Xbox Game Pass just leveled up again. At the June 2025 Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft revealed a tidal wave of upcoming titles—highlighting a growing commitment to day-one Game Pass drops and console-PC synergy. With blockbuster AAA franchises, surprise remakes, and exciting indie additions, the subscription service is cementing its position as the best value in gaming.
Major Day-One Game Pass Additions
Microsoft announced that 17+ titles will launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass across Xbox Series X|S, PC, and cloud. These aren’t just filler games—some are among the most anticipated releases of the year:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – For the first time in franchise history, a mainline CoD entry will debut on Game Pass (Fall 2025), bringing a Cold War–era conspiracy thriller with it.
- Persona 4 Revival – A full-scale remake of the beloved JRPG, rebuilt in the Persona 5 engine, launching day-one on Game Pass.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – After years of anticipation, the long-awaited sequel will finally arrive in late 2025, and it’s coming straight to Game Pass.
- Ninja Gaiden 4 – Team Ninja is back with a brutal, modern sequel that arrives October 21, 2025.
- Keeper – From the creators of Psychonauts 2, this quirky platformer drops October 17 and is exclusive to Game Pass at launch.
Upcoming Game Pass Drops (June 2025)
The first wave of June’s Game Pass additions spans genres—from RPG classics to tactical shooters and experimental indies:
- Now Available: Baldur’s Gate I & II Enhanced Editions
- June 10: Warhammer 40K: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition
- June 11: Barbie Project Friendship, Kingdom: Two Crowns
- June 12: EA Sports FC 25 (via EA Play)
- June 13: The Alters and FBC: Firebreak – a new co-op shooter from Remedy, set in the Control universe
Confirmed Future Titles Coming to Game Pass
- High on Life 2 – Winter 2025
- Grounded 2 – July 29, 2025
- Super Meat Boy 3D – Early 2026
- Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy – 2026
- Beast of Reincarnation, Aphelion, There Are No Ghosts at the Grand, Planet of Lana 2, At Fate’s End – All announced for 2025–2026
Hardware: ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds
To complement its software push, Microsoft is partnering with ASUS to release the ROG Xbox Ally, a line of handheld gaming devices optimized for Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming. Launching Holiday 2025, these Windows-based handhelds are designed to run all Showcase-announced Game Pass titles natively or via streaming, offering console-quality experiences on the go.
What Players Are Saying
The buzz across gaming forums and subreddits is electric. Reddit threads on r/XboxGamePass are filled with excitement:
- “Call of Duty on Game Pass changes everything.”
- “Silksong FINALLY confirmed. What a day.”
- “This is the best Game Pass lineup ever—full stop.”
Why This Update Matters
- Historic Additions: Day-one access to CoD and Persona marks a turning point in Game Pass’s third-party strategy.
- Cross-platform Freedom: Every game is playable across console, PC, and cloud—cementing Game Pass’s ecosystem advantage.
- Hardware Evolution: With the ROG Ally, Microsoft is pushing beyond traditional consoles and entering the portable gaming arena.
Game Pass Highlights Summary
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Big Name Day‑One Launches | Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Persona 4 Revival, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Ninja Gaiden 4 |
| June 2025 Game Drops | Baldur’s Gate 1/2, Barbie Project Friendship, Warhammer 40K, The Alters, FBC: Firebreak |
| Upcoming Titles | High on Life 2, Grounded 2, Super Meat Boy 3D, A Plague Tale: Legacy, more in 2026 |
| New Hardware | ROG Xbox Ally handhelds launching Holiday 2025 with full Game Pass support |
With every update, Xbox Game Pass becomes harder to ignore. Whether you’re a fan of tactical shooters, platformers, indies, or cinematic RPGs, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for the service—and the best may be yet to come.
Best Games on Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives players access to hundreds of games. You can play new releases, indie gems, and classic titles without buying each one separately. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.
The best Xbox Game Pass games include a mix of action, adventure, RPG, and simulation titles that appeal to different types of players. Some games stay on the service for years, while others rotate out after a few months. New games are added regularly, keeping the library fresh and exciting for subscribers.
1. Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2 Remake stands as one of the best additions to Xbox Game Pass in recent memory. This horror masterpiece brings the 1998 classic into modern gaming with stunning visuals and refined gameplay mechanics.
The game follows rookie cop Leon Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they fight to survive a zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. Their separate but connected stories offer players two distinct experiences, effectively doubling the game’s value.
What makes RE2 special is its perfect balance of resource management, exploration, and pulse-pounding encounters. You’ll constantly weigh whether to use that precious ammo or try to run past the shambling threats.
