The first new James Bond video game in over a decade is launching very soon, and players can even start playing it a day early. It has been 14 years since the last traditional James Bond video game, and based on early impressions, 007 First Light stands to be a very authentic adaptation, potentially better than some of the movies. Developed by IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman series, the game bears some similarities to Hitman but still feels distinctly Bond-like. With the launch approaching, here is a guide on everything you need to know about 007 First Light, including the best pre-order deals.
Release Date and Early Access
007 First Light is scheduled to launch on Wednesday, May 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Digital purchases will become available at precisely 3pm BST. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for later this year, but no specific date has been announced yet.
Early access is available for those who pre-order the standard edition digitally, allowing gameplay starting from May 26, 24 hours before the public launch. This early access is not included with any special editions or physical pre-orders.
Editions Available
There are four editions of 007 First Light available for pre-order:
- Standard Edition (digital): Includes a free deluxe upgrade with four extra in-game outfits, a weapon skin, and a pack of four gadget skins. Only digital pre-orders include early access.
- Specialist Edition (physical, Amazon exclusive): Includes the game, deluxe upgrade, and a classic tuxedo for Bond. Priced at £59.99.
- Collector's Edition (physical, limited): Includes everything in the Specialist edition, plus an obsidian gold outfit, a lifesize gold mask replica, and a steel case. Priced around £164.99–£169.99, but mostly out of stock.
- Legacy Edition (physical, limited): Includes everything from the Collector's edition except the mask, plus a golden gun replica and an in-game golden gun skin. Priced at £259.99, with limited availability.
Best Pre-Order Deals
The standard edition is available digitally for £59.99, but physical copies can be found cheaper. HMV offers the best price at £52.99, but it is currently out of stock. Very and Monster Shop sell it for £53.99, while ShopTo offers it for £53.85. The Xbox version on Very is listed at £52.99. The Specialist edition is an Amazon exclusive at £59.99. The Collector's edition is largely out of stock, with Smyths offering it at £164.99 and GAME at £169.99. The Legacy edition is available at GAME, Smyths, and Very for £259.99, with The Game Collection slightly cheaper at £259.95.
Game Details
007 First Light is not a direct adaptation of any existing Bond story but is a reimagined origin story depicting Bond as a rookie MI6 agent earning his 00 status. It draws inspiration from both the films and Ian Fleming's books but is not canon to the film series.
Cast
The game stars Patrick Gibson (known for Dexter: Original Sin) as James Bond. Other cast members include Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, Kiera Lester as Miss Moneypenny, Lennie James as John Greenway, Noémie Nakai as Charlotte Roth, Gemma Chan as Selina Tan, and Lenny Kravitz as the villain Bawma.
Theme Song
The theme song, also titled First Light, is performed by Lana Del Rey and co-written with David Arnold, who composed soundtracks for five Bond films including Tomorrow Never Dies and Casino Royale.
