By UPLVL Gaming
IO Interactive's 007 First Light launched May 27, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC, and it throws a lot at you fast. Before you sink hours into it frustrated, here are six things we wish we knew going in, straight from our own first playthrough.
1. USE THE TACSIM AREA
Tacsim unlocks early and it's not just a tutorial you skip through. It teaches the fundamentals that make the rest of the campaign click. Run it before you push forward.
- Unlocks early in the campaign
- Covers movement, combat, and gadget basics you'll rely on for the rest of the game
- Skipping it just means relearning these lessons the hard way, mid-mission
2. USE YOUR ENVIRONMENT (USE STEALTH NOT JUST A STRAIGHT FIREFIGHT)
Don't just shoot your way through. 007 First Light rewards playing like Bond actually would.
- Throw a coffee cup to stun an enemy
- Electrocute a target against a panel
- Hurl an enemy off a ledge
It's effective, and honestly, it's just more fun than another firefight.
3. HIT X TO DODGE
This is close to a cheat code. You can parry when an enemy flashes a yellow marker, but dodge works on yellow and red markers alike. If you've seen players saying the game feels too easy, this is probably why. Lean on it.
4. GRAB INSTEAD OF PUNCHING
Punching gets the job done. Grabbing does it better. Hold R2 to grab an enemy, then slam them into exposed wires or off a ledge for an instant takedown. It's more effective and more fun than a straight brawl.
The next two tips aren't just tricks, they're systems the game expects you to run for the rest of the campaign. Pay attention the first time they show up.
5. THE Q-WATCH IS YOUR MAIN GADGET FOR HACKING
Stuck at a locked door or a wall panel? The Q-Watch is what you need. It's your primary hacking gadget for the entire campaign.
- If you can't see the hacking point right away, check every angle in the room
- This one tip alone could save you real frustration in the mid-game
6. ELECTRICAL PUZZLES: L2 TO AIM, R1 TO FIRE
The game only explains this once, briefly, and you will get stuck without it. L2 aims, R1 fires. Commit it to memory before you hit the first puzzle that needs it.
007 FIRST LIGHT: THE BASICS
- Developer: IO Interactive, in collaboration with EON Productions
- Release date: May 27, 2026
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)
PLAY IT RIGHT, ON A SETUP THAT KEEPS UP
Whether you're running 007 First Light on PS5, Switch 2, or a gaming laptop, a cleaner setup means fewer excuses to blame the hardware instead of your dodge timing. UPLVL's Soles PS5 stand keeps your console horizontal, low and organized to fit in an entertainment center, the DoubleStack dock stand does the same for Switch 2, and the Clamshell laptop stand gets your PC setup off the desk clutter.
Follow UPLVL Gaming for more game guides and setup tips.