Here's Exactly When You Can Start Playing 007 First Light

IO Interactive has revealed the precise moment when players can dive into 007 First Light next week. The game launches on May 27th, but pre-order customers get early access a day earlier on May 26th. However, if you were planning to stay up until midnight to start playing, you'll need to adjust your expectations. 007 First Light is getting a global launch, meaning everyone can start playing at the same time worldwide.

IO Interactive announced that the game will unlock at 3 PM BST. For US players, that translates to 7 AM PDT / 10 AM EDT on May 26th for pre-orders and May 27th for general release. This also means the "New Zealand trick" often used by American gamers to play early by changing their console region won't work, as the release is simultaneous globally. For Australian players, 007 First Light will be available from midnight AEST on May 27th (pre-order) or May 28th (standard).

007 First Light is almost here, and we can't wait for you to experience it. Check out the launch map to see when the game becomes playable for you during early access and release. Are you ready for this reimagined origin story? Pre-order now… pic.twitter.com/ULvCKHcIpS

As of now, details on pre-loading 007 First Light are still pending. IO Interactive hasn't disclosed the download size, but hopefully fans will be able to pre-load over the weekend or on Monday to be ready for launch.

If you're looking to upgrade your console for the best experience, the PS5 Pro appears to be the top choice for 007 First Light. It's been confirmed that the game will run at 60 FPS on PS5 Pro, but base consoles also offer a performance mode for 60 FPS.

007 First Light is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of 2026. In development since 2020, IO Interactive's hard work seems poised to pay off. We've given the game two glowing previews, noting it "feels like the fresh start that Bond fans deserve." Only time will tell if the full game meets expectations, but if it does, it could be a contender for awards later this year.

007 First Light launches on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version coming later. In the meantime, why not look back at the 40-year history of James Bond games—full of suave, smashing, and sometimes shocking moments.