
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, Dicebreaker, RPS, Jelly Deals and more. 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 pop culture comedy podcast, "Margaret Thatcher, Templar Spy".
Latest articles by Joel Franey

Where to find Blueberries in Grounded 2 to get Blueberry Leather
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Blueberries in Grounded 2 are used for armor and certain structures

Where to find Grounded 2 Lingonberries and make Lingonberry Leather
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Lingonberries in Grounded 2 are in the Northern border of the map

Where to find Grass Seeds in Grounded 2
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide You can find Grounded 2 Grass Seeds everwhere if you know where to look

Where to find Acorns in Grounded 2
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Grounded 2 Acorns in are found in the South regions of the map

EA really wants you to know that Battlefield 6 is a "spiritual successor" to the "pinnacle" of the series, Battlefield 3 and 4: "We wanted to go modern"
By Issy van der Velde published
News Back to the good ol' days

I spent 4 hours playing Battlefield 6 multiplayer and speaking with the creators, and here are my 10 biggest takeaways
By Joel Franey published
Feature Hands-on | Battlefield 6 is taking things back to the fundamentals: classes, combat, and lots of explosions

I've played Battlefield 6 for an afternoon, and while it's a clear successor to Battlefield 3 and 4, I wish there was more destruction
By Joel Franey published
Preview Preview | It's a safe return to Battlefield's most beloved era, but can it bring down the house?

Can you play Elden Ring Nightreign solo?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Elden Ring Nightreign supports solo play but it's not easy, so you'll need to be prepared

Does Elden Ring Nightreign have crossplay? Cross-platform support explained
By Josh West last updated
Guide If you were hoping to play Elden Ring Nightreign cross-platform with your friends, I've got bad news for you

How to craft weapons and potions in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to make potions, weapons, armor and more in BG3, and what the limitations are.

Necromancy of Thay choice in Baldur's Gate 3 explained
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Should you open the Necromancy of Thay book with the key in BG3 - or just destroy it?

Should you let Volo perform eye surgery on you in Baldur's Gate 3?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Letting Volo perform eye surgery on you in Baldur's Gate 3 has a mix of pros and cons

What is the Baldur's Gate 3 Dark Urge?
By Jasmine Gould-Wilson last updated
Guide The Dark Urge in BG3 is an origin character afflicted with violent compulsions...

How to get to the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Underdark of BG3 is one of the ways to reach Moonrise Tower

How to get the Owlbear Cub in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Can you get a pet owlbear in BG3 - and if so, how?

How to get into the Goblin Camp in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The BG3 Goblin Camp is found just past the Blighted Village and has several possible entrances

How to free Shadowheart from the mind flayer pod in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The woman in the Mind Flayer pod with the console next to her in BG3 can be freed - but how?

How to find Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to find Karlach Demonsbane in BG3 and get her as a companion

How to find Halsin in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Halsin's location in BG3 is the Worg pens in the Goblin Camp

How to beat Commander Zhalk in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to kill the Devil Zhalk on the Nautiloid in BG3 and get his magic fire sword, the Everburn Blade.

How to beat Auntie Ethel the Hag in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Auntie Ethel in BG3 is a deadly hag who has captured Mayrina and hides behind summoned minions and more.

Best Baldur's Gate 3 party composition
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The best BG3 party members for your team comp

I've been hunting sandworms while doing hoverboard kickflips and keytar solos in this hypnotizing mashup of Breath of the Wild and Hi-Fi Rush
By Joel Franey published
Indie Spotlight Indie Spotlight | Star Overdrive is a smooth, stylish saga for those who love the thrill of movement

"It's OK" to have secrets that players "will never see" says creator of hit open-world indie adventure A Short Hike, praising Dark Souls' exploration for its "depth and richness"
By Joel Franey published
News "It's very easy for an RPG to give you rewards. [But] it was rewarding to explore Dark Souls", says Robinson-Yu
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