The Microsoft Store version is Play Anywhere compatible, letting you switch between Xbox and PC while keeping your progress. This flexibility adds significant value for Game Pass subscribers.
Many players find that RE2 Remake actually improves with multiple playthroughs. The different character campaigns, unlockable modes, and alternative scenarios keep the experience fresh even after you’ve survived the main story.
The atmospheric police station, with its puzzles and secrets, creates an unforgettable setting. The lighting and sound design work together to build tension even when no enemies are present.
Combat feels weighty and impactful. Zombies react realistically to shots, with limbs breaking off and heads exploding in gruesome detail when properly targeted.
For those new to the series, this serves as an excellent entry point. The story stands on its own while respecting the franchise’s legacy. After finishing, players might want to try RE4 Remake or RE3 Remake next.
The game runs smoothly on Xbox systems with impressive performance. Load times are quick, and the visuals hold up remarkably well even years after its initial release.
2. Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload has quickly become one of the most popular games on Xbox Game Pass. This remake of the 2006 classic RPG has been completely reimagined for modern platforms with updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements.
Players take on the role of a high school student who discovers the “Dark Hour,” a hidden time between days. During this hour, they must fight shadows using their Personas – manifestations of their inner selves.
The game offers a unique blend of dungeon crawling and social simulation. Players spend their days attending school, building friendships, and developing social links that strengthen their Personas for battle.
Combat is turn-based and strategic, requiring players to exploit enemy weaknesses while protecting their own vulnerabilities. The updated UI makes battles more streamlined and visually appealing than in the original release.
Persona 3 Reload is already ranked among the top 50 games on Game Pass, showing its impressive popularity. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get additional value with the free Expansion Pass.
The stylish UI and modernized features make this version much more accessible than the original. New players can jump right in without any knowledge of the series.
Critics have praised the remake, with some calling it an absolutely brilliant remake that maintains the heart of the original while improving nearly every aspect of gameplay.
With its compelling story about mortality, friendship, and personal growth, Persona 3 Reload offers Game Pass subscribers around 80-100 hours of engaging content. The memorable characters and emotional story arcs leave a lasting impression.
3. Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 stands out as one of the most unique games on Xbox Game Pass. This medieval strategy game mixes grand strategy with roleplaying elements to create something truly special.
Players take control of a noble family and guide them through generations of medieval drama. You’ll manage marriages, plot assassinations, and wage wars to expand your dynasty’s power and influence.
What makes this game so interesting is the focus on characters rather than nations. Each ruler has traits, skills, and relationships that affect how they rule their lands.
The game might seem hard to play at first, but the console version has been well-adapted for Xbox. The controls work surprisingly well without a mouse and keyboard.
Your decisions have real consequences that can affect your family for centuries. Want to start a religion that allows your character to marry their cousin? You can do that.
The stories that emerge from playing feel personal and unique. You might have a brilliant ruler who expands your kingdom, only to be followed by their incompetent child who loses everything.
Crusader Kings 3 has been praised as one of the best games available on Game Pass. It offers hundreds of hours of gameplay for those willing to learn its systems.
The Xbox version includes all the core features of the PC release. It’s the full experience, not a stripped-down port.
While not for everyone, players who enjoy reading and taking their time will find a deep, funny, and rewarding experience. The game rewards patience and planning rather than quick reflexes.
4. Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal takes the fast-paced combat of its predecessor and cranks it up several notches. Released in 2020, this game puts you back in the boots of the Doom Slayer with even more weapons and mobility options.
The game introduces new mechanics like the dash ability and meat hook attachment for the super shotgun. These additions help you zip around arenas while battling hordes of demons.
Combat in Doom Eternal follows a “combat puzzle” approach. Each demon has weaknesses, and you’ll need to use specific weapons and tactics to defeat them efficiently. This creates a satisfying rhythm of destruction.
The pulse-pounding soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon perfectly complements the intense gameplay. The music ramps up during combat and helps fuel the adrenaline rush as you tear through demons.
Visually, Doom Eternal impresses with its detailed environments and fluid animations. The game runs on idTech 7 engine, allowing for gorgeous hellscapes and smooth performance even during chaotic battles.
The campaign offers roughly 15-20 hours of gameplay, taking you across dimensions to stop the demons from consuming Earth. Each level features secrets to discover and optional challenges to complete.
Many fans consider Doom Eternal a must-play title on Xbox Game Pass. It delivers non-stop action that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
The game also features a robust progression system. You can upgrade your suit, weapons, and abilities to become even more powerful as you progress through the story.
