We’re finally approaching the hotly anticipated launches of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X/S this month, and with next-generation consoles incoming, we’re bound to see some changes being made to their online subscription services. With this month’s offerings on PS Plus and Xbox Live Gold, we’re getting the usual free games for current generation consoles, as well as a taste of what the next generation will bring to the table.
Here are the free games on PS Plus and Xbox Live Gold for November 2020.
PS Plus Free Games for November 2020
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Arguably one of the greatest action-platformers of the current generation, Hollow Knight joins the PS Plus line-up this month with its digital-only console port, the Voidheart Edition. The Voidheart Edition includes all four of the base game’s free DLCs (referred to as “content packs”) as well as some bug fixes that were later applied to the game’s Nintendo Switch and PC ports.
Fans of Souls and Metroidvania games will immediately feel familiar with Hollow Knight’s simple yet difficult combat, as well as its sprawling environments and gothic lore. The game, which started off as a Kickstarter campaign, went on to win multiple awards with its PC release, and with the Voidheart Edition, gamers can now experience all of its hack-and-slash platforming glory through their consoles. If you’ve never played Hollow Knight before, be sure not to miss it when it becomes free for PS Plus subscribers from November 3 to 30.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War
The sequel to 2014’s critically acclaimed Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War continues the story of Talion and Celebrimbor as they forge a new ring of power in order to fight against Sauron. Just like its predecessor, Shadow of War is an open-world RPG based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and their film adaptations by Peter Jackson. As you roam Middle-earth in Talion’s (and Celebrimbor’s) shoes, you’ll recognize many of the environments from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
One of the games’ unique mechanics is its Nemesis system, which was improved upon from Shadow of Mordor for Shadow for War. The Nemesis system allows notable enemy Uruks to gain power and abilities whenever they kill the player or survive an encounter with the player, effectively making them one of your nemeses. Uruks who become your nemesis can be promoted to Uruk leaders, but you can counterattack by branding (a mind control-like ability) them and having them face other factions of Sauron’s Uruk army.
Even if you haven’t had the chance to play Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War provides a decent recap of prior events so you can enjoy the game without worrying if you missed out on any crucial details. It’ll be available free on PS Plus from November 3 to 30.
Bugsnax + PS Plus Collection
Alongside the usual two free games every month on PS Plus, those of us who’ll be getting their PS5’s on launch day will also be able to download the PS5 digital release of Bugsnax for free through PS Plus, from November 12 to January 4, 2021. If you’re planning on getting a PS5 but you’re not too excited about the cartoonish art style of Bugsnax, worry not, because PS5 users will also have access to 20 flagship titles from the PS4 generation, all for free, starting November 12 (November 19 for Asia) through PS Plus. You can view the full list of the 20 free games you can download on your soon-to-be PS5 here
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Xbox Live Gold Free Games for November 2020
While there aren’t any grand changes yet to Xbox Live Gold for the release of the Xbox Series X/S, the games being put up for grabs this month will be compatible with the next-generation consoles. It’s possible that instead of Xbox Live Gold, the new consoles will be more focused on Xbox’s other online subscription service, the Game Pass Ultimate.
Aragami: Shadow Edition
(Available Nov. 1 to 30)
Aragami: Shadow Edition is an action-stealth game in which you take control of Aragami, an undead assassin with the power to control shadows. As Aragami, you can teleport in between shadows to sneak past enemies, or manifest the shadows into deadly skills and weapons to take down enemies in the open. The Shadow Edition also includes the game’s prequel DLC, Aragami: Nightfall.
Swimsanity!
(Available Nov. 16 to Dec. 15)
Swimsanity! is a multiplayer 2D shooter with various co-op and versus game modes made for maximum replayability. The game focuses on having a finely tuned underwater control scheme, as all of its stages take place underwater. It’s what you get when you mix a platforming shooter with the underwater levels from classic side-scrolling games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Bros.
Full Spectrum Warrior
(Available Nov. 1 to 15)
Full Spectrum Warrior is an underrated military real-time tactics game from the days of the original Xbox. At the time of its release, it was a refreshing take on the military combat genre that was starting to become dominated by first-person shooters. In Full Spectrum Warrior, you take control of squads of soldiers on a battlefield from a third-person view, issuing commands and marking down locations on a map to form your strategy. With gameplay reminiscent of the XCOM series, tactics, and strategy game fans will enjoy the unique RTS gameplay of Full Spectrum Warrior.
Lego Indiana Jones
(Available Nov. 16 to 30)
Another classic Xbox game, Lego Indiana Jones came to consoles during the peak of popularity of Lego video games. In Lego Indiana Jones, you can relive some of Indy’s best moments from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Temple of Doom, and The Last Crusade. Just like the other Lego games of its time, the game features local co-op and a variety of playable characters with unique abilities for navigating each level and defeating Indy’s various enemies. And yes, you do get to swing his iconic whip around to disassemble environments and enemies.
Are you excited for the arrival of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S this month? Which console are you considering getting? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And for more news on every month’s free games as well as the soon-to-be-released next-gen consoles, be sure to stay tuned to our website and Facebook page.