When is the first light release date for 007? In 2020, Hitman developer IO Interactive announced “Project 007.” Five years later, IO dropped the game’s name, 007 First Light, removing one image and promise of more information.
After the gameplay deep dive state of play, we now know more about the upcoming games and what we can expect from Bond’s first outing as MI6 recruit. Find all the information about the first light release date of 007, including gameplay breakdowns, story details and more.
007 First Light Release Date
The first light release date for 007 is expected to arrive on Friday, March 27th, 2026. The Digital Deluxe Edition only offers 24-hour early access, allowing players to access the game one day in advance. 007 First Light launches on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Designed using an upgraded version of IO Interactive’s Glacier Engine, the game is surprisingly scalable and appears to run on Nintendo’s handheld console. That being said, the first lights of 007 didn’t come to previous generation consoles, so developers don’t need to accommodate older hardware, so you can expect better visuals.
Despite being previously announced in 2020, 007 First Light did not enter full production until early 2021 after the Hitman 3 development process ended. Judging from the gameplay we’ve seen so far, it seems unlikely that the game will receive a delay beyond its March release date.
007 First Light Trailer
The official announcement trailer that will arrive just a few days after the game’s title is revealed was on display at the PlayStation State of Play on June 4, 2025. The three-minute video features a detailed introduction to Young Bond, his time in the Navy, and recruitment for MI6.
In contrast, the 007 First Teaser Trailer, first revealed in November 2020, only introduced the Placeholder Project 007′ logo, with little reveal. This video shows the iconic 007 sequence of bullets fired through a pistol barrel, but instead of revealing Bond at the end, the game’s codename appears on a red background, replacing the iconic white.
007 First Light Game Play
In the first light gameplay of 007, the video was analysed for about 30 minutes and brought the viewers along as they were tasked with catching rogue agents 009. Once you start a mission in your car, Bond receives a mission briefing while driving towards your destination. The film’s elements work throughout the mission, with numerous cutscenes taking place between the targets.
As IO Interactive’s cinematic and story director Martin Emborg pointed out in his 007 First Light interview, this is the version of him that he hadn’t experienced all of the experience.
The game uses the same third person perspective as Hitman 3 to allow players to switch between standard third person and over shoulder while firing weapons. Stealth is at the heart of gameplay and forces Bond to think carefully about his approach to missions at hand. For example, by turning on a nearby gas valve, you can see the Bond passing through several security guards, but it appears there are multiple routes available to players.
Bond’s gadgets are made rather simple past the hired goon and can use his DART phone to knock out unsuspecting security guards. A closer look at the UI also shows that he has access to shockwave cameras and smoke pods. Each gadget has a limited number of uses. According to the first gameplay, these are not the only gadgets offered. A teaser has been revealed showing a young spy during training using his laser-equipped wristwatch.
Bond’s iconic DB5 (from movies, not movies) specializes in fast tracking, pursuing 009 and taking you through the countryside. Then, when using a variety of weapons, such as assault rifles, shotguns, and pistols, Bond slowly sees a group of soldiers reaping.
True to the film’s roots, the mission ends with having to balance yourself on a moving plane when fighting multiple enemies before safely parachuteing. Later in Gameplay Deep Dive you can see Bond talking to some NPCs and get a glimpse into the interaction options you can use to get Intel.
007 First Light Pre-Order Bonus
As mentioned before, the digital deluxe edition of 007 First Light not only comes with 24-hour early access, but also a sparkly pack that includes four exclusive costumes, one weapon skin and a gold gadget. When you pre-order the game, your copy will automatically be upgraded to the Digital Deluxe Edition for free.
You can already sign up for an IOI account and unlock James’ bonus skins and gold weapon skins. You won’t be able to see this on the official IOI website, but we expect it to appear in the “Rewards and Bonus” section of your account in the near future.
This is what you need to know about the first light release date of 007 so far. In the meantime, check out other action-adventure games, stealth games, or the best PC games of all time, including the original Hitman.
Original article by Daniel Rose.
