007 First Light Gets Major Free Update With New Missions, Weapons, and New Game Plus

007 First Light has received a major free update that adds substantial new content to IO Interactive’s James Bond game. The Extended Operations DLC is now available and introduces new missions, additional weapons and outfits, New Game Plus, a new difficulty option, and more ways to use the Aston Martin Valhalla. 

One of the biggest additions is a new operation built around the Aston Martin Valhalla. Rather than simply appearing as part of the wider game, the vehicle now has dedicated sections centered around its performance and Bond’s use of it. The new content includes four track variations, with global leaderboards letting players compare their results. 

The Valhalla was already featured in 007 First Light, but its role in the main game was relatively limited compared with what some players expected.

Extended Operations gives the vehicle a much larger purpose through dedicated content designed around it. The addition also fits naturally with the Bond formula, where high-performance cars and elaborate action sequences have traditionally been an important part of the character’s adventures.

The update also adds a more extensive photo mode. Players can use various filters and poses to create screenshots throughout their time in the game, including poses involving Bond’s dog companion, Bomb. The feature appears to offer plenty of customization rather than functioning as a simple camera tool, giving players more control over how they capture the game’s environments, characters, and action sequences.

IO Interactive has also celebrated 007 First Light passing seven million wishlists. The milestone reflects the attention the game has received and comes alongside the addition of Jack, the MI6 mascot, as a new feature. These additions are part of a broader update that gives players more reasons to revisit the title after completing its main campaign.

Another major addition is the Jungle Heist operation. This mission revolves around retrieving a safe code, locating the safe, and discovering what is inside. The operation expands the game’s mission lineup while giving players another scenario to explore outside the main campaign. Two new weapons are also included: the Storm 12-gauge shotgun and Square Marksman rifle join Bond’s arsenal.

Bond is also getting new costumes as part of the update, giving players more options to change his appearance. The bigger addition, however, is New Game Plus, which lets players replay the campaign while carrying their experience into another playthrough. Alongside New Game Plus, IO Interactive is introducing the Double O difficulty level, described as the game's most challenging option.

The new difficulty is designed for players who want a tougher experience after completing the standard campaign. Combined with New Game Plus, it gives experienced players another reason to return to missions they have already completed and approach them with a higher level of challenge. 

007 First Light has reportedly performed strongly commercially since its release, though it hasn't been presented as a flawless experience.

The title has drawn attention for its large set pieces and action-heavy sequences, while also revealing rough edges in its presentation and overall polish. Its Bond origin story also attempts to show a younger version of the character while gradually establishing some of the personality traits associated with the famous secret agent.

That balance matters because 007 First Light lays the foundation for IO Interactive’s long-term plans for Bond. The game’s story leaves room for future installments, and the developer has previously discussed building a larger Bond series. If the current game continues to perform well, the additional content could help establish a stronger foundation for whatever comes next.

The main campaign can reportedly be completed in around 15 hours, with additional activities such as escalations providing more content beyond the story. The game combines large cinematic sequences with levels that provide players with multiple ways to approach situations. That structure gives 007 First Light elements of both traditional Bond action and the more flexible level design associated with IO Interactive’s previous work.

While the Extended Operations DLC adds more content to 007 First Light, another free offering is also attracting attention. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse has a demo available now on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, giving players a chance to try the upcoming title before its full release.

Evil Empire is developing the new Castlevania game in collaboration with Konami.

Evil Empire is best known for Dead Cells and formerly worked with the Castlevania franchise through the Return to Castlevania crossover expansion. Its involvement with an entirely new Castlevania title therefore brings together a developer with direct experience working with the series and a publisher looking to expand the franchise with new projects.

The demo has already generated attention for its presentation, soundtrack, gameplay, and art direction. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is designed as a Metroidvania-style experience, making exploration and combat central to the overall structure. The connection to Dead Cells also makes the project particularly notable, considering Evil Empire’s previous work with fast-paced combat and exploration.

Konami has been increasingly active with several of its established franchises. The company has released Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and continued supporting collections of older games, while the Silent Hill series has also received renewed attention following the release of Silent Hill 2. Castlevania now represents another major franchise receiving an entirely new entry rather than simply another collection or re-release.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse also takes an approach that keeps the game relatively low-priced compared with many major new releases. The digital version is priced at $29.99, while a physical edition is set to cost $39.99. The availability of a physical version is notable because lower-priced games are increasingly released digitally, particularly when they are built around a smaller development scale.

The release timing also places Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse in a particularly busy period for games. The title arrives following a crowded September and around several other major releases, including Ace Combat earlier in October and Phantom Blade Zero later in the month. That competition could make it harder for a smaller game to get the same level of immediate attention as larger releases, but the free demo lets players try it without committing to the full purchase.

Konami is also running sales across its Castlevania catalog.

The Castlevania Dominus Collection is available at a discounted price, alongside other collections such as the Castlevania Advance Collection. These offers give players an opportunity to explore older entries in the franchise while the new game prepares for release.

Together, the two updates highlight very different approaches to extending established franchises. IO Interactive is expanding 007 First Light through free post-launch content that adds missions, weapons, vehicles, customization, and replay features, while Konami is working with Evil Empire to create a new Castlevania experience. 

For 007 First Light, Extended Operations gives players a substantial collection of new features to explore, particularly through the Valhalla-focused operation, Jungle Heist, New Game Plus, and Double O difficulty. The update also gives players more reasons to revisit the campaign after finishing the main story, especially with the new challenges and replay options.

Meanwhile, the Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse demo offers an early look at Evil Empire’s take on the franchise and lets players experience the game before its full release. With both titles receiving fresh attention, established franchises are once again finding new ways to expand beyond their original releases.