Everywhere you go, commentators persist in tolling the funeral bells for Microsoft's gaming division. Xbox was recently outsold by a relatively obscure console. Platform-specific outlets have started writing regarding Sony's platform as a new development. Last year proved to be a period of total upheaval for the Xbox ecosystem. Yet, based exclusively on the upcoming Game Pass lineup in 2026, it becomes clear that the green gaming company remains determined to draw people in with quality releases on its key platform.
A pair of titles that are immediately available today, Brews & Bastards and Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition, are not the headliners. Instead, the excitement lies in what's arriving to Game Pass soon that's truly noteworthy.
Starting January 13th, Game Pass will add the often-overlooked Star Wars Outlaws, a vast exploration title that breaks up conventional open-world tropes with an intergalactic heist adventure. A further major acquisition is Resident Evil Village with its iconic tall vampire, hailed in past assessments as "a superb mixture of terror and combat."
Yet, the less-hyped additions arriving shortly on the service are quite compelling. Lost In Random: The Eternal Die, the criminally overlooked roguelike that's a blast to play, becomes available next week — and you should try it whether or not you experienced the first Lost in Random game.
The British post-apocalyptic game from last year could captivate you in about 15 minutes flat.
Atomfall, a survival title with stealth elements by the makers of Sniper Elite, also warrants your attention. Those with the top-tier subscription also have Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition to get excited about.
Ultimately, these aren't the most groundbreaking additions to Game Pass, nor are they tentpole Microsoft studios games that justify the service in the first place. Yet, this selection are rock solid. It offers a healthy blend of old games you might have missed and relatively recent releases that lacked the recognition they were due initially — which makes them excellent choices to get a second chance on Game Pass.
Be prepared to bid farewell to The Grinch Christmas Adventures, however.
A passionate writer and traveler sharing insights on personal growth and lifestyle from a UK perspective.
