Joel Franey
Joel Franey got his Bachelors in Creative Writing and Games Design from Brunel University in 2017, before going on to do a Masters in Creative and Critical Writing from Sussex University. During this time he also worked freelance in various gaming-related roles and professions, including design, PR, reviews and features, before eventually joining the guides team at USgamer and ReedPop in 2019. Since then, he has written professionally for numerous publications, including Gfinity Esports, Eurogamer, VG247, JellyDeals and Dicebreaker, in various capacities. These have involved, among other things, writing guides, news, features, reviews, and even working as an SEO consultant, restructuring and rewriting content for the purpose of increased online traffic. He eventually joined GamesRadar+ as a Guides Writer in 2021, with a focus on covering single player games and narrative games, though nonetheless regularly contributing to ongoing coverage of online gaming services and multiplayer properties, and has covered a variety of major AAA games in his time since then. In his spare time he is also a long-time fiction writer, having written books, screenplays and more besides in a variety of genres, and is the co-host and co-creator of the ongoing pop culture comedy podcast, "Margaret Thatcher, Templar Spy".
Latest articles by Joel Franey
The Baldur's Gate 3 Dark Urge explained
By Jasmine Gould-Wilson last updated
Guide The Dark Urge in BG3 is a new origin where players can be afflicted with violent compulsions...
The Beginner's Guide to Helldivers 2
By Joel Franey published
Guide For those starting Helldivers 2, our guide will help you learn the basics
Best Weapons in Rise of the Ronin
By Joel Franey published
Guide What weapon should you pick to start in Rise of the Ronin?
Rise of the Ronin Combat Styles and stances explained
By Joel Franey published
Guide The weapon stances in Rise of the Ronin are found around the world
The best Blade Sharpening Origin class in Rise of the Ronin
By Joel Franey published
Guide The best classes in Rise of the Ronin, from Killer to Seducer
9 Rise of the Ronin tips and tricks to become a master warrior
By Joel Franey published
Guide These tips we wish we'd known will help you become a lethal Ronin
Should you spare or kill Gonzo in Rise of the Ronin?
By Joel Franey published
Guide There's two choices regarding Gonzo - where you can kill him or let him live.
Best skills and abilities in Rise of the Ronin
By Joel Franey published
Guide What abilities should you learn first in the Rise of the Ronin stats screen?
How to get skill points in Rise of the Ronin and level up
By Joel Franey published
Guide Skill points and levelling stats are a bit confusing in Rise of the Ronin
How to fast travel in Rise of the Ronin
By Joel Franey published
Guide How to fast travel in Rise of the Ronin
The Karma system in Rise of the Ronin explained
By Joel Franey published
Guide Karma in Rise of the Ronin is a temporary XP that needs to be banked at Banners
How to get Silver Coins in Rise of the Ronin quick
By Joel Franey published
Guide Silver Coins in Rise of the Ronin are most quickly obtained through cats
The flying bugs in Helldivers 2, The Shriekers, explained
By Joel Franey published
Guide Shriekers are flying bugs spawned from a specific nest that swoop in to kill you
How to Liberate Fori Prime and Zagon Prime in Helldivers 2
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The new major order to Liberate Fori and Zagon Prime seem to be glitched
Helldivers 2 Major Orders and how they work explained
By Joel Franey published
Guide Major Orders in Helldivers 2 are time-sensitive community goals set by the developers
Everything in the Steeled Veterans Warbond in Helldivers 2
By Joel Franey published
Guide Is the Steeled Veterans premium battle pass worth it?
How to kill 2 Annihilator Tanks in Helldivers 2
By Joel Franey published
Guide The personal order to kill tanks in Helldivers 2 is a challenge to take out some of the game's hardest foes
The 100% official Helldivers 2 Hyper-Handbook and Code of Conduct, honest
By Joel Franey published
Opinion Vetted and authorized by the Super Earth Ministry of Truth.
The best Helldivers 2 Stratagems and tier list
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The best Helldivers 2 Stratagems and supports for combat
10 Helldivers 2 tips to help you spread Managed Democracy
By Will Sawyer last updated
Guide Helldivers 2 has a lot going on, which can make diving feet first into a bug breach quite daunting
Is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox?
By Joel Franey published
Guide Is Helldivers 2 going to be ported to the Xbox Series X and S at any point?
How to kill Chargers in Helldivers 2
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Killing Chargers in Helldivers 2 requires patience, speed and firepower
Easy Elden Ring Golden Seed locations
By Will Sawyer last updated
Guide Where to find Golden Seeds to upgrade your Sacred Flask in Elden Ring