, 2026, but it’s been pushed back by two months. IOI explained that this delay is to make sure the game is polished and meets player expectations when it finally launches.

Release Date and Platforms

The game 007 First Light will be available on May 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. You’ll be able to download it on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The PlayStation 5 version has been optimized for the new PS5 Pro console.

The Xbox version of the game is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, so buying it once lets you play on both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and your progress and achievements will sync across all platforms. IOI has also confirmed the game will be optimized for the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X handhelds right from the start. They plan to offer the same handheld experience on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game is currently planned for release in Summer 2026. According to Hakan Abrak, CEO of IOI, the team anticipates a release in “late summer,” but needs additional time to ensure the game meets their quality standards on the new platform.

007 First Light is a game designed for one player, though it includes optional online leaderboards. It doesn’t have any traditional multiplayer or cooperative gameplay. Currently, it’s not planned for release on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

The Story: Earning the Number

The premise is disarmingly simple: Bond hasn’t earned his number yet.

Following a courageous rescue, young James Bond is recruited into MI6’s reinstated Double 0 program. He’s assigned a seemingly simple mission – locate a runaway agent, 009 – with guidance from veteran field agent John Greenway. However, the operation goes terribly wrong, and Bond and Greenway soon discover they’ve stumbled onto a massive conspiracy and a plot to overthrow the British government.

What sets this story apart isn’t the plot itself, but the central character. The creative team wanted a James Bond who had experienced sadness, but hadn’t become completely hardened – someone still striving to prove himself to the world and to his own expectations. The title, First Light, was carefully chosen to represent a turning point, a transition from one version of a person to another, and the space between naiveté and darkness.

IO Interactive explained that they intentionally moved away from some traditional James Bond tropes that wouldn’t appeal to today’s viewers, especially how he interacts with women. They’ve created a character who is meant to evolve throughout this game, and potentially across a planned series of three games, as Abrak has mentioned.

The Cast and Characters

007 First Light features a talented cast who deliver convincing and impactful performances, enhanced by the use of full performance capture for the main characters.

James Bond — Patrick Gibson

Casting Irish actor Patrick Gibson (known for roles in The OA and Dexter: Original Sin) as a young James Bond was a conscious decision to move away from the character’s usual sophisticated and composed persona. According to Martin Emborg, the narrative and cinematic director, Gibson naturally brought a sense of urgency and impulsiveness to the role – perfect for portraying a Bond who hasn’t fully mastered concealing his emotions. At 26 years old within the game’s story, this Bond is experienced enough to be a threat, but still young enough to be prone to taking risks.

John Greenway — Lennie James

Lennie James (known from Line of Duty and The Walking Dead) plays Greenway, a brand new character in the story. He’s a seasoned MI6 agent who starts as Bond’s hesitant teacher, but their relationship becomes much more complex. Greenway acts as a moral compass, balancing Bond’s impulsiveness with his own wisdom gained through experience. He’s cautious, doesn’t rely on emotions, and questions whether Bond is truly prepared for the challenges ahead.

M — Priyanga Burford

Priyanga Burford plays M in this reimagined, early-career Bond story.

Q — Alastair Mackenzie

Mackenzie’s portrayal of Q is unique, falling somewhere between the more traditional, formal Q of the Desmond Llewelyn era and the younger, more energetic version played by Ben Whishaw in the recent James Bond films. In a behind-the-scenes video, Mackenzie explained he envisioned Q as the ‘cool uncle’ he remembered from his childhood while developing his performance.

Miss Moneypenny — Kiera Lester

Kiera Lester plays Moneypenny in this reimagined early-career Bond story.

