Xbox Game Pass remains one of the best deals in gaming, and the April – May 2025 lineup is a perfect example of why. With an ever-expanding lineup of high-quality games, including day-one exclusives, returning fan favorites, and standout indie gems, the service continues to offer something for every kind of player. Whether you’re into story-driven RPGs, competitive shooters, or innovative action titles, Game Pass is packed with fresh experiences this month.
But with such a large library, it can be overwhelming to know what to play next. Below, we break down the most exciting new additions in April, along with a few must-play staples that are dominating Game Pass right now.
🎮 New & Noteworthy on Game Pass – April 2025
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Release Date: April 24
A beautifully stylized turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics, Clair Obscur blends rich storytelling with tactical gameplay in a unique, Baroque-inspired world. You’ll lead a band of misfits on a quest to stop the Paintress—an enigmatic being who erases people from existence once they reach age 33. This 30-hour single-player campaign is already generating buzz for its visual style, emotional depth, and innovative battle system.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC – Day One Game Pass title
Grand Theft Auto V
Release Date: April 15
GTA V makes its return to Game Pass, giving new players and returning fans a chance to dive into the chaotic, open-world playground of Los Santos. With its ever-expanding GTA Online mode and still-relevant story mode, this iconic title continues to be one of the most played and streamed games of the decade.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Neon White
Release Date: April 16
This high-speed, first-person action game challenges players to exterminate demons in Heaven using a mix of parkour and card-based abilities. Every level is built like a speedrunning puzzle—perfect for leaderboard chasers and fans of stylish, fast-paced combat. It’s one of the most unique indie shooters in recent memory.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Towerborne (Game Preview)
Release Date: April 29
Developed by Stoic (creators of The Banner Saga), Towerborne is a colorful action-RPG that blends hack-and-slash combat with cooperative gameplay. You play as an “Ace” who protects the remnants of humanity from monsters and chaos. Its seasonal structure suggests ongoing content updates, and the preview already has strong potential for a cult following.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Far Cry 4
Release Date: April 30
Travel to Kyrat, a stunning Himalayan country ruled by the unpredictable Pagan Min. Far Cry 4 offers massive open-world exploration, creative freedom in combat, and a surprisingly emotional storyline. Even a decade after its original release, it remains one of the most beloved entries in the franchise.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Top Picks You Shouldn’t Miss on Game Pass
Some are new, some aren’t – but they’re all trending right now—and for good reason.
South of Midnight
A haunting and atmospheric action-adventure that draws heavily from Southern Gothic folklore. It’s got stylized visuals, a mesmerizing story, and a protagonist who navigates a supernatural version of the American South. Think Control meets American Gods.
Atomfall
Set in a dystopian 1960s Britain following a nuclear disaster, Atomfall is a survival shooter with retro-futuristic aesthetics and eerie storytelling. It blends exploration, resource management, and combat in a way that’s attracted a growing fanbase on Game Pass. It’s an especially good pick for fans of Fallout or STALKER-like worlds.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
The first Call of Duty game to hit Game Pass on day one, Black Ops 6 drops players into an espionage-heavy storyline set in the early 1990s. The campaign offers cinematic storytelling, while multiplayer introduces dynamic map changes and reimagined mechanics. This is a huge milestone for Xbox’s subscription model—and a massive win for Game Pass subscribers.
Why Game Pass Keeps Getting Better
- Day-One Exclusives: Xbox’s push to include first-party titles and third-party launches on day one keeps Game Pass competitive with any other gaming service.
- Genre Variety: You’ll find strategy games, narrative-heavy RPGs, chaotic shooters, quirky indies, and more.
- Cross-Platform Access: Many titles support cloud gaming, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with synced saves and achievements.
- Regular Rotation: New games are added every two weeks—there’s always something fresh to play.
As April 2025 wraps up, Xbox Game Pass is clearly still going strong. Whether you want to jump into the latest AAA blockbuster or discover a surprise indie hit, this month’s lineup is one of the best yet.
1. Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 takes players to the vibrant landscapes of Mexico in what many consider the best open-world racing experience available today. The game combines arcade-style fun with realistic driving physics that anyone can enjoy regardless of racing game experience.
Racing through deserts, jungles, historic cities, and beaches makes exploration exciting. The changing seasons and dynamic weather add variety to races and free-roaming adventures.
The car selection is massive with hundreds of vehicles to collect, customize, and race. From everyday cars to rare supercars, each vehicle handles differently and can be tuned to fit your driving style.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play Forza Horizon 5 without buying it separately. Just download it and start racing immediately.
