Xbox Series X/S gamers treated to surprise free download you can grab now

A lot of the time the freebies we bring to your attention are PlayStation related; it isn’t intentional, it just seems to fall that way.

However, this surprise free download is for Xbox Series X and S fans.

To celebrate the launch of a highly anticipated sequel, Xbox has made a new dynamic background available for its users.

Ready for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl? Are you sure?

Microsoft has steadily been increasing the number of animated backgrounds, allowing us to further personalise our consoles.

It’s not quite the same as the Xbox 360’s elite selection, but that was an incredible piece of hardware, so it makes sense it’s difficult to emulate. Even for Microsoft.

The background is inspired by S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

Its launch didn’t go as smoothly as the developers would have liked, however, considering the conditions they’ve been working under, for the sequel to still be praised is a testament to their hard work.

As for the background, the wind and birds move, giving a sense of depth to the desolate landscape of the game depicted.

It’s eerie yet beautiful.

Microsoft

We suspect you already know how to apply this free download if you wish to spruce up your dashboard, but it never hurts to go over the steps one more time.

Head into settings, then personalisation, select my background, find where it says dynamic backgrounds, then opt for the featured section.

Nice and simple.

You can further show your appreciation of this “fantastic game” by playing the experience, either by purchasing it or by making use of your Xbox Game Pass.

There’s a lot to love about this game, even if it’s a little buggy. But what are bugs if not anomalies befitting a game that explores the dangers of mutations...?

Think on that while you change your Xbox background.