Since its debut, Xbox Game Pass has evolved from a simple value proposition to a massive subscription spanning multiple tiers and containing many hundreds of games, perks, and benefits.
It can be difficult to keep up with it all, but that's where I come in. I've been managing this hub of all the latest (and upcoming) Xbox Game Pass additions and departures for years at this point, making this the only source you keep up to date with the newest Game Pass announcements. I'll also let you know if a game is a day one addition to Game Pass, is being added via the EA Play subscription included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and if it's new to specific platforms or subscription tiers with a little bit of bold text.
I'll keep it simple and let you get right to it, but we also have the complete list of every game available across every tier of Xbox Game Pass if you need something a little more thorough. Those looking for more information on Xbox Game Pass and its assorted benefits can refer to our ultimate Xbox Game Pass FAQ, which honestly contains an absurd amount of knowledge (I can't claim credit for that one, it was my colleague Jez Corden).
If you'd like to subscribe, the most affordable way is to pick up 3-months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $29.29 at CDKeys (that's a lot less than paying $20/month, and you can stack it).
Recent updates
Dec. 12, 2024 @ 9:50 a.m. ET — Popped in to add For the King II and Hunt: Showdown 1896 as the newest Xbox Game Pass arrivals.
Xbox Game Pass: Best new games this month
Say hi to the best recent Xbox Game Pass games. You'll rarely go wrong with the diverse selection of games on Xbox Game Pass, but there are always a handful of titles that stand above the rest — including, but not limited to, exceptional indie games, addictive multiplayer games, expansive AAA games, and Microsoft's first-party titles and projects. These are the best new games that have recently arrived on Xbox Game Pass that you shouldn't hesitate to play.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Available: Nov. 9, 2024 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (PC & Ultimate on day one)
When it was announced that MachineGames of Wolfenstein fame would be tackling the first major video game adaptation of the legendary Indiana Jones franchise, fans were a little divided. On one hand, no one had better mastered the art of beating up Nazis than MachineGames, but on the other it wasn't clear if a traditionally first-person shooter studio could make the dramatic shifts necessary for a great Indiana Jones game.
Well, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is finally here, and it has surpassed expectations. It's not just the best Indiana Jones video game adaptation, it's one of the best video games of the entire year. MachineGames has successfully crafted a masterful immersive sim, combining puzzles, exploration, and combat in such a way that you can create your own Indiana Jones adventure.
In our Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review, my colleague Samuel Tolbert concluded, "With cinematic flair straight out of the original movies, MachineGames proves it understands the world's most iconic Nazi-fighting archeologist. With fun exploration, dangerous puzzles, and a few twists up its sleeves, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is sure to satisfy the cravings of anyone eager for an old-school adventure."
I was planning on spending the entire month of December focused on catching up on video game DLCs and expansions I missed this year, but I already downloaded Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and now my plans are in peril.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
- Available: Nov. 20 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Ultimate & PC on day one)
After many years of waiting, the long-awaited sequel in the STALKER franchise has arrived as an Xbox console exclusive and day one addition to Xbox and PC Game Pass. A nail-biting, atmospheric open-world shooter that throws you into a desperate struggle for survival in a radiation-sickened world, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl represents years of development, economic, and political hardship for the studio behind it.
In our S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl review, our Brendan Lowry concluded that, "STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl stands tall as one of the most captivating open-world shooters I've ever played, with palpable atmosphere and deeply rewarding exploration that kept me glued to my seat along with addictively intense and dynamic action that kept me on the edge of it. Some major issues with certain mutant encounters and noteworthy bugs and performance snags take away from the experience, but even so, The Zone will engross you with its haunting wonders. There's truly nothing else like it."
STALKER 2 is shaping up to be one of the best new games of the entire year, it seems. You can enter The Zone now on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
- Available: Nov. 12 — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Standard, PC, & Ultimate)
There are several classic platforming franchises that have captured the hearts of millions of young gamers, and several have enjoyed a fresh coat of modern paint to appeal to those grown-up fans or attract new players. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is one of the best examples of these remasters, taking three legendary Spyro games (Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon) and overhauling them with refreshed visuals, modern controls, and quality-of-life improvements.
What you may not realize is that Spyro the Dragon is actually an Activision Blizzard franchise. That also means that, now, Spyro is officially a member of the Xbox family, standing alongside iconic mascots like the Master Chief from Halo. You can now consider Spyro's induction into the Xbox family finalized today, now that the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a part of Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Our Spyro Reignited Trilogy review is old, but it still conveys how much we loved this remaster. Now, it's more accessible than ever.
Xbox Game Pass: Full list of new games
It can be easy to lose track of all the new games coming to Xbox Game Pass, so we've compiled the full list for your convenience. In this section of our Xbox Game Pass guide, learn what games have been released on Xbox Game Pass recently, when they became available, and what platforms on which they're available.
