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 get Prickly Pears in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey published
Guide Prickly Pears in Arc Raiders are found in several location in the Dam Battlegrounds and Buried City

How to complete Arc Raiders' Eyes on the Prize mission
By Joel Franey published
Guide We show you where to find the Secluded Roof Terrace, west of the Southern Station

How to catch Crayfish in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
By Joel Franey published
Guide You'll need to catch 8 Crayfish in KCD2 and the Mysteria Ecclesiae DLC

Slavek's purse location in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
By Joel Franey published
Guide The lost purse near the well in the KCD2 DLC is actually under a bush

How to make the Plague Mask Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
By Joel Franey published
Guide The Mysteria Ecclesiae DLC for KCD2 has you craft a Plague Hood in the Prevention quest

Full loot cheat sheet for all items in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide We show you where to find every in-game item with our special loot cheat sheet

How to get a free loadout in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide A free loadout is very useful in risky areas, or if you're lacking equipment

Can you revive enemies and dead teammates in Arc Raiders?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Reviving allies and enemies requires a certain item, but once they're dead - they're dead

How to get Blueprints in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Blueprints are valuable items you consume back at Speranza for crafting recipes

How to open the Hidden Bunker in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey published
Guide The Hidden Bunker in Spaceport has 4 antennas at different locations

Electromagnetic Storms in Arc Raiders explained
By Joel Franey published
Guide Electromagnetic storms in Arc Raiders are weather phenomena that reduce your exit options

How to complete A First Foothold in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey published
Guide The Arc Raiders First Foothold mission is about finding four locations in The Blue Gate map

"I have to kill them before they kill me": In just one week, Arc Raiders has ruined my ability to trust, and the killer robots aren't even the problem
By Joel Franey published
Now Playing Now Playing | Arc Raiders is great, less so the people who play it – and now that includes me.

How to get Diancie in Pokemon Legends: Z-A and start the Shine Bright Like a Gemstone mission
By Joel Franey published
Guide To get mystery gift Diancie in Pokemon ZA, you need to head to the Looker Bureau

All Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift Codes and Rewards (November 2025)
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Mystery Gifts in Pokemon Z-A are available now, through different means

How to get a Battlefield Redsec Custom Loadout
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide You can call in your favorite loadout with Custom Weapon Drops in Redsec

10 Redsec tips and tricks to help you in the battlefield
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Redsec, the new Battle Royale for Battlefield 6, is made easier with these tips

Do Battlefield 6 and Redsec Battle Royale have shared progression?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Good news, you get to keep your unlocked progress in Redsec from BF6?

Is Battlefield Redsec free to play?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The new Battlefield 6 Redsec BR mode is indeed

How to get a Pokemon Legends: Z-A Alpha Gogoat
By Joel Franey published
Guide The Pokemon ZA Alpha Gogoat is sized XL, and needed for Side Quest 63

All Mecha Break codes (November 2025) and how to redeem them
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Redeeming codes in Mecha Break lets you earn in-game rewards

Pokemon Legends Z-A Occa Berry locations
By Joel Franey published
Guide Occa Berries in Pokemon ZA protect Pokemon from fire attacks

How to learn Psycho Cut in Pokemon Legends Z-A
By Joel Franey published
Guide Psycho Cut is needed for Side Mission 87, and many Pokemon in ZA can learn it – though not Absol
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