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10 best games on Xbox Game Pass this month
# 10 Best Games on Xbox Game Pass This Month Xbox Game Pass continues to be an unparalleled service for gamers, offering a colossal library of titles...
10 Best Games on Xbox Game Pass This Month
Xbox Game Pass continues to be an unparalleled service for gamers, offering a colossal library of titles for a single monthly fee. This month is a testament to its incredible value, with a mix of brand-new, day-one launches and celebrated classics joining the roster. Whether you're looking to dive into a sprawling RPG, face terrifying horrors in deep space, or challenge your platforming skills, there is something for everyone. The sheer variety and quality of the games added underscore the timeliness and value of the subscription, making it an essential service for any Xbox owner. This list breaks down the 10 best Game Pass games you should be downloading right now. From blockbuster releases making their debut on the service to indie darlings that you might have missed, we’ve curated a list that highlights the incredible value and diverse experiences available this month. Get your controllers ready; it's time to discover your next favorite game without breaking the bank.
1. The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian Entertainment is back with the highly anticipated sequel to its acclaimed sci-fi RPG. The Outer Worlds 2 promises to be a bigger and more ambitious adventure, and its day-one arrival on Game Pass makes it one of the best game pass games available this month.
A New Solar System to Explore
Set in the brand-new Arcadia star system, the game introduces a fresh cast of characters and a new protagonist, an Earth Directorate Agent. This new setting is not just a change of scenery; it's a playground of corporate malfeasance and frontier justice, all rendered with stunning next-gen visuals thanks to Unreal Engine 5. Arcadia is described as a wealthy and isolated colony, rife with conflict between a "so-called benevolent" ruling faction called the Protectorate and various other groups. Players are tasked with investigating mysterious spacetime rifts that threaten to destroy the colony, adding a high-stakes sci-fi mystery to the core of the narrative.
Evolved Gameplay and Deeper RPG Mechanics
The Outer Worlds 2 enhances the core gameplay that fans loved. The first-person combat is faster and more fluid, with an expanded arsenal of weapons, including unique "Science" weapons like the fan-favorite Shrink Ray, which now permanently downsizes enemies for you to crush. Obsidian has also deepened the RPG systems, with more complex faction dynamics where your choices have a tangible impact on a three-way faction war. New stealth takedowns and an "N-Ray Scanner" to see enemies through walls provide more tactical options for players who prefer a quieter approach. The game retains its signature dialogue tree system, influencing the branching story paths based on your interactions.
2. Avowed
From the masters of the genre at Obsidian Entertainment, Avowed is a grand, first-person fantasy RPG set in the vibrant and strange world of Eora, the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series. As a day-one Game Pass title, it offers immense value for RPG aficionados.
Welcome to the Living Lands
Players take on the role of an envoy from the Aedyr Empire, sent to the untamed frontier known as the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious plague called the Dream Scourge. The world of Avowed is not a single, continuous open world, but is instead comprised of several large, dense open zones teeming with quests, secrets, and dynamic weather systems that can affect gameplay. This design philosophy allows for more curated and detailed environments, from lush forests to corrupted magical zones.
Flexible and Dynamic Combat
Avowed's combat system is built around player choice, allowing for a fluid mix of swords, sorcery, and shields. You can dual-wield pistols and wands, pair an axe with a shield, or focus purely on powerful spells. The game encourages experimentation, with the ability to create multiple loadouts and swap between them on the fly. There are no rigid class structures; instead, players are free to pull abilities from different skill trees to create a unique build that suits their playstyle, whether it be a stealthy ranger or a heavily armored battlemage. This flexibility, combined with a focus on fun over tedious simulation elements like theft systems or ammo management, makes for a refreshingly accessible RPG experience.
3. Ninja Gaiden 4
The legendary super-ninja Ryu Hayabusa is back in a stunning and brutal new adventure. Co-developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a dream collaboration that blends the series' trademark challenge with stylish, high-octane action, and it's available on Game Pass from day one.
