Wolverine: A first look at gameplay and release date

Sony closed out its latest State of Play showcase with a reveal fans have been waiting years to see: the first gameplay footage of Insomniac’s Wolverine. Originally announced in 2021, the game finally stepped into the spotlight with an action-packed trailer that left little doubt about its darker, more visceral approach compared to the studio’s earlier superhero efforts.

A Different Kind of Hero

Best known for the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man series, Insomniac Games is no stranger to building rich superhero worlds for PlayStation. But where Spider-Man dazzles with acrobatics, quips, and non-lethal combat, Wolverine is an entirely different beast. The trailer made it clear that Logan doesn’t hold back, and his feral fighting style is front and center. Brutality, blood, and raw strength dominate the action, marking a sharp departure in tone from Peter Parker’s more graceful battles.

The studio emphasized that this is not just a combat spectacle but a standalone Wolverine story. Familiar faces from the X-Men universe are making appearances, including Mystique and Omega Red, alongside other mutants who will be instantly recognizable to longtime fans. Importantly, the game exists in the same continuity as Insomniac’s Spider-Man titles, though the developers remain tight-lipped on whether Logan might cross paths with other Marvel heroes in the future.

Haunted by the Past

Taking on the mantle of Wolverine is actor Liam McIntyre, known for bringing intensity to his roles. Here, he portrays a version of Logan still deeply scarred by his history as a living weapon. Insomniac describes the story as one centered on a relentless search for truth, with Logan pursuing answers to a shadowy past that continues to elude him.

The studio hints at a campaign where Wolverine must claw through layers of secrets, often quite literally. Enemies line up to stop him at every turn, forcing him into relentless combat scenarios that showcase not only his ferocity but also his unyielding resilience. His signature healing factor ensures he can keep pushing forward, no matter how outnumbered or outmatched he seems.

A Global Hunt

Unlike Insomniac’s Spider-Man games, which focused primarily on open-world cityscapes like New York, Wolverine’s story will send players on a globe-trotting journey. The campaign is set to feature a variety of environments, including the dangerous island nation of Madripoor, the snowy wilderness of Canada, and the neon-lit alleys of Tokyo.

This approach suggests a more mission-driven structure rather than a single sprawling sandbox, allowing Insomniac to craft tighter, more cinematic set pieces tailored to Wolverine’s style of play. Each location promises its own challenges and aesthetic, from gritty urban encounters to brutal survival in hostile natural landscapes.

Ferocious Combat Design

The highlight of the gameplay reveal was undoubtedly the combat system. Insomniac has designed it to be fast, fluid, and ferocious, mirroring Logan’s animalistic instincts. The trailer showed off Logan tearing through waves of opponents with claws unsheathed, blending quick slashes with devastating finishers.

Yet despite the carnage, the developers stress that heroism remains part of the equation. Wolverine’s violence, while shocking compared to other Marvel games, is still framed within his role as a protector and reluctant hero. Balancing his savagery with moments of humanity will likely be one of the game’s narrative and gameplay strengths.

A Long-Awaited Release

Marvel’s Wolverine is slated to launch in Fall 2026 exclusively for PlayStation 5. While that leaves fans with another year of waiting, the gameplay reveal demonstrates just how far along the project has come. Insomniac has a track record of delivering polished, story-rich superhero titles, and the early footage suggests Wolverine could push those ambitions even further.

The announcement also reinforces Sony’s commitment to offering exclusive blockbuster experiences that showcase the PS5’s capabilities. With Spider-Man, Ratchet & Clank, and now Wolverine, Insomniac continues to serve as one of Sony’s most important first-party studios, raising expectations with every new project.