Ubisoft Advocates for Free Next-Gen Upgrades for Gamers

Surprise! A major update has just dropped for the open-world shooter Ghost Recon Wildlands, which originally launched in 2017. This update brings 4K/60FPS support to current-gen consoles, introduces a new mission, and adds a variety of fresh gameplay options. It’s a solid reminder that the developer has been committed to enhancing older titles to leverage the capabilities of modern consoles, and they’re doing it without charging players a dime for these updates.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tactical shooter franchise, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon. To celebrate, the developer announced that a new installment in the series is in the works, and through a new insider program, fans will have the opportunity to contribute to its development. However, details about the upcoming game are still sparse. Instead of unveiling a new title to commemorate this milestone, the focus has shifted back to the beloved Wildlands with this update.

Available now on consoles and PC, the Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites update features a brand-new “standalone mission” set after the events of the main game. The mission is described as taking place in a “darker, more oppressive” version of the game world, where players will face off against a fanatical cult known as Los Penitentes. Players must track down La Llorona, the cult leader, while navigating treacherous swamps and dense forests filled with lurking dangers.

In addition to the new mission, this update enhances customization options for Wildlands, introducing new difficulty settings, gameplay mechanics, UI tweaks, and environmental choices. Want to experience endless nighttime with rain? You can do that now. Prefer to have just one AI companion instead of three while playing solo? That’s an option too. There are also new features aimed at increasing realism and difficulty, such as penalizing players for reloading before their magazine is empty and limiting the number of bullets in their inventory. Plus, the mission featuring the Predator from the sci-fi films makes a return.

This free update also boosts performance on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, offering improved rendering distance, enhanced lighting, and a resolution upgrade to 4K, along with 60FPS gameplay. Unlike some other companies that often charge for upgrades to older titles, this developer has made the update available at no cost, which is how it should be done.

“Ghost Recon wouldn’t be where it is today without the passion, dedication, and feedback of its community over the past 25 years,” said the creative director of Wildlands. “With Last Rites, we aimed to create an experience that honors that legacy—something that feels authentic to longtime fans, celebrates what makes this franchise special, and reflects our appreciation for the players who have supported us throughout the journey.”