The multiplayer options let you challenge friends or join strangers in races, stunts, and special events. Community challenges refresh regularly, giving you new goals every week.
For casual players, the game offers a stress-free way to drive dream cars through beautiful scenery. For competitive racers, there are plenty of challenging events and leaderboards to climb.
The graphics showcase what modern gaming hardware can do. Cars shine realistically in the sun, mud sticks to tires, and environments look nearly photographic in quality.
Even if you’re not typically a racing game fan, Forza Horizon 5 might win you over with its accessible controls and festival atmosphere. Many Reddit users recommend it as one of the best Forza games to try, especially compared to its more simulation-focused Motorsport cousin.
2. Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite stands as the latest entry in the iconic Xbox franchise and is readily available on Game Pass. Released in 2021, it brings Master Chief back for another adventure against the Banished on Zeta Halo.
The campaign offers an open-world approach, a first for the series. Players can explore the ring at their own pace, taking on side missions and collecting resources between main story missions. This freedom adds extra hours of gameplay beyond the main storyline.
Combat feels smooth and familiar while introducing new elements. The grappleshot tool lets players zip across battlefields, grab distant objects, and even hijack vehicles with style. It adds a fresh layer to the classic Halo formula without changing what fans love.
Visually, the game showcases impressive environments with sweeping vistas and detailed landscapes. Weather effects and day-night cycles make Zeta Halo feel alive as you traverse its surface.
The multiplayer component remains a strong draw, offering both classic arena modes and the larger-scale Big Team Battle. All multiplayer content is free-to-play, though Game Pass subscribers get extra perks.
For Game Pass subscribers, Halo Infinite provides great value. The campaign alone justifies trying it out, while the multiplayer ensures long-term enjoyment. Battle Passes from previous seasons remain available, letting new players catch up on earlier content.
Compared to other shooters on the service, Halo Infinite holds its own with tight controls and balanced gameplay. Its mix of open-world exploration and focused missions helps it stand among the best games on Game Pass.
3. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Mass Effect Legendary Edition bundles three iconic sci-fi RPGs into one impressive package. This collection includes the original trilogy with over 40 DLC items from all three games, featuring bonus weapons, armors, and content packs in a single launcher for easy access.
If you’re wondering whether to play the originals on Game Pass or jump into the Legendary Edition, the choice is clear. The Legendary Edition offers significant improvements over the original games that were previously available.
The visual upgrades alone make this version worth your time. Character models look sharper, environments have more detail, and lighting effects enhance the atmospheric quality of each world you visit.
Beyond graphics, the gameplay in the first Mass Effect received much-needed updates. Combat feels smoother, the Mako vehicle handles better, and inventory management isn’t as frustrating as it once was.
The trilogy follows Commander Shepard’s journey to save the galaxy from the Reapers. Your choices carry across all three games, creating a personalized story experience that few game series have matched.
For newcomers, this is the perfect entry point to the series. Veterans will appreciate the technical improvements while experiencing the familiar story they love.
Playing Mass Effect Legendary Edition through Game Pass offers tremendous value. You get three complete games with all their extra content without purchasing them separately.
The collection can be played through Xbox Cloud Gaming as well, giving you flexibility in how you experience this epic space saga.
Each game takes roughly 30-40 hours to complete if you explore side content, meaning Game Pass subscribers get well over 100 hours of quality gaming from this single title.
4. Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves offers a unique pirate adventure where players can sail the open seas either solo or with friends. This open-world game lets you explore islands, hunt for treasure, and battle other pirates in a colorful, cartoonish world.
The game is included with Game Pass, making it easily accessible to subscribers. Since its launch, the developers have added substantial content updates that have greatly expanded the gameplay options.
Players can choose different roles on their ship – steering, managing sails, navigating, or firing cannons. This team-based approach creates fun cooperative moments when sailing with a crew.
The world is filled with skeleton forts, ghost ships, megalodons, and kraken encounters that provide challenging combat opportunities. Treasure hunting involves solving riddles and following maps to dig up valuable loot.
One distinctive aspect of Sea of Thieves is its player-versus-player elements. Other pirate crews can attack your ship, steal your treasure, or form alliances with you. This unpredictability makes each session different.
The game features no traditional progression system with stat improvements. Instead, progress comes through cosmetic upgrades and reputation increases with various trading companies.
Sea of Thieves has a dedicated community, and many Game Pass users consider it one of the best offerings on the service. Microsoft has committed to keeping the game on Game Pass for the foreseeable future.