Supporting Cast

Charlotte “Miss Roth” Roth (Noémie Nakai) — A DGSE agent representing French foreign intelligence, and one of Bond’s key field contacts
Dr. Selina Tan (Gemma Chan) — MI6’s Head of Tactical Simulation, with a background spanning psychology, strategy, and immersive technologies. She runs the Tactical Simulations division and serves as Bond’s guide through TacSim mode
Bawma (Lenny Kravitz) — Described in promotional material as “The Pirate King,” Bawma rules Aleph, a fictional black-market hub that appears in preview coverage as one of the game’s more distinctive environments
Isola — Named in the official IOI announcement as a new character. No further details have been officially released

Music Cameos

Dimitri Vegas is officially joining the game’s cast, according to an announcement from IOI. The electronic music duo Chase & Status will also be featured, with their music included in the game.

Gameplay: Spying, Your Way

IO Interactive is making it clear that their new game, 007 First Light, will be different from their popular Hitman series. They emphasize that you’ll be playing as a spy, focused on action, rather than an assassin who relies on careful planning. Unlike Hitman, which encourages slow, methodical infiltration, 007 First Light is fast-paced and emphasizes keeping things moving. Missions have a sense of urgency, and players have real freedom in how they choose to complete them.

Two Kinds of Mission Design

The game switches between two main styles of gameplay. First are ‘guided sequences’ – action-packed, cinematic scenes like car chases and fights, carefully directed to feel like a James Bond movie. Second are ‘open zones,’ which are the core of the Hitman experience: large, free-form areas where you can explore, find your own way to complete objectives, and use your gear as you see fit. Missions often flow seamlessly between these two styles, sometimes several times within a single level.

Four Ways to Solve Every Problem

Players usually have four main ways to move, whether they’re in a free-roaming area or following a set path.

Stealth — surveillance, distractions, silent takedowns, environmental cover
Open combat — direct confrontation using firearms and gadgets
Hand-to-hand combat — close-quarters brawling, inspired by the freeflow combat system in the Batman: Arkhamseries
Bluffing and social stealth — adopting cover identities, faking accents, talking your way past guards

There isn’t one single correct way to play. IOI designed 007 First Light so that each player’s James Bond feels unique and reflects their own problem-solving style.

The Licence to Kill System

A key design feature of 007 First Light is how it manages violence and when James Bond is allowed to use lethal force. The game uses a system of changing “states” during gameplay. As soon as an enemy threatens to kill Bond, he’s authorized to respond with his own weapon. This cleverly brings a famous aspect of the Bond stories – that he isn’t a killer unless provoked – into the game. Bond doesn’t start as a killer; he becomes one based on the situation, and the game clearly shows when that shift happens.

Once stealth fails and a fight starts, Bond can activate Focus, which slows down time for precise disarms and takedowns. When out of ammo, he can throw weapons to stun enemies. The hand-to-hand combat is similar to the fluid fighting style of the Batman: Arkham games, and the game features large, action-packed sequences and environments you can destroy, inspired by the Uncharted series.

Bluffing: A Bespoke System

One of the most innovative features of 007 First Light is its bluffing system. Players can disguise themselves with fake identities and voices, and talk their way out of tricky situations. They can even use stealth to sneak past guards undetected. Importantly, the developers at IOI created unique dialogue for each scenario – it’s not just randomly generated, but carefully written to fit the specific moment. Success relies on understanding the people you’re interacting with just as much as understanding the mission itself.

The Gadgets

According to the official rules for the Spycraft competition revealed on April 22, 2026, James Bond is confirmed to have the following gadgets:

Q-Lens — highlights useful information and hackable devices in the environment
Q-Watch — activates gadgets and interactions to divert attention or neutralize threats
Laser Strap — dazes enemies, opens new paths, or creates environmental distractions
Dart Phone — quietly moves enemies out of the way without raising alarms
Smoke Pod — blocks visibility at short range
Flash Mine — produces a burst of light to momentarily stun opponents

IOI has confirmed additional gadgets are yet to be revealed.

Vehicles

With 007 First Light, IO Interactive is introducing drivable vehicles to their games for the first time. The Aston Martin Valhalla – Aston Martin’s first mid-engine, plug-in hybrid supercar – will be a key feature, and the reveal trailer showed off special, gadget-like modifications inspired by Q’s inventions. While other Aston Martin cars have been glimpsed in trailers and previews, IO Interactive hasn’t shared all the details about the vehicles or their upgrades just yet.