Doom Eternal shines brightest when it puts you in increasingly difficult combat scenarios and gives you the tools to overcome them. The game rewards skill and quick thinking rather than mindless shooting.
5. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Spyro Reignited Trilogy has made its way to Xbox Game Pass, bringing the beloved purple dragon to a new generation of players. The collection includes all three original Spyro games that started the franchise: Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon.
These remasters offer the classic platforming gameplay with completely rebuilt graphics. The developers maintained the spirit of the original games while enhancing the visuals to modern standards. Characters, environments, and animations all received significant upgrades.
For newcomers to the series, Spyro offers accessible gameplay that’s easy to pick up. The games focus on collecting gems and freeing dragons across various colorful worlds. Players describe the experience as relaxing, perfect for when you want something less demanding but still engaging.
Each game in the trilogy builds upon the last. The first introduces the basics, while sequels add new characters, abilities, and more complex level designs. This progression keeps the experience fresh across all three titles.
The controls feel responsive and intuitive. Spyro can run, glide, and breathe fire with ease. Later games add more moves and playable characters, adding variety to the gameplay.
The remastered soundtrack also deserves mention. Players can switch between the original music and updated versions, catering to both nostalgia and modern preferences.
Finding all collectibles provides a decent challenge. Some gems are cleverly hidden, encouraging thorough exploration of each level. Completionists will find plenty to do beyond the main objectives.
Game Pass subscribers get the complete package with no missing content. All three games offer around 30-40 hours of gameplay combined, making this trilogy a substantial addition to the service.
6. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a bold shift for the series, swapping the traditional beat-em-up gameplay for turn-based RPG combat. This change works surprisingly well and brings fresh energy to the franchise.
The game follows Ichiban Kasuga, a lovable ex-yakuza who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. After being betrayed and left for dead, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth with his ragtag group of friends.
Unlike previous Yakuza games featuring Kiryu, Ichiban is more expressive and openly nerdy. His love for Dragon Quest shapes how he sees the world, explaining the RPG mechanics in a clever way that fits the narrative.
The game takes place in Yokohama, a new setting that’s roughly three times larger than the series’ usual Kamurocho district. This expanded area offers plenty to explore.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon shines with its job system, allowing characters to take on different roles such as bodyguard, musician, or even chef. Each job comes with unique abilities and outfits.
Side activities remain a highlight, featuring go-kart racing, karaoke, and a business management simulator. These mini-games provide hours of entertainment beyond the main story.
The turn-based combat might seem simple at first but grows more strategic as you progress. Positioning matters, as certain attacks work better when enemies are lined up or grouped together.
For newcomers to the series, this game serves as an excellent starting point since it features a new protagonist and storyline. Veterans will appreciate the numerous references to previous games.
Available on Game Pass, Yakuza: Like A Dragon offers tremendous value with its 50+ hour main story and countless side activities. It’s among the most unique RPGs in the Xbox library.
7. Lies of P
Lies of P is a standout soulslike game on Xbox Game Pass that puts a dark twist on the classic Pinocchio tale. Set in the Belle Epoque era, the game transforms the children’s story into a mature, gothic adventure.
The combat system feels tight and responsive, offering players various weapons and mechanical arm attachments to customize their fighting style. Each enemy encounter requires strategy and precision, making victories feel earned.
The game’s world, the city of Krat, creates a haunting atmosphere with its Victorian-inspired architecture and mechanical puppets gone mad. The detailed environments tell their own stories as players explore the decaying city.
Lies of P has earned its place among the best titles on Game Pass through its challenging gameplay and unique setting. Players who enjoy FromSoftware games will find familiar mechanics with enough fresh ideas to keep things interesting.
The story follows P, a puppet who must find his maker Geppetto while navigating a city in ruins. An interesting mechanic allows players to either tell the truth or lie at key moments, affecting how the story unfolds.
Visually, the game impresses with detailed character models and environments. The puppet enemies move in unsettling ways, adding to the horror elements that permeate the experience.
Though recently removed from Game Pass, Lies of P remains worth purchasing for fans of challenging action games. Its combination of difficulty, atmosphere, and storytelling makes it one of the most memorable games to grace the service.
8. The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season
The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season stands out as one of the best-rated games on Xbox Game Pass. This five-part adventure puts players in the shoes of Lee Everett, a convicted criminal trying to survive in a world overrun by zombies.
Set in the same universe as Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic series, the game focuses on character development and tough moral choices rather than action. Your decisions matter and shape the story in meaningful ways.
Telltale Games created an emotional experience that many players find unforgettable. The relationship between Lee and a young girl named Clementine forms the heart of the narrative, creating genuine emotional stakes.