Regular seasonal updates add new story content, gameplay mechanics, and cosmetic items to keep the experience fresh. The developers at Rare continue to support the game with new adventures.
The game shines brightest when played with friends, creating memorable moments of triumph and hilarious failures at sea.
5. Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 stands out as one of the greatest games available on Game Pass. This mind-bending adventure continues the story of Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a young psychic who joins the psychic spy organization.
The game mixes platforming with creative level design that takes players through the minds of various characters. Each mind has its own unique theme and challenges based on the character’s personality and mental state.
Players can expect stunning visuals that bring the bizarre mental landscapes to life. The art style is quirky yet beautiful, with attention to detail that makes each level memorable.
Combat in Psychonauts 2 involves using psychic abilities like telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and levitation. These powers also help solve puzzles throughout the game.
Critics have praised the game highly, with some calling it an absolute masterpiece. Many players found it even more enjoyable than expected.
The storytelling in Psychonauts 2 tackles complex themes about mental health with sensitivity and humor. Characters are well-developed, making the narrative both engaging and meaningful.
Double Fine Productions spent years crafting this sequel, and their effort shows in every aspect of the game. The writing is sharp, the gameplay is tight, and the world is fascinating to explore.
For Game Pass subscribers, Psychonauts 2 represents excellent value. It offers roughly 15-20 hours of main story content, with additional time needed to find all collectibles and secrets.
The game has earned its place among the best-rated Game Pass offerings, making it a must-play for subscribers looking for something unique and memorable.
6. Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 stands out as one of the most engaging strategy games available on Game Pass. Players take control of a medieval dynasty, making decisions that affect their family’s power and legacy across generations.
The game blends grand strategy with role-playing elements in a unique way. Your character’s personality traits influence gameplay options, while marriages and alliances shape your political standing. Each ruler you play has different strengths and weaknesses.
Unlike other strategy games, winning isn’t just about conquering territory. Success can mean different things: expanding your realm, strengthening your bloodline, or even just surviving the constant threats of medieval life.
Crusader Kings 3 is described as “a beast of a game” by newcomers, but the learning curve feels rewarding rather than frustrating. The tutorial helps new players understand the basics without overwhelming them.
The base game offers plenty of content without additional purchases. It’s considered “a finished product and fun to play without DLC”, which makes it an excellent value for Game Pass subscribers.
For Xbox owners, the Game Pass version makes particular sense. The subscription gives access to the game across both PC and console platforms, allowing for flexibility in how and where you play.
Some critics even called it the “real MVP of 2020”, highlighting its quality among the year’s releases. The depth of gameplay and replayability make it a standout title on the service.
The interface works surprisingly well on console, though strategy veterans might prefer the PC version. Either way, Game Pass members have access to both versions, making it easy to try different control schemes.
7. Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush surprised many gamers when it dropped unexpectedly on Xbox Game Pass in early 2023. This rhythm-based action game combines colorful visuals with music-driven combat.
The game follows Chai, a wannabe rockstar who gets a music player fused to his heart during a corporate experiment gone wrong. This accident gives him the ability to sync his movements to the beat of the music.
What makes Hi-Fi Rush stand out is how the entire world moves to the rhythm. Everything from enemy attacks to background animations pulses with the beat. You can still play if you have no rhythm, but timing your attacks to the music makes you more powerful.
Players who enjoyed the game have described it as one of the most fun gaming experiences since Mario Odyssey. The pure joy of gameplay sits at the heart of what makes it special.
The art style draws inspiration from animated shows with cel-shaded graphics and expressive character designs. The rock and electronic soundtrack perfectly complements the action.
The developers continue to support the game with updates that add new cosmetics and fix bugs. PC players recently received improved controller support.
Hi-Fi Rush is included with Game Pass, making it easy to try without an extra purchase. For anyone looking for a unique action game with personality and style, it’s worth downloading.
The combat system grows more complex as you progress, introducing new abilities and companions who join your battles. These mechanics keep the gameplay fresh throughout the adventure.
8. Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight stands as one of the most impressive games available on Game Pass. Released as the finale to Rocksteady’s Arkham trilogy, it offers players the ultimate Batman experience with refined gameplay and stunning visuals.
The game introduces the Batmobile as a key feature, letting you tear through the streets of Gotham City. While some players feel the vehicle sections are overused, they add an exciting dimension to the Batman formula.
Combat feels smooth and responsive, building on the successful systems from previous entries. The countering and combo system remains satisfying, with new enemy types keeping encounters fresh throughout the game.
Gotham City itself is breathtaking. The rain-slicked streets and neon lights create an atmospheric open world that truly captures the comic book aesthetic. Flying between buildings with Batman’s cape feels as good as ever.