The World of 007 First Light: Confirmed Locations

One of the best parts of James Bond movies is seeing him travel the world, and ‘007 First Light’ continues that tradition with exciting locations you’ll recognize.

IO Interactive has officially listed the following on its website:

Slovakia — The Grand Carpathian Hotel, surrounded by the High Tatra Mountains, hosts a global chess tournament that serves as Bond’s first field assignment. Elegant, tense, and deceptively dangerous
Kensington, London — A corporate gala in one of London’s most renowned museums — referred to in trailers as the “Webb Industries gala” — provides the game’s London centrepiece, complete with a chase through the city’s streets

Hands-on preview coverage has also confirmed:

Iceland — The prologue mission, often referred to in coverage as “the Iceland Incident,” sets the story in motion against the kind of stark, hostile landscape the franchise does well
Malta — Featured in advanced close-combat training sequences
Mauritania — Preview coverage references Aleph, a fictional coastal city built into a vast ship graveyard, which serves as the domain of Bawma

IOI has confirmed that more locations are yet to be revealed.

TacSim: The Game Beyond the Game

Okay, so the fun doesn’t stop when the main game of 007 First Light is over! There’s this awesome mode called TacSim, and it’s basically a whole replayability system. You’re in a special MI6 training area run by Dr. Selina Tan – played by Gemma Chan – and it’s like she’s a psychologist who’s studied Bond’s missions. She’s basically challenging you to see if you can beat your own high scores and improve your performance. It’s a really cool way to keep playing!

So, IOI just dropped details on TacSim, and it sounds awesome! Basically, after you finish 007’s training, you unlock this whole replay system. It’s like a series of increasingly tough missions that pop up as you play through the story. Every time you run a mission, you get an Agent Score, and that score goes towards leaderboards – both globally and with your friends. The cool part is you earn two things by completing these TacSim missions: XP, which levels you up and unlocks new skins and cosmetics for your weapons and gadgets, and Intel, which lets you buy those items directly. It’s a great way to keep playing and customize your gear!

Early looks at the game suggest players can expect various challenges like completing levels without gadgets, only using headshots, tackling harder difficulties, and racing against the clock for top scores. Some previews mention challenges set in Iceland and Malta becoming available sooner than expected, but IO Interactive hasn’t officially confirmed how unlocks will work, so this information is subject to change until the game releases.

The Bond Elements: Watches, Cars, and the Theme Song

IO Interactive didn’t just use the James Bond name; they fully embraced all the famous elements that define the series.

Omega

The watch James Bond uses in the game is made by Omega. It’s been well-publicized that the game features an Omega Seamaster, and in the game, the watch is a key tool Bond uses to distract enemies or handle dangerous situations. Official materials refer to it as a Q-Branch Omega watch, but for specific model details, it’s best to check for updates from the game developers (IOI) or Omega themselves.

Aston Martin

The Aston Martin Valhalla will be the featured car in the upcoming 007 game, First Light. It’s Aston Martin’s first mid-engine, plug-in hybrid supercar, and only a limited number – 999 – will be made. In the game, the Valhalla has been upgraded with special features from Q Branch, continuing the Bond tradition of pairing the hero with incredible vehicles. The game developers, IOI, have also hinted that players can look forward to seeing other famous Bond cars, with more details coming soon.

The Title Sequence

Every Bond game needs a memorable opening, and 007 First Light delivers with a cinematic title sequence set to the game’s theme song.

On April 16, 2026, IOI revealed the theme song for the new James Bond film, titled “First Light,” was created by Lana Del Rey and David Arnold. A first look at the title sequence appeared on official 007 First Light channels the following day. Fans had been expecting the announcement since October 2025, when a song registered under Del Rey’s name appeared with the performing rights organization ASCAP. This marks a significant moment for Del Rey, as she previously wrote a song called “24” for the Spectre film in 2015, but it wasn’t chosen – Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall” was selected instead.

