February’s gaming releases include new chapters from some beloved franchises, an action-adventure all about time, a long-awaited return for a familiar face and one of the most anticipated releases ever.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Discover your past and save the future in this survival horror sequel. Set in a time known as the “Modern Dark Ages”, Dying Light 2: Stay Human tells the story of Aiden Caldwell. A member of the group known as the Pilgrims; Aiden was separated from his only remaining family – his sister Mia – at a young age. As an adult, Aiden is looking to reunite with Mia before it becomes too late for him, as he is infected with the Harran Virus. This brings Aiden to the streets of the City, which is run by warring factions all looking to claim power over the remaining humans. As Aiden, players will be able to choose who to help along the way, with areas of the City even being locked off depending on your choices on the hunt for Mia.
Players who pre-order will receive the Reload skin and Reach for the Sky pack. The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game in a Steelbook case, access to the first DLC when it launches and a collection of deluxe items, including weapon charms, weapon skins, a digital artbook and a digital copy of the game’s soundtrack. The Ultimate Edition includes a copy of the game, access to the first and second DLC’s when they launch, all the content from the Deluxe Edition as well as an Ultimate selection of additional items and bonus content. The Collector’s Edition – which is available through select retailers – includes the game, Steelbook case, all of the content from the Ultimate Edition, a map of the city, a thank you letter, UV flashlight and stickers and a Defender of the City statuette with UV lamp.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC from February 4*
Sifu
Vengeance is all, no matter the cost, in this action brawler. Set in the streets of a modern Chinese city, players are immersed in the world of a kung fu student looking to settle a vendetta. After their family was murdered by assassins, the student has spent their life tracking down each assassin to defeat them. To help them in this quest, the student carries with them a magical talisman that will revive them should they suffer a fatal blow. This magic comes at a cost as each resurrection means that the student will come back a little older and will eventually die once the magic power is depleted.
Players who pre-order will receive a Cinematic Pack for Photo Mode and two exclusive avatars for their chosen platform. The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game with 48 hours early access, a digital artbook and a digital copy of the game’s soundtrack.
Sifu will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC from February 8*
Horizon Forbidden West
Aloy returns for a new adventure in this highly anticipated sequel. Taking place about a year and a half after the events of Horizon: Zero Dawn, this new story will see Aloy leave the Nora tribe behind as she embarks on a dangerous journey to find the source of a plague that is taking hold of her people. Horizon Forbidden West will see players travel to what was Utah all the way to the Pacific coast in search of answers. Exploring this unknown region is not without peril, especially with the nomadic raiders and warlords destroying everything and everyone who stands against them.
Players who pre-order will receive the Nora Legacy outfit and spear. The Special Edition includes a copy of the game, Steelbook case, mini art book and a digital copy of the game’s soundtrack. The Collector’s Edition includes the game for PS4 & PS5, all the content from the Special Edition, a digital comic book, additional outfits & weapons, a resource pack, new unlocks for Photo mode and two statues of Aloy and a Tremortusk. The Regalla Edition includes the game for PS4 & PS5, all the digital content from the Collector’s Edition, mini art book, Steelbook case, Regalla Tremortusk & Aloy statues, a replica Focus and stand, art card, canvas map and Clawstrider & Sunwing Machine Strike pieces.
Horizon Forbidden West will be available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 from February 18*
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen
The Hive has a new leader in this latest from the world of Destiny 2. For The Witch Queen, the story shifts to focus on the newly freed Savathûn, the titular Witch Queen. The sister of the Taken King and the God of War, she leads the Hive in their service of the Worm Gods. Spreading the belief of the Sword Logic, Savathûn is less focused on the direct confrontational methods her siblings used, instead choosing trickery and subterfuge to achieve her goals. With her Lucent Brood warriors now with powers to rival the Guardians, players will have to be prepared for anything and everything as they head for the Ascendant Realm.
Players who pre-order will receive the Throne World Exotic Ghost Shell, Enigma emote and a Legendary Emblem. The Deluxe Edition includes the game, access to Seasons 16-19, two dungeons as part of Year 5 an Exotic SMG, Catalyst & Ornament, and the Throne World Exotic Sparrow. The Deluxe Edition 30th Anniversary Bundle includes the game, all content from the Deluxe Edition and the 30th Anniversary Pack. This special pack includes a new Dungeon, new weapons, a Gjallarhorn Rocket Launcher, Catalyst & Ornament, the Descending Echo Armour set, two additional Ornament sets, a unique helmet ornament, Exotic Sparrows, an Exotic Ship and additional Emblems, Shaders and Emotes.
