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
Dragon's Dogma 2 Jasper, Onyx and Tiger Eye explained
By Joel Franey published
Guide What are the valuables and gems in Dragon's Dogma 2 for, and can you craft with them?
How to change appearance in Rise of the Ronin
By Joel Franey published
Guide You can change your face and appearance at the Longhouse in Rise of the Ronin
How to kill Helldivers 2 Scout Striders
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Scout Striders in Helldivers 2 are two-legged armored vehicles, piloted by bots
How to play co-op multiplayer in Rise of the Ronin
By Joel Franey published
Guide You can play Rise of the Ronin with friends via the Longhouse
Sussur Bloom locations and uses in Baldur's Gate 3
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Where to find Sussur Bloom flowers in Baldur's Gate 3 and what they do.
Everything we know about Baldur's Gate 3 DLC
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Will BG3 have downloadable content and expansions? Probably not...
Simon the Sorcerer returns after a 30 year hiatus - and he's joined by none other than Rick Astley
By Joel Franey published
News The legendary wizard is coming back in a prequel to the classic point and click adventure series
With just one day until release, Dragon's Dogma 2 has a new release trailer - and things are looking bigger than ever
By Joel Franey published
News Medusas and ogres and kings, oh my!
A new dev diary for upcoming souls-lite Flintlock reveals it's not just a god-killing RPG - but a rhythm game too!
By Joel Franey published
News Cut down undead - to the beat
The 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?
All Baldur's Gate 3 companions and party members
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to get every companion and party member in BG3
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 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
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.
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
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
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