Dec. 12
- For the King II — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (PC & Ultimate)
- Hunt: Showdown 1896 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Standard & Ultimate)
Dec. 10
- Wildfrost — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (PC & Ultimate)
Dec. 9
- Indiana Jones and The Great Circle — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (PC & Ultimate on day one)
Dec. 5
- EA Sports WRC — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (PC & Ultimate via EA Play)
- Overthrown (Game Preview) — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (PC & Ultimate on day one)
Dec. 4
- Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled — Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One (Core, Standard, & Ultimate)
- DayZ — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Core, Standard, & Ultimate)
- Forza Motorsport (2023) — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Standard, PC, & Ultimate)
- Goat Simulator — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Core, Standard, & Ultimate)
- Hauntii — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Standard, PC, & Ultimate)
- Humanity — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Standard, PC, & Ultimate)
Xbox Game Pass: Full schedule of games coming soon
Microsoft loves to give Xbox Game Pass subscribers plenty of time to prepare for upcoming additions by announcing them early. This section of our Xbox Game Pass will help you keep track of all the games coming to Xbox Game Pass shortly, so you can decide what you want to play and whether you need to free up some space.
Jan. 2
- Carrion — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Standard, PC, & Ultimate)
Jan. 7
- Road 96 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming (Standard, PC, & Ultimate)
Xbox Game Pass: List of games leaving soon
For the most part, more games join Xbox Game Pass than leave. However, most games do leave the service eventually, so Microsoft likes to give players a heads up if they haven't gotten around to playing that game yet. Keep an eye on this section of our Xbox Game Pass guide for games you still want to play. If you see a game you've played and loved, be sure to purchase it with your Xbox Game Pass discount so you can keep it forever.
Dec. 15
- Amnesia: The Bunker — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Forager — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Forza Horizon 4 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Rise of the Tomb Raider — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Tin Hearts — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- The Quarry — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
Dec. 31
- BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Close to the Sun — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- HUMANKIND — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- LEGO 2K Drive — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- McPixel 3 — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Party Animals — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Game Pass: All known upcoming launch games
Microsoft gives us updates on games heading to Xbox Game Pass a few weeks before those games become available, usually twice a month. However, Xbox and ID@Xbox events toss aside this expectation to announce a flurry of games that are hitting Xbox Game Pass day and date, meaning they're launching into the service when they land on Xbox platforms. That means day one access to all of these games for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, including some of the best upcoming Xbox games.
Many of these games are far enough out that they don't even have a release date, and we're not certain exactly which platforms they'll come to through Xbox Game Pass. Still, this list in our Xbox Game Pass guide will give you an idea of what to look out for in the future of Xbox Game Pass. We'll constantly update this list as we get new information about release dates, when games become available, and what platforms are getting them.
The following events, as well as upcoming Xbox Game Studios games, have been added to this section, including Xbox Games Showcase 2023:
- Xbox Partner Preview — Oct. 2024
- Xbox Games Showcase — June 2024
- Xbox Partner Preview — Mar. 2024
- Annapurna Interactive Showcase — June 2023
- Xbox Games Showcase — June 2023
- Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase — June 2022
- Summer Game Fest — June 2022
- Xbox @ Gamescom — Aug. 2021
- Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase — E3 2021
- ID@Xbox Games Showcase — Mar. 2021
Xbox Partner Preview — Oct. 2024
- Eternal Strands — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2025
- FBC: Firebreak — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2025
- Subnautica 2 — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2025
- Wheel World — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2025
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2025
Xbox Games Showcase — June 2024
- Avowed — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming on Feb. 18, 2025
- Atomfall — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC on Mar. 27, 2025
- REPLACED — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & Windows PC in 2025
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- DOOM: The Dark Ages — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- Fable — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- Mixtape — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- South of Midnight — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- Winter Burrow — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Windows PC in 2025
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- Gears of War: E-Day — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- Perfect Dark — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- State of Decay 3 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
Xbox Partner Preview — Mar. 2024
- The Alters — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2024
- Sleight of Hand — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2025
Annapurna Interactive Showcase — June 2023
- Wheel World — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2025
- Bounty Star — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Windows PC in 2025
- to a T — Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One
Xbox Games Showcase — June 2023
- Avowed — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming on Feb. 18, 2025
- Cities: Skylines 2 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2024
- 33 Immortals — Xbox Series X|S & Windows PC in 2024
- Towerborne — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2024
- Fable — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- South of Midnight — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- Clockwork Revolution — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase — June 2022
- Ark 2 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Ereban: Shadow Legacy — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Hollow Knight: Silksong — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
Summer Game Fest — June 2022
- Routine — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox @ Gamescom — Aug. 2021
- Bushiden — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming in Nov. 2024
Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase — June 2021
- REPLACED — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Xbox One, & Windows PC in 2025
- Contraband — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- The Outer Worlds 2 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
ID@Xbox Games Showcase — Mar. 2021
- Dead Static Drive — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Windows PC in 2024
- She Dreams Elsewhere — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Windows PC
- Way to the Woods — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Game Studios & Bethesda Softworks upcoming games
- Avowed — Xbox Series X|S Optimized, Windows PC, & Xbox Cloud Gaming on Feb. 18, 2025
- Towerborne — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2024
- DOOM: The Dark Ages — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- Fable — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- South of Midnight — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC in 2025
- Clockwork Revolution — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- Contraband — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- Everwild — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- Gears of War: E-Day — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- Perfect Dark — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- State of Decay 3 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
- The Outer Worlds 2 — Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Windows PC
Xbox Game Pass FAQ
Xbox Game Pass is wildly considered to be one of the best values in the video games industry, as it's an all-in-one subscription that includes unlimited access to hundreds of video games across Xbox, PC, and the cloud. Day one released, modern titles, and even beloved classics are all available, and there are a ton of other perks for being subscribed, too.
