- Starting a new game in Mirror's Edge Catalyst begins with the Prison Break opening chapter.
- One save slot: the game uses a single online save profile, so restarting overwrites prior progress.
- Launch on PC, PS4, or Xbox One: install, press New Game, and watch the intro cinematic.
- Free roam unlocks after the first few story missions in the Anchor district.
- No difficulty selection at start — the game uses one balanced difficulty for the campaign.
Starting a New Game: The Basics
Wondering how to start a new game in Mirror's Edge Catalyst? The process is simple, but the game's single-save structure means you should understand what a fresh start actually does before you commit. Catalyst is a first-person parkour adventure that drops you into Faith Connors' escape from the Kruger Holding Facility, and the opening chapter doubles as a tutorial for the core movement system.
You can pick up the game on Steam or through EA's official page.
| Platform | Storefront | Start Process |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Steam / EA App | Install, launch, select New Game |
| PS4 | PlayStation Store | Install, launch, select New Game |
| Xbox One | Microsoft Store | Install, launch, select New Game |
An EA account is required for online features like Dashes, leaderboards, and Runner Tags. Sign in before starting so your save syncs correctly across sessions.
Step-by-Step: Launching Your First Playthrough
Follow these steps to get Faith running across the rooftops of Glass as quickly as possible.
Install and Launch the Game
Download Mirror's Edge Catalyst from your platform's storefront and let it fully install. Launch the game and allow any day-one or pending updates to finish.
Connect Your EA Account
Sign in with (or create) an EA account. This links your save profile and unlocks online features such as time trial leaderboards and player-made Dashes.
Select New Game
From the main menu, choose New Game. Confirm the prompt — starting a new game replaces your existing campaign progress, since Catalyst uses one save profile.
Watch the Intro Cinematic
The opening cutscene introduces Faith's release from juvenile detention. It sets up the story and the corporate world of Glass before gameplay begins.
Complete Prison Break
The first chapter teaches jumping, climbing, wall-runs, and basic combat. Follow Runner Vision — the red objects marking the suggested path — to escape the facility.
Reach the Runner's Hideout
After escaping, you meet Noah, Icarus, and the crew. Completing the early Anchor district missions unlocks fast travel, side activities, and free roam.
Catalyst does not offer multiple save slots. Starting a new game permanently overwrites your previous campaign progress, collectible counts, and mission completion. Back up nothing you are not willing to lose.
Restarting or Wiping an Existing Save
If you already have a playthrough and want a clean slate, here is how each platform handles it.
| Action | What It Does | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Game (in menu) | Overwrites campaign progress | Fastest way to restart |
| Delete save data | Fully wipes profile progress | Use console/cloud storage menus |
| Replay missions | Replays individual story missions | Keeps overall progress intact |
| Reset side content | Not a standalone option | Free-roam activities stay completed |
You do not need a full restart to replay a mission. The mission select menu lets you replay any completed story chapter without touching your collectibles or district completion stats.
For platform-specific deletion, manage saved data through Steam Cloud, PlayStation storage settings, or Xbox manage-game options, then launch and select New Game.
What to Do in Your First Hour
A new game moves fast. Prioritize these milestones in your opening session to set up a smooth campaign.
First Session Goals:
- Complete the Prison Break opening chapter
- Finish Icarus training runs at the hideout
- Unlock the Mag Rope in early Anchor missions
- Open your first fast-travel points
- Learn the Flow system and evade timing
Master Flow
- Keep moving to chain jumps and wall-runs
- Broken Flow means shorter jumps
- Plan two moves ahead
Trust Runner Vision
- Red objects mark the suggested route
- Ideal while learning the rooftops
- Later, find your own faster lines
Upgrade Early
- Collect Chipsets during missions
- Spend on Fast Climb and Quick Turn
- Traversal skills first, combat later
Once free roam unlocks, Glass opens up with side missions, deliveries, GridLeaks, and time trials — all accessible from the map without touching the main story.
New Game FAQs
Q: How do I start a new game in Mirror's Edge Catalyst?
Launch the game, sign in to your EA account, and select New Game from the main menu. Confirm the overwrite prompt, watch the intro cinematic, and the Prison Break chapter begins immediately.
Q: Does Mirror's Edge Catalyst have multiple save slots?
No. Catalyst uses a single save profile, so starting a new game overwrites your existing campaign progress, collectibles, and district completion. Delete save data via your platform's storage settings only if you want a full wipe.
Q: Can I choose a difficulty when starting a new game?
No difficulty options are presented at the start. The campaign uses one balanced difficulty, and Faith cannot use guns — combat relies on momentum, timing, and evades rather than attrition.
Q: When does free roam unlock in a new game?
Free roam opens after the opening chapters. Once you complete the Prison Break escape, the training runs with Icarus, and the early Anchor district missions, Glass becomes an open world with side activities, Dashes, and time trials.