The First Game Pass Games of 2026 Show Xbox Isn't Giving Up Yet.
Everywhere you go, commentators persist in tolling the death bells for the Xbox brand. Xbox was recently outsold by a relatively obscure console. Platform-specific outlets began covering about PlayStation unprecedentedly. The past year represented an era of significant turmoil for Xbox and Microsoft. But if we're going solely off what's coming to Game Pass in 2026, it is apparent that the green gaming company continues to plan to draw people in with quality releases on its premier subscription.
The Current Inclusions
The duo of games you can play right now as you read this, Brews & Bastards and Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition, don't represent the biggest draws. Rather, it's what is coming to Game Pass soon that's truly noteworthy.
Significant Forthcoming Releases
On Jan. 13, the subscription service will add the underrated Star Wars Outlaws, a sprawling adventure that deviates from the standard Ubisoft formula with a space-faring criminal escapade. Another big get is Resident Evil Village with its iconic tall vampire, which our 2021 review called "an ideal blend of horror and action."
Compelling Indie Titles
Yet, the less-hyped additions arriving shortly on the service deserve recognition. Lost In Random: The Eternal Die, the criminally overlooked roguelike that is incredibly fun, drops on Jan. 7th — and it merits a playthrough whether or not you experienced the first Lost in Random game.
This UK-developed survival title from last year could captivate you in about 15 minutes flat.
Atomfall, a survival title with stealth elements by the makers of Sniper Elite, is also a game to check out. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers also have Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition to get excited about.
A Well-Rounded Collection
In summary, these aren't the most groundbreaking additions to Game Pass, and they don't represent first-party juggernauts that justify the service by themselves. Yet, this selection are rock solid. It offers a healthy blend of older titles you may have skipped and relatively recent releases that failed to receive the spotlight they warranted upon launch — transforming them into perfect candidates to find a new audience on Game Pass.
Hope you're ready to part ways with The Grinch Christmas Adventures, however.
