007 First Light: A Bold New Era for James Bond Begins March 2026

Play your way through high-stakes espionage in IO Interactive’s ambitious spy thriller—featuring customizable approaches, cinematic combat, gadgets galore, and an all-star cast.

James Bond is back—and this time, you decide how the mission unfolds.

In a massive new State of Play showcase, IO Interactive unveiled over 30 minutes of gameplay footage for 007 First Light, giving fans their deepest look yet at the next chapter of the iconic spy saga. The game will officially launch on March 27, 2026, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, with pre-orders now live and a free upgrade to the Deluxe Edition available for early buyers.

A Cinematic Introduction to Espionage

Two full missions were featured in the showcase, each with a distinct tone and setting:

• A covert operation set during a high-stakes chess tournament in Slovakia, culminating in a dramatic high-altitude confrontation.
• An infiltration of a lavish gala in Kensington, London, showcasing social stealth, environmental interaction, and spycraft.

Both missions offer a peek into IOI’s interpretation of the Bond universe—a “living and breathing” world of secrets, tension, and action, where choices and improvisation shape the experience.

Play Bond Your Way: The “Creative Approach” System

IO Interactive calls the game’s player agency mechanic the Creative Approach—a philosophy that gives you full control over how Bond completes his objectives.

You can:

• Ghost through an entire level undetected,
• Go guns blazing with all the weapons and gadgets at your disposal,
• Or use a combination of stealth, social deception, and action.

This approach is supported by four key pillars of gameplay:

Spycraft

Discreetly gather intel, listen in on conversations, pickpocket guards, and discover hidden paths. Every clue opens new possibilities.

Instinct

A gameplay system that mirrors Bond’s intuition. Earn Instinct points by completing objectives or takedowns. Use them to:

• Distract enemies,
• Bluff through guarded areas,
• Or slow time for perfect headshots.

Gadgets from Q Branch

True to the franchise, gadgets are an extension of Bond’s toolkit. Expect:

• Hacking tools,
• Laser cutters,
• Camera manipulation, and more.
  As you progress, you'll unlock new gear that expands your approach options.

Combat

Combat in 007 First Light is fluid, cinematic, and responsive. Engage enemies in:

• Precision gunfights,
• CQC brawls with parries, throws, and takedowns,
• And gadget-assisted finishers for that signature Bond flair.

When the situation escalates, Bond’s "License to Kill" mode activates—unleashing a lethal blend of firearm expertise and brutal efficiency.

Driving Sequences and Action Set Pieces

Yes, there are car chases.

Driving is fully integrated into gameplay, not just scripted events. Whether you’re navigating winding roads during a pursuit or taking wild shortcuts during a high-speed escape, Bond's driving skills are vital to survival.

The developers also confirmed 007 First Light includes massive action set-pieces, including:

• Mid-air battles during free-falls,
• Explosive pursuits,
• And edge-of-your-seat sequences that “reflect the stakes of the world of espionage.”

Meet the Cast of 007 First Light

The storytelling and character development in First Light are bolstered by an impressive cast of voice and motion capture talent:

• Patrick Gibson (The OA, Shadow and Bone) as James Bond
• Priyanga Burford (Industry) as M
• Alastair Mackenzie (The Crown) as Q
• Kiera Lester as Miss Moneypenny
• Lennie James (Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead) as Bond’s mentor John Greenway
• Noemie Nakai (Tokyo Vice) as Miss Roth

The performances promise to anchor the narrative with emotional depth, intrigue, and nuance, giving fans both familiar faces and new dynamics within MI6.

Deluxe Edition Bonuses and Pre-Order Info

007 First Light launches March 27, 2026, exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro.

• Pre-orders are now live.
• All early purchasers receive a free upgrade to the Deluxe Edition, which includes bonus content (details TBA).
• More platform availability may be announced at a later date.

IO Interactive, the team behind the Hitman reboot trilogy, is clearly putting its stealth-action pedigree to use, delivering what could be the most authentic 007 experience to date.