Surprise! Ubisoft has just released a big update for open-world shooter Ghost Recon Wildlands, a game that launched back in 2017, adding 4K/60FPS support on current-gen platforms as well as a new mission and a load of fresh gameplay options. It’s a great reminder that Ubisoft has been doing a fantastic job in recent years of going back and updating older games to take advantage of current consoles and, unlike some other companies, it doesn’t charge a penny for the updates.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ubisoft’s tactical shooter franchise, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon. And to celebrate, Ubisoft announced that it was working on the next big installment in the franchise and that, via a new insider program, fans will be able to help “build” this next game. And…that’s all Ubisoft really had to say about a new Ghost Recon game. So, without a new game to properly reveal to make this a big anniversary year for Ghost Recon, Ubisoft instead went back to the last game fans really loved and updated it.
Out now on consoles and PC, the Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites update adds a completely new “standalone mission” set after the events of the main game. Here’s how Ubisoft describes this new mission, which it says takes place in a “darker, more oppressive” version of the game world.
“The Ghosts enter a region controlled by Los Penitentes, a fanatical cult united by faith, sacrifice, and violent justice. Players must hunt down La Llorona, the cult leader, by navigating dangerous swamps and dense forests where visibility is low and danger is lurking.”
Beyond the new mission, this update also adds more ways to customize Wildlands, with new difficulty, gameplay, UI, and environmental options. Want your session to be in an endless nighttime with rain? You can do that now. Want to have only one AI buddy instead of three while playing solo? You can do that now, too. There are also some new options to make Wildlands more realistic and difficult, like penalizing players for reloading before their mag is empty and removing excess bullets from their inventory. Oh, and the mission involving the Predator (yes, the alien seen in the sci-fi movies) is back, too.
This new free update also improves the game on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Players on those current-gen consoles will now enjoy improved rendering distance, enhanced lighting, and a 4K resolution bump, as well as 60FPS gameplay. And unlike Nintendo, Activision, Sony, or others who often charge extra for upgrades to older games, Ubisoft provided this update for free, which is how it should work.
“Ghost Recon wouldn’t be where it is today without the passion, dedication, and feedback of its community over the past 25 years,” said Olivier Leonardi, Wildlands‘ creative director. “With Last Rites, we wanted to create an experience that honors that legacy—something that feels authentic to longtime Ghosts, celebrates what makes this franchise special, and reflects our appreciation for the players who have been with us every step of the way.”