If you enjoyed previous Arkham games, especially Arkham Origins, you’ll likely appreciate Knight’s expanded story and gameplay systems. Many fans consider it one of the best in the series due to its polished mechanics.
The side missions provide substantial content beyond the main story. Each focuses on different Batman villains and offers unique gameplay challenges. These missions add hours of quality content.
Arkham Knight consistently ranks among the best-rated games on Game Pass. Its combination of action, stealth, detective work, and vehicle combat creates a varied gaming experience that holds up well years after its initial release.
For players who haven’t experienced Batman’s gaming universe, Arkham Knight serves as an excellent entry point despite being the third main game in the series. The story remains accessible while rewarding longtime fans with meaningful character development.
9. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator stands out as one of the most impressive technical achievements on Game Pass. This stunning simulation game lets you fly anywhere in the world with incredibly accurate details and landscapes.
The game is included with Game Pass, giving subscribers access to the full experience without additional purchase. Both standard and premium editions bring different aircraft and airports to explore.
What makes this title special is its use of satellite data and cloud technology to recreate our entire planet. You can take off from your local airport and land at famous destinations across the globe. The weather systems even match real-world conditions.
For those who enjoy relaxing games, Flight Simulator offers a peaceful experience. Fly over famous landmarks, through canyons, or above your hometown at sunset. The views are breathtaking.
The 2024 edition brings even more improvements to the already impressive game. It’s also available through cloud gaming if you have Game Pass Ultimate, letting you play without a powerful computer.
Flight Simulator works well for both casual and serious simulation fans. Easy controls help newcomers get started, while detailed systems satisfy experienced pilots. The game supports controllers, keyboards, and dedicated flight sticks.
Many players call it a “real gem on Game Pass” because it offers something different from typical action titles. You can simply enjoy the scenery or challenge yourself with tricky landings.
The game regularly adds free updates with new regions, planes, and features. This keeps the experience fresh for longtime players who want to explore new areas or master different aircraft.
10. Hellblade 2
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II has made waves since its recent release, earning praise for its stunning visuals and atmospheric storytelling. The game is now available on Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass, making it accessible to subscribers without additional purchase.
The visual presentation stands out as exceptional. Players have rated it 10/10 for visuals and presentation, solidifying its position as one of the most graphically impressive titles on Game Pass. The game effectively transports players to Viking Iceland through its detailed environments.
Combat sequences receive high marks as well. The game delivers 10/10 combat sequences that feel satisfying and impactful. These moments provide welcome action between the narrative-focused sections.
Horror elements play a significant role in the experience. The psychological horror aspects have been praised as perfect, creating tension throughout the journey. This balance of beauty and terror gives the game its unique identity.
The popularity of Hellblade II is evident in Xbox gameplay charts. The game shot straight into the top five most popular Xbox games shortly after release, demonstrating strong player interest.
Some reviewers note that while technically impressive, the game feels somewhat limited in scope. Tom’s Guide called it a “technical tour de force with a captivating story” but implied it might feel more like a tech demo than a full experience.
For Game Pass subscribers looking for a visually stunning adventure with psychological depth, Hellblade II delivers a memorable, if somewhat brief, journey through myth and madness.
Understanding Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives players access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. It has changed how many gamers play and discover new titles since its launch in 2017.
Subscription Models and Pricing
Xbox Game Pass offers several different subscription tiers to fit various gaming needs. The base tier, Game Pass Standard, provides access to hundreds of games, online console multiplayer, and member discounts.
For PC gamers, there’s PC Game Pass which focuses on computer titles. The premium option, Game Pass Ultimate, combines both console and PC libraries while adding EA Play membership, cloud gaming capabilities, and extra perks.
Monthly pricing varies by region and plan, typically ranging from $10.99 for basic plans to $16.99 for Ultimate. Microsoft often runs promotions for new subscribers, offering the first month at a significantly reduced rate.
The service also includes Game Pass Core, a more affordable option that replaced Xbox Live Gold, offering a smaller games catalog but maintaining online console multiplayer functionality.
Platform Availability and Compatibility
Xbox Game Pass works across multiple devices, making games accessible beyond just Xbox consoles. The service fully supports Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles with the complete game library.
PC Game Pass brings many of the same titles to Windows computers through the Xbox app. System requirements vary by game, but most modern gaming PCs can handle the majority of the catalog.
With cloud gaming (included in Game Pass Ultimate), subscribers can play high-quality games on smartphones, tablets, and even low-spec computers through web browsers or dedicated apps. This feature requires a stable internet connection, preferably 10Mbps or faster.
