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

How long does it take to beat Crimson Desert?
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide I've put in over 100 hours, but it takes far less to beat the main story

Best weapons in Crimson Desert
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide The best weapon in Crimson Desert that we've found is the Fated Shadow, a deadly sword

The best skills to learn first in Crimson Desert
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide The best skills in Crimson Desert are those that have major effects in combat

Best Pokemon TCG Pocket Mega Charizard Y ex deck
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide Mega Charizard Y ex is currently the most powerful variant in this Deck build

Best Helldivers 2 Primary Weapons to use against the Terminids, Automatons, and Illuminate
By Will Sawyer Last updated
Guide Your Helldivers 2 primary weapon is what you'll be using the most, so make sure it's something good

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2's best armor and where to get it
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide How to get the Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 best armor

Best weapons in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide The best weapon is the Reforged Radzig Kobyla's Sword in KCD2, a special story longsword.

How to learn Magic from Torrez in Gothic 1 Remake
By Joel Franey Published
Guide Torrez in the Old Camp will teach you spells in the Price of Magic quest

What does Mud do in Gothic Remake?
By Joel Franey Published
Guide Mud is an annoying NPC in the Gothic 1 Remake who follows you around making constant comments

How to get a bed to sleep in the Gothic 1 Remake
By Joel Franey Published
Guide If you want to find a home to sleep in the Gothic 1 Remake, here's where

"This isn't a remake. A remake rebuilds what already exists" - Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis' Game Director shows off what classic Lara Croft is capable of in the modern era
By Joel Franey Published
News Lara Croft is back, and the T-rex isn't far behind.

Sci-fi horror Impermanence debuts to the world with eerie new reveal trailer
By Joel Franey Published
News And a Lovecraftian moth, I think?

Is Fortnite down? And if so then how long is the Fortnite downtime?
By Iain Wilson Last updated
Guide What to know if you're seeing the dreaded "Fortnite servers not responding" error

How long to beat Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight?
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide We explain how long to beat Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight, including story and 100% completion

How to increase the Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight stud multiplier
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide The Stud Multiplier is linked to the Hyper Combo skill upgrades, not cheats

How to play co-op in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight
By Joel Franey Last updated
Guide Can you play co-op multiplayer in Lego Batman Legacy?
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