I do recommend checking out our in-depth guide and FAQ to everything you need to know about Xbox Game Pass for a complete run down, but I'll answer some of the more common questions here.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Put simply, Xbox Game Pass is an optional subscription service tied to the Xbox gaming ecosystem. It's available across Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and the cloud on many other devices (including smartphones, tablets, and TVs).
Nowadays, Xbox Game Pass has expanded to be the ultimate subscription for gaming, and includes (but isn't limited to) unlimited access to hundreds of Xbox and PC games, premium online multiplayer access on Xbox consoles, subscription-wide discounts on games and DLCs, exclusive offers and perks, cloud gaming on mobile devices (including for some owned games), and more.
What are the different Xbox Game Pass tiers?
There are four Xbox Game Pass tiers, which may seem confusing at first, but there is a method to the madness.
First is Xbox Game Pass Core, which costs $10/month and strictly includes premium online multiplayer on Xbox consoles, access to a small, curated collection of Xbox games, and discounts on included games and DLC.
Next is Xbox Game Pass Standard, which costs $15/month and includes premium online multiplayer on Xbox consoles, access to a huge collection of Xbox games, and discounts on included games and DLC.
Then there's PC Game Pass, which costs $12/month and includes access to a huge collection of Windows PC games, and discounts on included games and DLC.
Finally, we have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. At $20/month, this is the flagship Xbox Game Pass tier and includes absolutely everything in all previous tiers. On top of that, you also get an expanded library of Xbox and PC games via Electronic Arts' EA Play subscription, the ability to stream supported Xbox games to almost any internet-connected mobile device via Xbox Cloud Gaming (now including a "Bring Your Own Games" feature), exclusive discounts and offers on included games and DLC, and unique monthly perks for in-game bonus content, DLC, free movies, and more.
Where is Xbox Game Pass available?
Despite having "Xbox" in the name, Xbox Game Pass isn't just limited to consoles. In fact, Microsoft wants you to believe that most anything can be an Xbox, and it's thanks to Xbox Game Pass.
Depending on the tier you're subscribed to, Xbox Game Pass is available across Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One consoles, Windows PCs, and literally millions of other devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming. That last point is important — Xbox Game Pass lets you stream Xbox games to your mobile smartphone, tablet, smart TV, and almost any other modern device that has an internet browser. You don't even need to connect a controller all the time, as many of these streamable games support touch controls on mobile devices.
How many games are available on Xbox Game Pass?
This depends on the tier. If you're talking about Xbox Game Pass Core, that's a few dozen. Standard or PC? A few hundred. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all of the above, though, and on my Xbox Series X that's over 400 unique games (and that doesn't include PC-specific games). Many of those games are available via PC Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming, too, with cross-progression so you can move between devices.
You can refer to our complete list of every game on Xbox Game Pass for more information.
Which tier of Xbox Game Pass should I subscribe to?
With four tiers to choose from, it may seem confusing which subscription is the best for you. I'll quickly break it down with my final recommendation to make that decision easier.
Xbox Game Pass Core is mostly for those that strictly play premium online multiplayer games like Call of Duty on Xbox consoles (free-to-play multiplayer games like Fortnite and Apex Legends do not require a Game Pass Core subscription). As a bonus, you get a taste test of the full Xbox Game Pass experience with a few dozen carefully selected games.
Xbox Game Pass Standard is for those who do play more than premium online multiplayer games, and like the idea of having access to a wide variety of games they might otherwise not play.
PC Game Pass is for those same people, but the ones who exclusively play on Windows PC and don't use or own an Xbox console.
Finally, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is for those who want it all. If you want unfettered access to all the games (including permanent access to all first-party Xbox exclusives from day one), want to stream games on the go, play across Xbox and PC, want the best discounts and exclusive perks, or any combination of the above — this is the subscription. It's the most expensive, of course, but you can stack 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cards with huge discounts at CDKeys, which is my personal recommendation.
