Young Bond Shines: 007 First Light Stealth-Action Gameplay Unveiled
At Sony’s latest State of Play showcase, IO Interactive delivered an electrifying gameplay deep dive of 007 First Light, offering more than 30 minutes of action-packed espionage that reimagines the origins of James Bond - and confirms a release date: March 27, 2026.
Following on from Sony’s announcement on Monday about 007 First Light being shown off at an exclusive State of Play, we finally got a look at how the game plays. And it looks an awful lot like IO’s Hitman series. But that might not be a bad thing.
In 007 First Light, players embody a 26-year-old James Bond, newly inducted into MI6, navigating his first missions with a blend of rookie spirit and spy instincts. IO Interactive’s signature design philosophy offers flexible infiltration options; players can choose stealth, brute force, or improvisation.
Like any good spy-to-be, Bond has a number of skills and abilities at his disposal, such as eavesdropping, picking locks, and analyzing environmental clues. Players will also be able to take advantage of Bond’s Instinct, a regenerating resource allowing silent takedowns, bluffing, or precision shots.
Combat in 007 First Light is a seamless blend of firearm precision, cinematic melee, environmental takedowns, and escalating encounters, unlocking Bond’s lethal edge. And if that's not enough to take on overwhelming challenges, Bond can also utilize Q-Branch tech for hacking, distractions, and misdirection.
The stream showcased key missions, including an undercover stint at a chess tournament in Slovakia and a gala infiltration in Kensington, London. IOI’s Glacier Engine powers stunning environments and fluid animations, reminiscent of the Hitman series but elevated with Bond-worthy flair. Sequences include high-speed chases, mid-air altercations, and grand cinematic set-pieces.
IO also pulled the curtain back on pre-order bonuses for 007 First Light, alongside the reveal of a pretty hefty Collector's Edition that'll set you back €300 or your regional equivalent. Digital pre-orders upgrade to the Deluxe Edition (24-hour early access, exclusive outfits, a weapon skin, and a Gleaming Skin Pack) for no extra cost, meanwhile the Legacy Edition packs a Golden Gun replica, themed outfits, a certificate, and a premium steel case.
Sony’s State of Play offered a fully immersive first look at 007 First Light, promising a thrilling blend of espionage, storytelling, and player choice. The reimagined Bond origin paired with the Creative Approach could make this a standout addition to both the stealth and Bond genres. With early-access perks and high-end collector options already in the pipeline, the countdown to March 2026 is officially on.
Will you be picking up 007 First Light on March 27th? Sound off in the comments!
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