A New Generation of Action
Launching on October 21st, Ninja Gaiden 4 fuses the precise, demanding combat philosophy of Team Ninja with the fluid, visually spectacular action that PlatinumGames is famous for. The result is an evolution of the classic hack-and-slash formula, rewarding precision, strategy, and reflexes in visually stunning encounters. The game introduces a new protagonist, Yakumo, though series veteran Ryu Hayabusa plays a significant role in the story.
An Epic Story and Day-One Value
The narrative sees an ancient enemy resurrected, threatening a near-future Tokyo with an endless rain of miasma. As a day-one Game Pass release, Ninja Gaiden 4 represents incredible value, offering a brand new, triple-A action experience without the premium price tag. Furthermore, with DLC already announced for early 2026, players can be assured that this new chapter in the saga is just the beginning.
4. Hogwarts Legacy
Step into the Wizarding World of the 1800s with Hogwarts Legacy, the sprawling open-world action RPG that became a massive hit. Its recent arrival on Game Pass for Premium and Ultimate subscribers provides a fantastic opportunity for those who have yet to experience its magic.
Live the Unwritten
Hogwarts Legacy allows you to create your own witch or wizard and attend the iconic school of witchcraft and wizardry. You'll master spells, brew potions, and upgrade your talents to become the magical practitioner you want to be. The game is set long before the events of the Harry Potter books, centering on a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that could tear the wizarding world apart.
An Expansive and Detailed World
Developer Avalanche Software has meticulously crafted Hogwarts castle, which is filled with secrets and Easter eggs around every corner. Beyond the castle walls, you can explore familiar locations like Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest. The game offers a lengthy campaign and a wealth of side content, from battling Dark Wizards to discovering magical beasts. Its stunning visuals, especially on Xbox Series X with ray tracing support, make it a visual treat and one of the best looking games on the platform.
5. Doom: The Dark Ages
The Doom Slayer returns, but not as you know him. Doom: The Dark Ages transports the iconic demon-slayer to a gritty, medieval-inspired hellscape, trading futuristic weaponry for a brutal new arsenal. Its day-one launch on Game Pass makes this reinvention of a legendary franchise an absolute must-play.
A New Era of Carnage
This prequel to the modern DOOM games slows down the frenetic pace of DOOM Eternal for a more grounded, tactical, yet equally brutal combat experience. The centerpiece of this new approach is the Shield Saw, a versatile tool for both offense and defense. It can block and parry incoming attacks, slice through demons, and even be thrown to take out multiple enemies at once.
Shield-Centric Combat and Exploration
The new combat loop revolves around the shield. A well-timed parry can reflect projectiles and stun enemies, creating openings for devastating counter-attacks. The Shield Charge allows you to rocket across the battlefield, closing gaps or disrupting enemy formations. This new mechanic is not just for fighting; the shield is also used to solve environmental puzzles and uncover the game's many secrets, making it an integral part of both combat and exploration in what are described as the biggest levels in the series' history.
6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A surprise critical darling, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a stunning and emotionally resonant turn-based RPG from developer Sandfall. Drawing inspiration from JRPG classics while forging its own unique identity, this is a must-play for fans of the genre.
A Poignant and Desperate Quest
The world of Lumiere lives under a grim reality: each year, the Paintress awakens and paints a cursed number on her monolith, and all who share that age are turned to smoke and fade away. You lead Expedition 33, a group on a desperate, year-long quest to destroy the Paintress before she can erase their number. This bleak and compelling setup provides a powerful emotional core to the narrative, exploring themes of mortality, grief, and hope.
Innovative Turn-Based Combat
Clair Obscur revitalizes turn-based combat with active, real-time elements. Similar to the Mario RPG series, timed button presses can boost your attacks, and more importantly, allow you to dodge and parry enemy strikes. Mastering these defensive maneuvers is crucial for survival, adding a layer of skill and intensity that keeps battles constantly engaging. The game's beautiful art direction and phenomenal soundtrack further elevate it into a truly memorable experience.
7. Dead Space (Remake)
The masterful 2023 remake of the 2008 survival horror classic is now available on Game Pass, and it is the definitive way to experience this terrifying sci-fi adventure. This is not just a visual upgrade; it is a complete rebuilding of a landmark title.