The service is available in over 40 countries worldwide, though the exact game selection may vary slightly by region due to licensing agreements. Microsoft continues expanding both geographic availability and device compatibility to reach more players.
Advantages of Using Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass delivers value through both its extensive library and constant updates. Players benefit from immediate access to hundreds of games while enjoying fresh content regularly.
Diverse Game Selection
Game Pass offers an impressive variety of titles, from blockbuster hits to indie gems. The service includes over 500 games across multiple genres, giving players plenty of options.
Users can try games they might not normally purchase. This leads to discovering new favorites without financial risk. Many players find value in exploring different genres they wouldn’t typically buy outright.
The library features legendary franchises like Halo and Minecraft, along with a wide range of third-party titles. Game Pass members also receive exclusive discounts of up to 20% when purchasing games from the catalog.
The service works on multiple platforms. Subscribers can play on Xbox consoles, gaming PCs, and even less powerful computers through cloud gaming.
Regular Updates and Additions
Microsoft continually refreshes the Game Pass library with new titles. Subscribers get immediate access to first-party games on launch day, including major releases from Xbox Game Studios.
Each month brings new additions across various genres. While some games eventually leave the service, the regular influx of content ensures players always have something fresh to try.
Game Pass Ultimate members receive additional perks and bonuses, including in-game content and special offers from partners. These extras add significant value beyond just the games themselves.
The service keeps players current with gaming trends. With automatic updates and new releases, subscribers always have access to recent titles without additional purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Game Pass offers a vast library with many genres and styles. Players often ask about specific categories and new additions to help them find games that match their interests.
Which titles are considered the top RPGs available on Game Pass?
Mass Effect Legendary Edition stands as one of the finest RPG experiences on Game Pass. This collection includes all three games from the original trilogy with improved graphics and gameplay.
Fallout 4 offers an expansive post-apocalyptic world with meaningful choices and character development. The game combines RPG elements with solid first-person shooting.
The Outer Worlds presents a space-faring RPG with strong narrative choices and companion characters. Its satirical take on corporate culture adds a unique flavor to the experience.
What are the most immersive story-driven games currently on Game Pass?
Psychonauts 2 delivers a captivating narrative with its unique mind-bending mechanics. Players explore the inner thoughts of characters while uncovering a conspiracy.
A Plague Tale: Requiem pulls players into a grim medieval setting with emotional storytelling. The relationship between siblings Amicia and Hugo forms the heart of this intense journey.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice offers a haunting portrayal of mental illness through its Norse mythology setting. The audio design creates an immersive experience that few games match.
Are there any critically acclaimed indie games included in Game Pass?
Hades has earned massive praise for its tight roguelike gameplay and compelling character interactions. The game blends Greek mythology with fast-paced combat.
Unpacking tells a moving story without words through the simple act of unpacking boxes. This puzzle game reveals life milestones through objects and placement.
Hollow Knight offers a vast underground world to explore with challenging combat and beautiful hand-drawn art. Its atmospheric design has made it an indie favorite.
What are the high-quality multiplayer games offered through Game Pass?
Sea of Thieves provides a pirate adventure that shines brightest with friends. Players sail the seas, hunt treasure, and engage in ship battles together.
Halo Infinite carries the torch for the legendary FPS franchise with solid multiplayer modes. The free-to-play multiplayer component offers arena and big team battles.
Back 4 Blood brings cooperative zombie slaying action for up to four players. The card system adds variety to each run through its apocalyptic setting.
What are the latest additions to Game Pass that have garnered positive reviews?
Forza Horizon 5 recently joined Game Pass and has received praise for its stunning Mexican setting and vehicle handling. The open-world racing game offers hundreds of cars and varied events.
Starfield has made a splash as Bethesda’s newest RPG set among the stars. Players can explore over 1000 planets and craft their own space adventure.
Hi-Fi Rush surprised everyone as a shadow drop that combines rhythm-based combat with charming visuals. Its unique gameplay has earned it strong reviews.
How do the games available in Game Pass Ultimate compare to the standard Game Pass library?
Game Pass Ultimate includes everything in the standard library plus EA Play titles like Star Wars games and sports titles. This adds significant value through dozens more games.
Ultimate also provides cloud gaming capabilities for playing on mobile devices and web browsers. This flexibility lets subscribers play many games without downloading them.
Xbox Live Gold comes bundled with Ultimate, adding online multiplayer functionality and monthly free games. Standard Game Pass lacks these online features unless purchased separately.
