Ion Fury: Aftershock Launches October 16 on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch—The Definitive Retro FPS Experience Arrives

The retro FPS genre, or ‘boomer shooter,’ continues its triumphant resurgence, and nothing embodies this better than the critically acclaimed Ion Fury. Today brings major news for console players: the massive expansion, Ion Fury: Aftershock, which was a hit on PC (Steam) in 2023, is finally making its way to the PlayStation 4 (PS4), Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Published by Fulqrum Publishing and developed by Voidpoint and 3D Realms, the expansion is set to launch on October 16, 2025, for $14.99 / €14.99. This release is a high-octane content drop, promising to be the definitive version of Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison’s explosive adventure, and is fully playable via backward compatibility on PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X|S.

Igniting the Fury: A Substantial Content Package and New Campaign

Aftershock picks up immediately after the base game’s finale, refusing to let Shelly Harrison enjoy her hard-earned victory. Dr. Jadus Heskel, voiced by the legendary Jon St. John, returns in a monstrous flying machine, forcing Shelly to jump back into the fray. This new campaign is not a simple add-on; it’s a colossal addition that significantly expands the world and scope of the original first-person shooter.

The core of the expansion is built around:

• New Campaign: Thirteen new sprawling levels spread across five distinct zones, providing a meaty continuation of the main story that feels more like a sequel than an expansion.
• Enhanced Arsenal: Shelly’s firepower is beefed up with brand-new weapons, including the devastating Cluster Shot launcher, ensuring that the intense violence and action-packed gameplay remains fresh and challenging.
• Fresh Faces of Evil: Players will encounter new enemy types and augmented monstrosities, forcing veterans to adapt their combat strategies.
• Vehicular Combat: The expansion introduces a revolutionary high-speed hoverbike, the Roadripper, complete with weapons, allowing for thrilling new segments of white-knuckle vehicular combat. This is a significant mechanical addition to the Build Engine framework.

The massive influx of content is designed to re-engage the loyal fan base and attract new players seeking a high-value console game purchase. The original game was already celebrated for its faithful recreation of ’90s shooter design, and Aftershock pushes the capabilities of the legendary Build Engine—which powered classics like Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior—to new, impressive heights.

Optimized for Consoles: Controller Support and Performance Metrics

Bringing a fast-paced PC FPS to consoles two years after its original release requires meticulous optimization, and 3D Realms and Voidpoint appear to have taken this task seriously. The developers stress that the console versions are not simply straight ports; they feature critical enhancements to ensure a smooth, responsive experience tailored for gamepad integration.

• Optimized Controls: Enhanced controller support is featured across all platforms, ensuring precise aiming and movement that can keep up with the game’s blistering pace.
• Redesigned UI: The user interface has been streamlined for optimal presentation and easier navigation on a console gaming setup.
• Nintendo Switch Performance: The Switch version boasts stable performance at 720p@60fps in handheld mode and 1080p@60fps when docked, a crucial detail for players valuing portable performance in a demanding retro game.

These technical assurances are key for console players, particularly those looking for a flawless first-person shooter experience on their PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch—all high search-volume, high CPC keywords in the video game console market.

The ‘Arrange Mode’: Breathing New Life into the Original Campaign

Beyond the new narrative content, one of Aftershock’s most significant additions is the Arrange Mode. This feature offers a completely remixed version of the original Ion Fury campaign, transforming all 28 levels. This isn’t just a difficulty bump; it’s a total overhaul:

• Levels are mirrored.
• Enemy placements are drastically modified.
• New Aftershock weapons and enemies are integrated into the classic maps.

This mode is a masterful way to provide immense replay value, essentially giving players two full campaigns for the price of one expansion. It allows veterans to experience the original story arc through a fresh, unpredictable lens, forcing them to re-learn environments and adapt to new threats. For new players, it offers the complete, enhanced, and definitive way to play Ion Fury from the very start.

A Must-Have for Retro FPS Fans and Console Owners

The console launch of Ion Fury: Aftershock on October 16 is a major event for the console gaming calendar. The expansion has been lauded by critics for its superior level design and its ability to surpass the already high bar set by the base game. It stands as a testament to the enduring creativity possible with the 1990s-era Build Engine, proving that classic game design principles can still yield some of the best FPS games available today.

For players who own the base game on PS4, Xbox One, or Switch, the expansion represents an essential upgrade. For those who have yet to jump into the retro mayhem, the impending launch of the definitive content package provides the perfect opportunity to experience a truly bombastic and meticulously crafted action game that honors the golden age of shooters. Get ready to embrace the ultimate Fury.

Source: Fulqrum Publishing, Voidpoint, and 3D Realms Official Press Release (October 7, 2025); IGN and Games Press reports.