A Masterclass in Atmosphere and Terror
As engineer Isaac Clarke, you are sent to repair the massive "planet-cracker" ship, the USG Ishimura, only to find its crew slaughtered and replaced by horrific creatures called Necromorphs. The remake, rebuilt from the ground up in the Frostbite engine, is visually stunning, with jaw-dropping fidelity and suspenseful atmospheric audio that creates an almost unbearable sense of dread. The dark, metallic hallways of the Ishimura have never been more terrifying.
Smart Refinements and Expanded Narrative
While staying faithful to the original's thrilling vision, the remake introduces significant improvements. Gameplay has been streamlined, level layouts have been updated, and new narrative elements have been seamlessly integrated, including a now-voiced Isaac, to create a deeper and more immersive experience. These changes make the game feel both familiar to veterans and completely fresh, solidifying its status as one of the greatest survival horror games ever made.
8. Frostpunk 2
The brutal city-building survival game returns, bigger, deeper, and more politically charged than ever. Set 30 years after the devastating volcanic winter of the first game, Frostpunk 2 challenges you not just to survive the cold, but to manage the very soul of the last city on Earth.
The City Must Survive, But at What Cost?
As the Steward of New London, you must guide your sprawling metropolis through an era of immense social change. The struggle is no longer just about resources; it's about ideology. You will have to navigate the demands of competing factions, from zealous religious groups to ruthless industrialists, each with their own vision for the future.
A Deep and Punishing Strategy Experience
Frostpunk 2 expands on the original's mechanics with a larger scale and more intricate systems. You'll pass laws, research new technologies through the "Idea Tree," and manage the delicate balance of hope and discontent. The writing is sharp and grimly humorous, and every choice has weighty, often devastating, consequences. It's a challenging and emotionally draining experience, but for fans of deep strategy games that test both their tactical skills and their morality, it's one of the most rewarding games on Game Pass.
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
For the first time in the franchise's history, a new Call of Duty title launched day-one on Xbox Game Pass. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 continues the series' tradition of high-octane multiplayer, a thrilling campaign, and cooperative Zombies modes, making its inclusion a massive, albeit controversial, value proposition for subscribers.
A New Era for a Blockbuster Franchise
The decision to bring the latest Call of Duty to Game Pass on release day was a significant moment for the service, representing an enormous investment by Microsoft. While reports suggest this move came at a significant cost in lost sales, for players, it means access to one of the year's biggest games as part of their existing subscription.
The Complete Package
Black Ops 6 delivers the content fans have come to expect. The campaign is a smart and varied action spectacle set in the 1990s, full of paranoid thriller tropes. The multiplayer suite is as robust as ever, offering a deep progression system and a wide variety of maps and modes. This unprecedented access to a brand-new Call of Duty makes it one of the best game pass games for fans of first-person shooters.
10. Celeste
An indie masterpiece and a benchmark for modern platformers, Celeste is a game that is as challenging as it is emotionally resonant. Its arrival on Game Pass gives everyone a chance to experience this critically acclaimed gem.
A Mountain of a Challenge
You control Madeline as she attempts to climb the treacherous Celeste Mountain. The controls are simple and accessible—jump, air-dash, and climb—but are used to create hundreds of screens of hardcore, pixel-perfect platforming challenges. The game is known for its tough-but-fair difficulty; every death is a lesson, and lightning-fast respawns keep you in the action.
A Touching Story of Self-Discovery
Beneath the challenging gameplay lies a touching and poignant story about mental health. As Madeline climbs the mountain, she must confront her inner demons, manifested as a physical part of her. The narrative is a powerful exploration of anxiety, depression, and self-acceptance. For those who might be intimidated by the difficulty, Celeste includes a full suite of accessibility options, allowing anyone to experience its beautiful story on their own terms.
Conclusion
This month, Xbox Game Pass is a treasure trove of gaming experiences. From the massive, day-one launches of titles like The Outer Worlds 2 and Doom: The Dark Ages to the critically adored storytelling of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and the pristine challenge of Celeste, the service offers unparalleled variety and value. Whether you are a long-time subscriber or new to the ecosystem, there has never been a better time to explore the incredible library of the best game pass games available. So, clear some hard drive space and start downloading – your next adventure awaits.