PlayStation 5 gamers surprised with stunning free download, no PS Plus needed

Astro Bot is easily one of the year’s best games, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it went on to win Game of the Year.

In our review, I awarded the game a perfect 10 out of 10, writing, “This is beyond being an entertaining platformer. It’s one of the most carefully considered and impressive games I have ever played.”

“If you’ve grown up with PlayStation always having been a constant in your life, the journey you’re about to embark on will assuredly be the most heartwarming trip down memory lane. Astro Bot is a monumental triumph that I’m not going to stop thinking about for a very, very long time.”

As suspected, at last month’s State of Play, it was confirmed that Astro Bot would be receiving free DLC in the form of speedrunning levels and now, details have landed on exactly what it is we can expect.

Five speedrunning levels will be added to the game across the next five weeks with the first level, ’Building Speed’, dropping today at 6am PT / 2pm BST / 10pm JST.

Just make sure that your copy of the game is up to date and you should be able to dive into the level with little issue.

Take a look at Astro Bot in action below.

On 24 October, players will then get to enjoy ‘Let it Slide’ followed by ‘Spring-loaded Run’ on 31 October.

‘Helium Heights’ will launch on 7 November with ‘Rising Heat’ rounding us out on 14 November.

I should also mention that across the speedrunning levels, players will be able to collect 10 new VIP bots with Stellar Blade and Helldivers II among the feature franchises.

That’s far from being all that’s in store for the game.

Over on the PlayStation blog, Team Asobi studio director Nicolas Doucet wrote, “We want to thank you again for all the love and support you have given to Astro Bot, it means the world to us. That’s all we have for today, however watch this space as there may be even more surprises coming soon.”

More levels!? Yes please.

All I ask, Team Asobi, is that you use the delightful shrinking mouse mechanic again.