Bond Begins

007 First Light: Release, Story, Bond Car and Gameplay

A young man with a scar on his cheek and a leather jacket pulls the corners of his mouth up into a grin.

Danish developer IO Interactive has finally revealed its new James Bond game, “007 First Light”. We’ve gathered all currently known information for you.

Ad

After countless rumors, “007 First Light” has finally been officially unveiled. The creators of the successful “Hitman” series are bringing the legendary secret agent to your screens in a brand-new adventure. During the State of Play, IO Interactive presented the first trailer, offering a look into the origin story of a young James Bond. Here you’ll find all key details on the release, story, and platforms.

When does 007 First Light release?

According to IO Interactive’s official announcement, “007 First Light” will release in 2026. During the latest State of Play, the exact release date was revealed during a gameplay trailer. 007 First Light launches on March 27, 2026.

Which platforms will 007 First Light release on?

“007 First Light” will release on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. According to the official PlayStation Blog, the game will also be optimized for PlayStation 5 Pro. It will utilize “PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)” technology and run at 60 FPS in Quality Mode.

Ad
Ad

System requirements for PC

The exact system requirements for the PC version of “007 First Light” are not yet known. As soon as we have more information about it, we will update this article directly.

The story of the game

In First Light, you experience a brand-new origin story of James Bond. It is an independent re-imagining of the character, developed in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios.

The James Bond in First Light is 26 years old, making him the youngest Bond ever depicted. He is not yet a fully trained 007 agent, but rather a man with sharp instincts who sometimes acts recklessly and still has to learn when to fight, bluff, or disappear into the shadows.

Ad
Ad

The story begins with Bond serving in the Royal Navy. Through a courageous act against all odds, he is recruited for MI6’s most demanding training program. Through this training, combined with his natural instinct, wit, and heart, he evolves into a fully fledged spy.

In First Light, Bond encounters the more experienced agent 009, described as a “master manipulator”. The game’s Steam page also reveals that after a mission goes wrong, Bond is forced to stop a rogue agent, uncover a conspiracy alongside his reluctant mentor Greenway, and prevent an impending coup at the heart of the nation.

007 First Light: Gameplay and features

Although IO Interactive is best known for its stealth-sandbox “Hitman” series, the first trailer suggests that First Light leans more toward a traditional action-adventure with a linear structure and a strong focus on story.

Ad
Ad

The gameplay will blend combat, driving sequences, stealth sections, and the use of classic 007-style gadgets. The environments will vary, from snow-covered mountains to sun-drenched beaches.

You will also encounter iconic characters from the James Bond franchise, including M, Q, and Moneypenny. Additionally, new characters such as Greenway, Bond’s mentor who teaches him MI6 fieldwork, will appear. The game is powered by IO Interactive’s in-house Glacier engine, which also drives the “Hitman” games.

The Aston Martin Valhalla in 007: First Light

In 007: First Light, the upcoming action-adventure from IO Interactive, James Bond will drive the Aston Martin Valhalla for the first time – a hybrid supercar that blends modern Formula 1 technology with the brand’s classic elegance. The game portrays a young Bond at the start of his MI6 career and places special emphasis on iconic elements of the film series, including Bond’s legendary vehicles. The Valhalla takes center stage, reflecting Bond’s style and appetite for risk through its design and performance.

Ad
Ad

The real-world Valhalla is Aston Martin’s first mid-engine plug-in hybrid supercar, limited to 999 units worldwide and inspired by the Valkyrie. In the game version, Bond’s model features additional typical “Q modifications” – technical gadgets and weapon upgrades, some of which can already be glimpsed in the promotional images.

When can you pre-order 007 First Light?

You can already pre-order 007 First Light. The game comes in four editions designed for different types of players – from newcomers to dedicated collectors.

Standard Edition (€69.99)

  • Includes only the base game
  • No additional content
  • Digital pre-orders receive a free upgrade to the Deluxe Edition

Deluxe Edition (€79.99 or free as a pre-order upgrade for the digital Standard Edition)

  • 24-hour early access
  • 4 exclusive outfits: Day of the Dead, Desert Explorer, Silent Anchor, Gentleman Agent
  • 1 additional weapon skin
  • “Gleaming Skin Pack” with shiny lighter, headphones, phone, and pen

Specialist Edition (€69.99, exclusive to Amazon)

  • Special game case
  • Exclusive outfit “Classic Tuxedo”
  • No additional Deluxe content included

Legacy Edition (€299.99, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC only)

  • Includes all Deluxe Edition content
  • Exclusive weapon skin: “Golden Gun”
  • Exclusive outfit: “Obsidian Gold Suit”
  • High-quality replica of the “Golden Gun” incl. stand and secret compartment
  • Certificate of authenticity
  • Premium steelbook with magnetic closure

Source: PlayStation Blog, ioi.dk

Ad
Ad
Picture of Ilona Frank

Ilona Frank

Feels most at home in the worlds of horror, adventure, and platformers. Wishes there were trophies for everyday situations in real life, too.