007 First Light launches globally on May 27, 2026, and IO Interactive opened preloads on May 24 so your files are ready the moment servers go live. Whether you're on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S, getting the preload sorted now saves you from staring at a progress bar when everyone else is already playing. This guide covers exact download sizes, regional start times, and the step-by-step process for each platform.
What are the preload start times by region?
The preload went live simultaneously worldwide on May 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT. There was no staggered regional rollout for the preload itself. Find your local time in the table below.
IO Interactive opted for a single global release moment on May 27 at 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT. The "New Zealand trick" does not work here since there are no staggered regional drops.
Global preload unlock times
How big is the 007 First Light download on each platform?
PC carries the heaviest footprint by a significant margin. PS5 comes in lightest, which lines up with IO Interactive's reputation for tight data optimization from the Hitman series. Regardless of platform, keep an extra 20 to 30 GB free to absorb the day-one patch without running into a last-minute installation failure.
PC players must install to an SSD. The game's system requirements specify SSD as mandatory, not optional. Installing to a traditional HDD is not supported.
Do you need a digital pre-order to preload?
Yes. A digital pre-order is the only way to access the preload on any platform. Physical disc copies cannot preload and are not eligible for the 24-hour early access window that starts May 26.
Pre-ordering the standard edition at $69.99 automatically upgrades you to Digital Deluxe Edition content at no extra charge. That includes the early access window, four Bond outfits, the Agent's Mark weapon skin, and the Gleaming gadget pack.
How to preload 007 First Light on PC (Steam or Epic Games Store)
Before starting, confirm your install drive has at least 80 GB free, plus the additional 20 to 30 GB buffer for the day-one patch.
- Complete your pre-purchase on Steam or the Epic Games Store using the account you plan to play on.
- Open your library client after 10:00 AM EDT on May 24. The download button only appears once preload goes live in your region.
- Click the pre-download or install button and select your destination SSD.
- Let the download complete. The client will mark the game as ready to play but keep it locked behind a countdown until the global release time.
If the download button never appears, sign out and back into your store account, then verify your pre-order receipt is attached to that account. A mismatch between purchase account and active account is the most common cause.
How to preload 007 First Light on PS5
- Go to the PlayStation Store and purchase a digital edition using the PSN account that will play the game.
- After the preload window opens, navigate to your Game Library and find 007 First Light under Purchased.
- Select Download to queue the install to your console's internal SSD or a supported expansion drive.
- Once the download finishes, the tile switches from an install prompt to a countdown timer, confirming the data is written and waiting for the global unlock.
How to preload 007 First Light on Xbox Series X|S
- Pre-order a digital edition from the Microsoft Store on your console or at xbox.com. Tie the pre-order to the gamertag that will launch the game.
- Open My games & apps and check under Full library or Ready to install once preload is available.
- Select 007 First Light and start the download to your internal drive or an Xbox Series storage expansion.
- When installation completes, the tile displays a launch timer. The game stays locked until the global release time on May 27.
When does 007 First Light actually unlock to play?
The standard global release is May 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT. Digital pre-orders get a 24-hour head start, meaning those buyers can launch the preloaded game on May 26 at the same times. The preloaded files are identical for both groups since IO Interactive used a single global rollout.
If your tile never switches to a preloaded state after the download finishes, sign out and back into your store account, verify the pre-order is confirmed, and check that your console or PC time zone is set correctly for your region.
For more context on what you're about to play, check out our guide on how long 007 First Light takes to beat across every playstyle, and if you're wondering about online features, the multiplayer and co-op breakdown covers exactly what IO Interactive confirmed. For everything else, the full 007 First Light strategy guides collection has you covered as launch day arrives.