007: First Light is a third-person action-adventure game from IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman (video game) series. The game is a James Bond origin story scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.
The game follows the story of James Bond as a young, resourceful and sometimes reckless recruit in MI6’s training program. After a heroic act, young Naval air crewman Bond is offered the opportunity to join the newly revived Double 0 Program.
Yet when a mission to stop a rogue agent ends in tragedy, he must join forces with his reluctant mentor, Greenway, to expose a deep conspiracy and stop a looming coup at the heart of the state.
The gameplay and mission structure in 007: First Light combine stealth, combat, gadgets, and vehicle sequences. The game showcases multiple approaches to completing objectives, similar to the freedom given to players in the Hitman franchise. The core gameplay elements are put into a detailed series of open-world missions set in various locations worldwide, allowing for multiple entry and exit points and various ways to handle objectives. The player can select stealth, go in guns or shooting, or use both combinations; your approach and methods determine the outcome of each situation.
Stealth and spy craft, infiltration is a major component of the gameplay mechanics that include eavesdropping, pickpocketing, inspecting the environment for clues, and gathering information. The combat blends with the precision shooting with visceral melee encounters. When engaged in close-quarters combat, James Bond can perform dynamic takedowns, throws, and parries. When the situation escalates, James Bond can use his firearms. The Q-Branch gadgets equip Bond with gameplay-integrated gadgets for hacking, lock-cutting, distractions, and target incapacitation, enhancing stealth and misdirection. A progression system likely unlocks new gadgets.
The psychological and crime side of the 007: First Light, the psychological manipulation of “spycraft”: As a young agent, Bond relies on charisma and social engineering rather than brute force. The gameplay emphasizes using social interactions—like bluffing, eavesdropping, and charming guards—to achieve objectives. This pits your wits against the psychology of your opponents.
Infiltration and investigation: In missions like the Kensington Gala, Bond must blend into high-class criminal circles to gather information. This involves classic spy craft, such as listening to conversations for clues and identifying tactical opportunities, similar to IO Interactive’s Hitman series.
