007 First Light fully revealed with 30 minute gameplay trailer

A hefty look at upcoming James Bond action title 007 First Light was revealed yesterday by IO Interactive.

Really more of a featurette

Bond fans that are champing at the bit to get back into the video game loafers of the famed secret agent, certainly had a lot to chew on yesterday. That ‘s because developer IO Interactive dropped a massive 30 minute trailer, highlighting the various ways to play the game.

“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,” said Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive. “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.“

IO Interactive press release

In 007 First Light, players will have options, and seemingly plenty of them. Bond can go into the game’s missions guns blazing, or opt for subterfuge. On the former, the License to Kill is in full effect. Bond has an arsenal at his command. That starts with his famed pistol, though he can commandeer enemy hardware as well, and gunplay is looking solid. But even with that in mind, we’re really liking the look of this upcoming game’s stealth.

Bond covertly take out foes, and sneak past unsuspecting guards, but he also has access to what looks to be plenty of gadgets. Want to sabotage a door, trapping an unsuspecting thug? You can do that. Want to use your laser-watch to known down a chandelier and draw interest while you sneak by? That’s an option too.

While there’s still a ways to go to get to the game’s launch, we were pretty impressed by 007 First Light’s first look.

At the core of 007 First Light’s gameplay is the Creative Approach. Using its expertise in the spy fantasy genre, 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:

IO Interactive press release

The name’s Bond

As you can see above, there are several elements at play in 007 First Light. The whole of it will look to simulate Bond’s various skills, as players take the spy through what’s one of his very first missions. But even with a teamlooiking over his shoulder, he’s more than prone to do what he wants.

That means fans will have some of those options we mentioned, and be able to take on various tasks as they wish. While it does seem as though some missions are more scripted, a set of four pillars are mentioned as being integral to the total experience. Those would be spy craft, instinct, gadgets, and combat.

• Spycraft ensures that stealth and observation are just as powerful as any weapon in Bond’s arsenal. From eavesdropping on key conversations and pickpocketing vital items, to inspecting the environment for hidden clues and gathering critical information, these mechanics open new pathways and opportunities in every mission. 
• Instinct is a signature gameplay feature in 007 First Light, giving players a versatile resource to turn the tide in any situation. Bond can use his instincts to lure enemies into vulnerable positions, bluff his way out of suspicion when discovered, or sharpen his focus for greater precision and power in combat. This mechanic captures Bond’s quick thinking and adaptability, allowing players to respond to changing circumstances with style and control.
• Gadgets from Q Branch are a core part of Bond’s toolkit in 007 First Light, woven directly into 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 in 007 First Light 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. In close quarters, 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.

IO Interactive press release

There’s a lot being promised for 007 First Light, though from this first look at the game in action, it seems as though it’s all coming together. As mentioned, there’s a good deal of time to go before it actually launches for consoles and the PC in March of 2026. So stay tuned, because the young James Bond is just getting started.