
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

What to do first in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 for the best start
By Will Sawyer published
Guide Henry has no money or food to begin with, so here's what you should do first in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 to get started

How to get Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Twitch Drops
By Joel Franey published
Guide You can get free rewards in KCD2 by linking your game, Twitch and PROS accounts

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Roadmap and Post-Launch plans
By Joel Franey published
Guide The Roadmap for KCD2 over 2025 includes new customization, DLC and difficulty

I didn't realize how tired I was of everybody in AAA games talking like MCU characters until Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offered a welcome alternative
By Joel Franey published
Now Playing Opinion | Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 knows you can't just look medieval, you have to sound like it too.

How to get Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Belladonna
By Will Sawyer published
Guide Belladonna is an essential alchemy ingredient in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, letting you brew Saviour Schnapps

Payday 3 skills, skill tree and skill points explained
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide We explain the skill tree in Payday 3, as well as how you can respec your skill points and research new skills

The best Sleep Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket
By Joel Franey published
Guide Sleep decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket work to knock out opponents and leave them vulnerable

How to play Payday 3 crossplay with friends on other consoles
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to join friends' games cross platform in Payday 3

What to say to the Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 bandits at Bozhena's house
By Joel Franey published
Guide In the early quest Fortuna in KCD2, two armed men are outside Bozhena's home cabin, looking for Hans

How to get back to previous regions in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
By Joel Franey published
Guide To travel to older areas in KCD2, like Trosky and Kuttenberg, you need a caravan and money

All Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Brunswick Armor locations and Riddle Solutions
By Joel Franey published
Guide A riddle and several treasure maps lead to the Brunswick armor pieces in KCD2 pre-order Lion's Crest quest

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

Full Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 map and all regions
By Joel Franey published
Guide We've got the full maps for both Kuttenberg and Trosky regions in KCD2

Best Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 playstyle choice
By Joel Franey published
Guide Should you pick Soldier, Scout or Adviser for your KCD2 playstyle?

Full Payday 3 Rock the Cradle walkthrough and heist guide
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to beat the nightclub mission in Payday 3 with pure stealth for maximum payout

Full Payday 3 No Rest for the Wicked vault codes and guide
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The stealth run of Payday 3's bank robbery heist is explained below, as well as how to get the vault codes.

What is Telemetry in Payday 3?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Should you opt in or out of telemetry in Payday 3?

I hated my first few hours with Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, but now you couldn't take it away from me
By Joel Franey published
Now Playing Now Playing | Kingdom Come Deliverance 2's first few hours are agonizing, but 60 hours in I wonder if that's all been part of a grand plan

The best God of War Ragnarok armor sets and their locations
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The best armor and builds in God of War Ragnarok, whether early or late game.

How to get all Silent Hill 2 endings
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide We explain how to get every ending in Silent Hill 2 Remake

Best Palkia ex deck build in Pokemon TCG Pocket
By Joel Franey published
Guide The Palkia ex card in PTCGP is one of the best water-type decks right now

Best Pokemon TCG Pocket Darkrai and Weavile ex deck build
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide One of the best Dark type decks in PTCGP after the Space Time Smackdown set is focused on Darkrai ex and Weavile ex

Marvel Rivals Invisible Woman abilities, tips, and how to play her
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, is a complex Strategist and stealthy healer support in Marvel Rivals
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