The art style uses cel-shaded graphics that capture the comic book aesthetic while standing on its own. This visual approach helps the game age better than many of its contemporaries from the same era.
Each episode presents players with difficult situations where there are no easy answers. The time pressure during decision moments adds tension, forcing gut reactions that reveal your true character.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play the complete first season without additional purchases. All five episodes are included, offering roughly 12 hours of gameplay.
For those interested in the full series, this season marks the beginning of a longer journey. After finishing Season 1, players can continue with 40 Days, Season 2, Michonne, A New Frontier, and finally The Final Season to complete Clementine’s story.
The game’s strength lies in its storytelling. While the gameplay mechanics are simple, the characters and situations will stick with you long after the credits roll.
9. Batman Arkham Knight
Batman Arkham Knight stands as a compelling addition to Xbox Game Pass. Released as the finale to Rocksteady’s acclaimed Arkham series, this game delivers an immersive Batman experience that builds on its predecessors.
The game features the most refined gameplay in the series, with combat and stealth mechanics that feel tight and responsive. The graphics still hold up well today, even though the game initially released in 2015.
One of the biggest additions to Arkham Knight is the Batmobile. This legendary vehicle lets players tear through the streets of Gotham City, though some fans feel it was overused in missions.
The story puts Batman against the mysterious Arkham Knight while dealing with the return of Scarecrow and other classic villains. The narrative takes some unexpected turns and explores Batman’s psyche in interesting ways.
Side missions offer plenty to do beyond the main story. These missions often feature familiar Batman villains and add depth to the game world. Many players consider these side activities more fun than in previous games.
For newcomers to the series, jumping straight into Arkham Knight works fine, but playing the earlier games provides better context. Fans of Batman: Arkham Origins will find similar enjoyment here, albeit with enhanced mechanics.
The open world of Gotham feels alive and atmospheric. Rain-slicked streets and neon signs create the perfect backdrop for Batman’s adventures.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers get the complete package, making this an excellent way to experience what many consider one of the better Batman games ever made.
10. Cities: Skylines
If you’ve ever wanted to be a mayor, Cities: Skylines gives you that chance. This city-building game puts you in control of urban planning, from roads and zones to public services and taxes.
The game offers a multi-tiered simulation that challenges players to balance essentials like education, utilities, police, and healthcare while managing the city’s economy. Unlike other city builders, Cities: Skylines gives you freedom to create without too many restrictions.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers benefit from having this title in the library, making it accessible without additional purchase. The Xbox version works surprisingly well with controller inputs, despite being a genre typically associated with PC gaming.
Players enjoy watching their small towns grow into bustling metropolises. Each decision matters – put industrial zones too close to homes, and residents get sick. Forget water pipes, and buildings won’t develop.
Traffic management becomes a major focus as cities grow. Creating efficient road networks and public transportation systems turns into a satisfying puzzle. The game rewards thoughtful planning and adaptation.
Many consider it superior to SimCity, offering more depth and fewer restrictions. The game continues to rank among the best-rated Game Pass titles, proving its lasting appeal.
Cities: Skylines shines in its sandbox nature. There’s no wrong way to build your city, just consequences for each choice. This makes it approachable for newcomers while giving experienced players room to create complex urban designs.
The game includes natural disasters and policy management, adding layers of challenge for those who master the basics. DLC packs expand options further, though the base game offers plenty of content.
Gaming Experience on Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass offers players an impressive gaming experience with easy access to hundreds of titles and a library that spans multiple genres and styles. The service has transformed how gamers discover and play new titles.
Accessibility and Convenience
Xbox Game Pass makes gaming more accessible through its subscription model. Players pay one monthly fee instead of buying individual games, which can save a lot of money for active gamers.
The service works across multiple devices. You can play on Xbox consoles, PCs, and even mobile devices through cloud gaming. This flexibility lets you start a game on your console and continue playing on your phone when you’re away from home.
Game Pass offers day-one releases of Microsoft first-party titles. This means you can play new games from Xbox Game Studios without paying extra beyond your subscription.
The download and play system is straightforward. Most games can be pre-loaded before their release date, so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
Diverse Game Library
The Game Pass catalog features hundreds of games across different genres. From big AAA titles to smaller indie gems, there’s something for every type of player.
Hellblade, Plague Tale, and Hi-Fi Rush are among fan favorites on the service. The library also includes critically acclaimed titles like Control, Citizen Sleeper, and Cocoon.
The catalog rotates regularly, with new games added each month. Microsoft often gives advance notice so players can finish or purchase titles they enjoy before they’re removed.
