007 First Light is IO Interactive's new James Bond action-adventure. You play as Bond, using gadgets, stealth, and driving to complete missions. If you're playing, you can also submit your best gameplay videos for a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card. Here's what to know.
What Is 007 First Light?
It is a single-player stealth-action game developed by IO Interactive, the studio behind the modern Hitman series. Released on May 27, 2026, the title puts you in an exquisitely tailored suit — the world's most famous spy. You'll arm yourself with gadgets, drive cool cars, sneak through hotels, and blow up airplanes. The core loop involves entering a mission sandbox, gathering intelligence, eliminating threats, and exfiltrating, with multiple approaches available to suit your playstyle.
The game builds on the sandbox design philosophy IO Interactive is known for. Given the studio's history, players familiar with Hitman will recognize the emphasis on large environments, creative problem-solving, and chaotic emergent moments — like the famously deadly homing briefcase from the Hitman series.
Core Gameplay: Stealth, Combat, Gadgets, Vehicles
Stealth is the primary mechanic. You can blend into crowds, use shadows, and avoid detection. The awareness system is tiered: suspicion, search, and combat. Once an enemy spots you, reinforcements may be called in. The game rewards a stealthy approach — no bodies found, no shots fired.
Combat is available as a fallback option. Bond can go loud with weapons picked up from guards, but combat is the fail-safe, not the default. Getting detected doesn't end the mission — it ends when you're dead. You can retreat and recover, though the alert state persists until you change disguise or hide long enough.
Gadgets are a central part of Bond's toolkit, changing the problem-solving palette compared to IO Interactive's earlier games. A Hitman player who relies on fiber wire and accidents will need to adapt, as Bond has different tools and more direct offensive options at his disposal.
Vehicles appear in specific missions — car chases, boat escapes, and plane infiltration are all part of the experience. These are integrated into mission set pieces rather than free-roam exploration.
Mission Structure: Sandbox Levels
Each mission takes place in a large, dense environment such as a hotel, an airplane hangar, or a jungle compound. You enter with a briefing and a set of primary and optional objectives. Multiple paths exist: front door with a disguise, ventilation shafts, rooftop infiltration, or creating chaos to slip in unnoticed.
The game tracks your approach — stealth, combat, or a mix — which can influence later dialogue and unlockable gear. Elimination is not always required; some missions demand extraction of a target or intel instead.
The tension comes from the persistence of the alert system. Do you fight your way out of a botched stealth attempt, or crawl back into the ventilation system and wait for things to cool down? The choice is yours.
Beginner Guidance and Practical Tips
- Save often. The game uses manual save slots. Before any risky action, quick-save. One mistake can lose significant progress.
- Use silent takedowns sparingly. Bodies attract attention. Hide them in closets or dumpsters. If a patrol guard finds a colleague unconscious, they'll raise the alarm. Dragging corpses becomes a core part of the stealth loop.
- Observe before acting. Scout guard patrol routes, camera positions, and restricted areas before making your move. Information is your most valuable resource.
- Disguises are contextual. A security guard disguise won't fool a high-ranking official. Pay attention to uniform categories and which areas each disguise grants access to.
- Adapt your playstyle. If you're coming from Hitman, remember that Bond's toolkit is different. Lean into his gadget set rather than relying on old habits.
If you try to play this like a cover shooter, you will struggle. The game punishes run-and-gun. Slow down, observe, and act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 007 First Light an open-world game?
No. The game uses large sandbox levels — similar to Hitman — with multiple paths and objectives within each mission. You are free to explore each location, but the world is not seamless.
How long does it take to beat 007 First Light?
IO Interactive has not provided an official playtime. Given the mission density described in early coverage, expect a campaign with substantial replay value from alternate approaches and side objectives.
Can I play stealth through the whole game?
Yes. The game is designed to reward stealth, but combat is always an option. Many missions can be completed without triggering a single alarm.
Is there any multiplayer?
No. 007 First Light is a single-player action-adventure. IO Interactive has not announced any multiplayer modes.
Playing 007 First Light? Send Us Gameplay Videos Galore and You Could Win a $500 Amazon Gift Card
PC Gamer is collecting the best PC gaming videos the internet has to offer, and each month the editors award their favorite clip a $500 Amazon gift card. If something exciting, funny, or bizarre happens while you're playing 007 First Light — or any PC game, old or new — press the record button and send it in.
How to submit: Record a video under 10 GB and upload it using the PC Gamer Clips form. If the editors like it, they'll share it across their social channels — Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook — for the world to see.
Eligibility: Only residents of the US and UK are eligible for the $500 Amazon gift card prize. Each month, editors select one favorite clip as the winner.
Given how entertaining Hitman videos have always been, there's bound to be chaotic sandbox moments in Bond's world too. Whether you've found a clever way to complete a mission, had a stealth plan go terribly wrong, or discovered something bizarre, your clip could be the one that takes the prize. Record your best moments and submit them for a chance to win.
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