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC from February 22*
Elden Ring
Travel to the Lands Between for one of the most anticipated action RPG releases. In Elden Ring, the Lands Between were once prosperous and peaceful under the rule of Queen Marika, known as “The Eternal”. Alongside her Demigod children, Marika’s rule was blessed by the Erdtree and the force of the Elden Ring. This peace was shattered by the theft of the Rune of Death, which brought civil war to the Lands Between, a war which still rages around the player character – part of a group labelled as the “Tarnished” as each Demigod has claimed one of the Great Runes for themselves. Now, a legend has risen of one who will unite the Great Runes and restore the power of the Elden Ring to become the Elden Lord.
Players who pre-order will receive a The Ring gesture and a Digital Adventure Guide to help players get started. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, digital artbook and digital soundtrack. The Launch Edition includes a copy of the game, an alternate Steelbook case, stickers, a woven patch, exclusive art cards and hero poster. The Collector’s Edition includes a copy of the game, all the content of the Launch Edition, an exclusive 40-page hardcover art book, a digital copy of the game’s soundtrack and a 9-inch Malenia – Blade of Miquella figurine. The Premium Edition includes the game, all of the content in the Collector’s Edition and a limited-edition, numbered 1:1 scale replica Malenia – Blade of Miquella helmet with display stand.
Elden Ring will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC from February 25*
Free to Play
Players with either an Xbox Gold or Game Pass Ultimate subscription will be able to add four new titles to their libraries this month. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, Broken Sword 5: The Serpent’s Curse will be available from February 1-28*, with Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield available from February 16 – March 15*. Also available via Backward Compatibility are two Xbox 360 titles. Hydrophobia will be available to claim for free from February 1-15*, followed by Band of Bugs from February 16-28*
Over on PlayStation, active PS Plus subscribers will have three new titles available to download and play for free this month across the PlayStation family. From February 1* Planet Coaster: Console Edition will be available on PlayStation 5, with EA Sports UFC 4 and Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-Shot Adventure available on PlayStation 4.
Over on PC, those with a Prime Gaming account (created by combining a Twitch account to Amazon Prime) will be able to claim five new titles for free this month. From February 1* the following games will be available:
- Stellaris
- Ashwalkers: A Survival Journey
- As Far As The Eye
- Double Kick Heroes
- Golazo! Soccer League
Full details on how to claim these games – along with drops for Grand Theft Auto Online, Dead by Daylight, Doom Eternal and FIFA 22 – can be found on the Prime Gaming website.
Also Released This Month
February 1* – Life Is Strange Remastered Collection (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, Stadia, PC), Cheftastic: Buffet Blast (PC)
February 4* – Autobahn Police Simulator 2 (Switch), Maglam Lord (PS4, Switch)
February 8* – OlliOlli World (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC)
February 9* – Diplomacy is Not an Option (PC – Steam Early Access)
February 10* – CrossfireX (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S), Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Prologue, Kingdom Hearts 3 + Re:Mind (Switch – Cloud), Edge of Eternity (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5), Out There: Oceans of Time (PC)
February 11* – Lost Ark (PC), Not Tonight 2 (PC), Summer in Mara (PS4, Switch), Bassmaster Fishing Deluxe 2022 (PS4, PS5, PC), Unbound Worlds Apart (PS4, PS5), Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (Switch)
February 14* – Infernax (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PC, Switch)
February 15* – Rumbleverse (Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC), Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Switch, Stadia)
February 17* – Total War: Warhammer 3 (PC), Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection (Switch), The King of Fighters XV (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5)
February 22* – Keywe (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S), YouTuber’s Life 2 (Xbox One, PS4, Switch)
February 24* – Martha Is Dead (Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC), Assetto Corsa Competizione (Xbox Series X/S, PS5)
February 25* – Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream (PS4, Switch, PC), Grid Legends (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC), Life is Strange: True Colours (Switch), Tormented Souls (PS4, PS5), Undernauts (PS4, Switch), Grow: Song of the Evertree (Switch), Breathedge (PS4, PS5), Call of the Sea: Norah’s Edition (PS4, PS5), Reverie Knights Tactics (PS4, PC, Switch)
*Dates refer to UK release only. International dates may vary and are subject to change. Information correct at time of writing.
Words by Megan Roxburgh
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