RPG fans will find options like Fallout: New Vegas, while strategy enthusiasts can enjoy games like Cities: Skylines. The service doesn’t just focus on new releases—it includes classic titles and backwards compatible games too.
Sports, racing, puzzle, and family-friendly games round out the collection, making Game Pass suitable for players of all ages and interests.
Optimizing Your Xbox Game Pass Subscription
Getting the most value from your Xbox Game Pass subscription involves strategic planning and exploration. The right approach can help you discover hidden gems and maximize social gaming opportunities.
Tips for Discovering New Titles
The Xbox Game Pass library can be overwhelming with hundreds of games available. To navigate it effectively, use the built-in categories and filters to narrow down options based on genre, player count, or age rating.
Set up notifications for new additions to the service. Microsoft typically adds games on the 1st and 15th of each month. Xbox Game Pass Standard and higher tiers give you immediate access to these titles.
Try the “Surprise Me” feature if you’re feeling adventurous. It randomly selects a game from the catalog, potentially introducing you to something you might have overlooked.
Download games in advance during off-peak hours to avoid waiting. Many titles now feature quick resume functionality on Series X|S consoles, letting you jump between multiple games instantly.
Create a personal shortlist of “play next” titles so you always have options ready when you finish a game.
How to Make the Most of Multiplayer Options
Xbox Game Pass includes numerous multiplayer experiences ranging from cooperative adventures to competitive matches. Look for games with the “Game Pass Friends” tag, which highlights titles your friends are already playing.
Coordinate game downloads with friends to ensure everyone has access to the same titles. The best Game Pass games often include cross-platform options that let Xbox players join PC friends.
Take advantage of Game Pass Ultimate perks, which frequently include in-game items, DLC, and multiplayer bonuses at no extra cost. These rotate monthly, so check regularly.
Use the Xbox mobile app to manage your downloads remotely. This lets you queue games while away from home so they’re ready when you return.
Consider scheduling regular multiplayer sessions with friends to get more consistent value from subscription-based multiplayer titles like Sea of Thieves or Halo Infinite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Game Pass offers a huge variety of games across different genres. Players have questions about which titles provide the best experience on this subscription service.
What are the top-rated single-player games available on Game Pass?
Some of the highest-rated single-player experiences on Game Pass include Resident Evil 2 Remake and Persona 3 Reload. Both games offer compelling narratives with different gameplay styles.
The Resident Evil 2 Remake provides a terrifying survival horror experience with upgraded graphics and mechanics from the original.
Persona 3 Reload combines turn-based combat with high school social simulation, creating a unique JRPG that can easily consume 80+ hours of gameplay.
Which titles are included in the Game Pass Ultimate library?
Game Pass Ultimate includes hundreds of high-quality games across console, PC, and cloud gaming. The library features Microsoft first-party titles and many third-party games.
All Bethesda titles like Doom Eternal are included, along with EA Play games such as the Battlefield series and sports titles.
The service also provides day-one access to new releases from Xbox Game Studios, making it excellent value for gamers who want to play new titles without buying them separately.
Can you list some of the best story-driven games currently on Game Pass?
Crusader Kings 3 stands out as an excellent story generator where players create their own medieval dynasty narratives. Each playthrough creates unique stories based on player choices.
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy offers nostalgic platforming adventures with charming characters and vibrant worlds to explore.
Other notable story-driven games include Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and the Life is Strange series, which focus on emotional storytelling and character development.
What are the most popular shooter games accessible through Game Pass?
Doom Eternal ranks as one of the most popular shooters on Game Pass. This fast-paced FPS offers intense combat with brilliant graphics and responsive controls.
The Halo series, especially Halo Infinite and The Master Chief Collection, provides both campaign and multiplayer options for shooter fans.
Other popular shooter options include the Battlefield series through EA Play integration and various Call of Duty titles that rotate through the service.
Are there any notable games from EA Play that are part of the Game Pass subscription?
EA Play comes bundled with Game Pass Ultimate, adding sports games and popular EA franchises to the library.
The FIFA/EA Sports FC series provides the premier soccer simulation experience, updated annually with new teams and features.
Other standout EA Play titles include Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and various Need for Speed games for racing enthusiasts.
What games are recommended for playing on Xbox Series X via Game Pass?
Games optimized for Xbox Series X offer enhanced visuals and performance. Doom Eternal runs at 120fps on Series X, making the fast-paced gameplay even smoother.
Microsoft Flight Simulator shows off the console’s power with stunning visual fidelity and realistic flight mechanics.
Forza Horizon 5 takes advantage of the Series X hardware with quick loading times and gorgeous Mexican landscapes at high resolution and frame rates.