David Arnold has a strong connection to the James Bond films, having composed the music for five of them. He scored the films Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale, and Quantum of Solace in a row, establishing him as a key musical contributor to the Bond franchise.

The Score

The game’s music is created by The Flight, a duo famous for their soundtracks to games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West, and Assassin’s Creed Origins. Their style—combining grand orchestral pieces with modern electronic sounds—perfectly suits this new James Bond, who balances classic spy elements with a fresh take. According to audio director Dominic Vega, the music will evolve alongside the character, with Bond ‘earning’ his signature themes as he develops, reflecting his growth and connection to the established Bond musical legacy.

Editions: Which One Is Right for You?

You can buy 007 First Light in five different ways, from a simple digital download to a special edition for collectors.

Standard Edition — $69.99 / €69.99 / £59.99

The base game. Everything you need to play the full campaign and TacSim mode at launch.

Deluxe Edition — $79.99 / €79.99 / £69.99

Currently available as a free pre-order upgrade for all editions. Includes:

24-hour early access (from May 26, 2026 — digital editions only)
Four exclusive outfits: Day of the Dead, Desert Explorer, Silent Anchor, Gentleman Operator
Weapon skin: Agent’s Mark
Gleaming Pack: four gadget skins — Gleaming Lighter, Gleaming Earphones, Gleaming Dart Gun, and Gleaming Pen (note: some physical retailer listings name the third skin as “Gleaming Phone” — item names vary slightly by storefront)

Legacy Edition — $299.99 / €299.99 / £259.99 (Limited, Physical Only)

Now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC through Steam. This special edition is perfect for dedicated fans who enjoy physical copies of their favorite games. It includes all the content from the Deluxe Edition, along with even more!

Golden Gun figurine with display stand and secret compartment
Steelbook case with magnet
Certificate of authenticity
Golden Gun weapon skin (in-game)
Obsidian Gold Suit (in-game)

Collector’s Edition — $199.99 / €199.99 / £159.99 (Limited, Physical Only)

Experience a new level of luxury with this premium edition! It includes everything from the Deluxe upgrade, plus a full-size, wearable gold mask replica, a collectible steelbook case with a magnetic closure, a certificate of authenticity, and the exclusive Obsidian Gold Suit for use in the game. Please check the official IOI pre-order page to confirm the contents available in your region and at your retailer before you buy.

Specialist Edition — $69.99 (Amazon-exclusive, Physical Only)

As a huge fan, I’m so excited about this edition! It’s the only way to get the Classic Tuxedo outfit, and it comes with special packaging too. Plus, there’s a unique cosmetic item you can’t get with any other version – it’s a must-have for collectors like me!

Limited Edition DualSense Controller

Sony has released a special DualSense controller inspired by the James Bond film No Time to Die. It has a sleek gold finish and a design reminiscent of a gun barrel, making it a stylish addition for any PS5 gamer who loves the 007 aesthetic.

Wishlist Milestone Rewards

IOI is running a campaign where players can unlock free in-game items by wishlisting their games on Steam. As the campaign reaches certain milestones, everyone registered with an IOI Account will receive exclusive cosmetics.

About IO Interactive

IO Interactive is an independent game studio based in Denmark, with locations in Copenhagen, Malmö, Barcelona, Istanbul, and Brighton. For 25 years, they’ve perfected a unique approach to game design – creating open-ended, realistic worlds where players have a lot of freedom – primarily through the Hitman series. They’ve self-published the Hitman games since becoming an independent studio in 2017.

As a Bond fan, I’m really excited about 007 First Light! It’s built with this awesome engine called Glacier, and honestly, it feels like a huge step forward for the game’s look and feel. Everything’s faster and more like watching a Bond movie, which is exactly what I want! The CEO, Hakan Abrak, has even hinted that this could be the first of three Bond games, and that’s incredible news if it happens!

