Following its initial reveal, IO Interactive has finally showcased official gameplay from its next title, 007 First Light. The game-focused State of Play showcased two missions. One was an undercover mission during an exclusive chess tournament held in Slovakia. The other was Bond inflitrating a lavish gala in Kensington, London. IO Interactive said that these two missions are but a glimpse of some of the elevated and exclusive locales that Bond will have to learn to blend in with as he discovers the world of espionage.

007 First Light is all about the Creative Approach, what IO Interactive calls the core of the gameplay. By utilizing its expertize in the spy fantasy genre with Hitman, IO Interactive developed a Bond experience that allows players to take on objectives using different sets of skills, from pure stealth, direct action, or using a bit of both with some improvisation.

The Creative Approach is broken into four distinct areas of gameplay mechanics: Spycraft, Instinct, Gadgets, and Combat.

Spycraft ensures that stealth and observation are just as powerful as any weapon in Bond’s arsenal. Bond will be able to eavesdrop on key conversations, pickpocket vital items, inspect the environment for hidden clues, and gathering crucial information.

Instinct is a signature gameplay feature in 007 First Light. In short, it’s a versatile resource that can turn the tide in any situation. Bond can use his instincts to lure enemies into vulnerable positions, buff his way out of suspicion when discovered, or sharpen his focus for greater precision and power in combat. Instinct is meant to capture Bond’s quick thinking and adaptability, allowing players to respond to changing circumstances with style and control.

Gadgets are a staple for both James Bond and IO Interactive. In First Light, they are a core part of Bond’s toolkit, woven directly into the moment-to-moment gameplay. From hacking and cutting locks to creating distractions or incapacitating targets, these versatile tools open up new possibilities for stealth, misdirection, and tactical improvisation in any mission. Players will unlock new gadgets as they progress through the missions, which will expand their loadout and strategies to deal with the challenges they will have to face.

Combat is designed to be fast, fluid, and true to Bond’s character, blending precision ranged shooting, visceral and impactful melee encounters, and a unique escalation system that reflects his measured use of force. Up close, Bond can deliver dynamic takedowns, throws, and parries that feel weighty and cinematic, often using the environment to his advantage. When enemies escalate to lethal force, Bond is granted his License to Kill, unlocking his expert marksmanship with firearms that can be seamlessly integrated into the flow of action. This interplay between ranged and melee combat, which integrates Bond’s gadgets, ensures every confrontation feels personal, responsive, and grounded in the 007 fantasy.

Alongside the freedom of the Creative Approach comes the cinematic set-pieces that define the Bond franchise. Players will be able to experience thrilling, gripping moments such as high-speed chases, breathtaking shootouts, battling enemies aboard a hacked airplane, and subsequently being thrown out into the open sky.  These showstoppers are handcrafted to capture the danger, elegance, and spectacle of Bond’s world, while showcasing his evolution into an elite agent capable of handling every challenge that he is presented with.

“With 007 First Light, we’re building a wholly original James Bond experience from the ground up, one that blends the sharp tension of espionage with the bold spectacle the franchise is known for,” Hakan Abrak, CEO, IO Interactive said. “The gameplay is rooted in our signature approach to immersive design, combining stealth, action, and creativity in a way that feels uniquely tailored to Bond.”

In addition to the gameplay, the ensemble cast for the game was revealed. James Bond is being played by Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin, The OA). Classic characters featuring in First Light include M (Priyanga Burford), Q (Alastair Mackenzie), and Miss Moneypenny (Kiera Lester). New characters include Bond’s mentor, John Greenway (Lennie James – Fear the Walking Dead, Save Me), and Miss Roth (Noemie Nakai).

007 First Light is set to launch on March 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 for $69.99. Players who pre-order any edition will get upgraded to the Deluxe Edition for free. The Deluxe Edition includes a 24-hour early access, four item skins: the Gleaming Lighter, the Gleaming Earphones, the Gleaming Phone, and the Gleaming Pen, an exclusive weapon skin, as well as four outfits: Day of the Dead, Desert Explorer, Silent Anchor, and Gentleman Operator. The Deluxe Edition will be available at launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and for PC for $79.99.

007 First Light – Specialist Edition is a Amazon exclusive offer on the website. It features standout and unique packaging for the game’s case, as well as an exclusive original outfit for Bond, the Classic Tux, for even more flair.

007 First Light – Legacy Edition will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC for $299.99. It includes the full game, the Deluxe Edition content, an Exclusive Golden Gun weapon skin, the Obsidian Gold Suit outfit, a Golden Gun Figurine with Stand & Secret Compartment, a Certificate of Authenticity, and a Steel Case with Magnet.