007 First Light – 15 More Things to Know Before Launch

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There’s still time to learn more about 007 First Light before its release on May 27th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. We’re waiting for details like the full PC system requirements, including settings for Ultra 4K, and for IO Interactive to clarify some launch details. Let’s get into the latest news, starting with…

Skills of the Trade

When IOI introduced TacSim, they also gave us a hint of how Bond’s gear will improve. By completing missions and gathering intel, players can upgrade tools like the Lazer Strap – with multiple ways to enhance its effectiveness. However, Bond doesn’t become physically stronger during the game. According to the developers, Bond starts as a highly capable agent, and the game focuses on unlocking and combining gadgets with skills like stealth, close-quarters combat, and deception.

About 20 Hours Long

With its blend of straightforward levels, open-ended areas, and action-packed moments, how long does it take to beat 007 First Light? The developers told YouTuber JorRaptor that most players will finish the main story in around 20 hours. But that doesn’t include the TacSim mode, where you can replay completed missions with new goals to earn intelligence and unlock upgrades for your gadgets, weapons, and appearance.

Wardrobe Usage

Bond has a wide range of outfits to choose from, and even more are available in the Deluxe Edition, including looks like the Desert Explorer and Gentleman Operator (complete with a tactical turtleneck for those in the know!). However, you can only wear these outfits in the game’s tactical simulator. During the main campaign, Bond’s appearance is fixed and you can’t change his clothes.

No New Game Plus

So, I just heard from the interview that New Game Plus isn’t happening, which is a bummer. I was really hoping I could start a new playthrough with all my cool gear already unlocked, but that’s not going to be possible, and they aren’t planning on adding it right now. The good news is IO Interactive said they’re listening to what players want, so if enough of us ask for it, they might consider adding New Game Plus in the future. Fingers crossed!

Only One Way This Ends

It seemed a given, but the development still clarified that no, there won’t be multiple endings, calling First Light a “narrative experience with a predetermined ending.” Considering the narrative arc and how we’re following Bond, as he slowly comes into his own, gaining the signature quirks we know and love while finding a place at MI6, it makes sense. But at least players are afforded some freedom on the journey.

Difficulty Settings

If you want to play the game again – perhaps to try a different strategy or a peaceful, non-violent approach, which seems possible – you’ll have multiple difficulty levels to choose from. At launch, there will be Story, Normal, and Hard modes. While the specifics of each mode are still being finalized, previews suggest that even on Normal, fighting multiple enemies at once can be tough.

“Enthusiast” PC Settings

The complete PC system requirements are now available. We already knew the specs for Minimum and Recommended settings, but IOI has also detailed requirements for an “Enthusiast” level of play. To run the game at High settings with a resolution of 1440p and 60 frames per second, you’ll need at least an RTX 4070, a Radeon RX 7800 XT, or another graphics card with 12 GB of VRAM. The CPU and RAM requirements – a Core i5-13500 or Ryzen 5 7600, and 16 GB of RAM – stay the same. The same is true for playing at 4K resolution with 60 FPS on High settings – you’ll need an RTX 4080, a Radeon RX 7900 XTX, or a similar GPU with 16 GB VRAM, but the CPU and RAM remain unchanged.

Ultra Settings (and a Caveat)

Let’s talk about playing games at 4K resolution with the highest settings. For that, you’ll need a Core i5-13600K or Ryzen 7 7700X processor, an RTX 5080 graphics card, and 32 GB of RAM. However, achieving over 200 frames per second relies on using DLSS 4.5. We haven’t tested performance without it, so we can’t say how well it would run then. Fortunately, the performance targets we’ve given for Minimum, Recommended, and Enthusiast builds don’t factor in DLSS.

PC Features

DLSS 4.5 builds on the already announced DLSS 4, and the PC version now includes features like Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution, plus support for unlimited frame rates. However, the developers still need a bit more time to add path tracing and DLSS Ray Reconstruction, which are currently expected to be released this summer.

Accessibility Options

The game offers a good range of accessibility features, including detailed audio settings, customizable subtitles, and narrated menus. Players can also personalize controls by remapping buttons, choosing between toggle/hold options, and fine-tuning sensitivity and deadzones. Plus, there’s a helpful setting to automatically complete quick-time events for players who prefer that.

Xbox Series X/S and PS5 Modes

The PS5 Pro will run First Light at a smooth 60 frames per second with PSSR turned on. For both Xbox Series X and the standard PS5, players can choose between a Performance mode and a Quality mode, although the specific frame rates and resolutions haven’t been announced yet. The Xbox Series S, however, will likely have fewer options – the developer suggests it probably won’t offer both modes, so expect a setting around 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second.

No Demo

We won’t be able to test how well the game runs before it comes out, as there won’t be a demo version. While this is a bit of a letdown, it’s fairly common practice – similar to what happened with Resident Evil Requiem – and with the launch date so near, IO Interactive is prioritizing getting the full game ready.

Not Always Online (But Not Fully Playable Offline)

The team emphasized that First Light can be played offline, and won’t always require an internet connection. Similar to Hitman, there are a few conditions. You’ll need to connect to the internet once to download an initial update before you can play the campaign offline. While some features, like updating challenges and leaderboards, will still need an online connection, IOI has stated that completing challenges offline is possible and will update when you reconnect. However, you will need to be online on the first day to start playing.

Cross-Save Details

Unlike Hitman World of Assassination, cross-progression as you know it won’t be available, so transferring “full save files,” as the developer refers to them, from Xbox to PC or PS5 and vice versa isn’t possible. Leaderboards will also remain platform-specific, which should prevent PC cheaters from taking over. However, it seems that challenges and other “related online progression” could transfer, perhaps because they’re tied to your IOI Account.

Deluxe Edition Details

Aside from the four bonus outfits, the Deluxe Edition offers 24 hours of early access, a weapon skin (which should take fans back to Pierce Brosnan days) and a Gleaming Pack, which coats your gadgets in gold plating. Pre-ordering the Standard Edition will provide a free upgrade, but if you’re hoping to wait until after launch, then just know that the cosmetics will remain exclusive to the Deluxe Edition (though the developer may explore “different distribution” at a later time).

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2026-05-25 23:03