Accessibility

The new game, 007 First Light, includes helpful accessibility options from the start. According to official details, these features are confirmed to include:

Subtitles (Basic) and Clear Subtitles
Volume Controls and Basic Screen Reader
Controller Remapping (Basic), Adjustable Stick Sensitivity and Inversion
Playable without Motion Controls, Touch Controls, Controller Vibration, or Adaptive Trigger Effects
Adjustable Difficulty (Basic), Control and Tutorial Reminders, Game Pausing

What Previewers Are Saying

Early hands-on experiences before the official release have been mostly good, though with some important things to keep in mind. It’s important to remember these are first impressions, not complete reviews.

IGN called the game a delightful spy thriller, full of charm, humor, and energy. They especially praised its focus on characters and said it’s definitely worth checking out.

PC Gamer highlighted a key concern: IO Interactive might have shifted away from the intricate, puzzle-like gameplay of the original Hitman games towards a more action-packed, straightforward experience. If you enjoyed the freedom and open-ended levels of the Hitman trilogy, it’s good to be aware of this change.

After playing for three hours, Video Games Chronicle believes 007 First Light could be a strong contender for Game of the Year, and might be the best James Bond video game ever created.

Throughout the hands-on previews, two features consistently impressed players: the dynamic combat system called “Licence to Kill,” and a bluffing mechanic that meaningfully changes how each encounter unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 007 First Light isn’t connected to the existing James Bond movies. It’s a brand new, original story created by IO Interactive, featuring a completely new take on the character of James Bond, played by Patrick Gibson. He’s not portraying a younger version of any previous Bond actor like Daniel Craig or Roger Moore.

Will the game be available on older consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One? No, it won’t. 007 First Light is designed for the newest consoles only, and there are no plans to release it on previous generations.

The game is currently single-player only. While there are online features, they’re limited to leaderboards through TacSim – there are no plans for multiplayer or cooperative gameplay at this time.

The main story campaign is estimated to take around 20 hours to complete for most players, according to comments from the game’s developer shared at a recent event. This length isn’t officially listed on the game’s store pages. How long it actually takes will vary depending on how you play, and playing with the ‘TacSim’ mode will add even more time after the story ends.

Some people wondered if this game was simply a re-skinned version of Hitman, but IO Interactive intentionally made it different. It’s faster-paced, with more emphasis on combat, and mixes both structured levels and open-world areas. The story focuses on characters and their development, unlike Hitman‘s more episodic format. While it shares similarities with Hitman, it’s a distinct game.

As of now, there are no announced plans for story-based downloadable content (DLC). The developers, IO Interactive, are focusing on “TacSim” as a way to keep players engaged for a long time. While IO Interactive’s Hakan Abrak has said he’d like to see a trilogy of 007 First Light games, there hasn’t been any official confirmation of a sequel yet.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is currently expected to release in Summer 2026. Nintendo CEO Hakan Abrak suggested in May 2026 that a release towards the end of summer is most likely, but an official date hasn’t been announced yet.

What to Expect

With 007 First Light, the James Bond franchise finally gets the serious video game adaptation it deserves after many years. This isn’t a remake of GoldenEye or a direct adaptation of a movie. Instead, the developers, IO Interactive – known for giving players freedom and creating dynamic game worlds – have crafted a brand new story featuring a fresh take on the legendary spy, showing a side of Bond we haven’t seen before.

James Bond fans will find this the most significant new game in the series for a long time. Hitman fans will appreciate the studio taking a bold step forward with a franchise they clearly understand. And for everyone else, it’s a thrilling action-adventure game featuring a Hollywood-level cast, a theme song by Lana Del Rey, and a flexible gameplay system that lets you approach challenges however you like – through combat, stealth, or deception – with the option to replay with altered rules in TacSim mode.

The number is waiting to be earned. May 27, 2026.

Information current as of May 2026. Details are based on official sources and are subject to change. Please check ioi.dk/007firstlightgame for the latest on pre-order editions and which platforms the game will be available on before launch.

2026-05-07 18:05