Game Pass in 2025

2025 has been a standout year for Xbox and PC Game Pass, with Microsoft’s subscription service delivering a near-constant stream of day-one blockbusters, high-quality indie releases, and a rock-solid back catalog. From the spellbinding RPG Avowed to the haunting sci-fi of The Alters, Game Pass has something for every gamer, genre, and mood.

Here’s a closer look at why Game Pass is thriving in 2025 — and which games you should dive into next.

The Best New Game Pass Releases in 2025

Game Pass isn’t just a treasure trove of old classics anymore — in 2025, it’s become the go-to platform for new games, often launching them day-one. Leading the pack is Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed, a narrative-rich role-playing game full of striking visuals, fast-paced combat, and vibrant fantasy worlds. It’s the kind of game that perfectly showcases what Game Pass is all about: deep, compelling experiences delivered directly to subscribers.

Another standout is The Alters, a gripping sci-fi survival tale from 11 Bit Studios. Set on a desolate planet where cloning yourself is the only way to stay alive, The Alters explores moral dilemmas and resource management in ways few games dare. It’s a stressful but deeply rewarding experience — and a brilliant example of the “mid-sized masterpieces” thriving on Game Pass.

Other recent gems include:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – a poetic French RPG that mixes turn-based combat with Belle Époque aesthetics.
Blue Prince – an architectural roguelike filled with mysterious, reshuffling rooms and mind-bending puzzles.
Rematch – a fast-paced multiplayer soccer brawler with broad party appeal.

Indie Surprises and Cult Favorites Return

One of Game Pass’s greatest strengths is its ability to elevate lesser-known or experimental titles. Blue Prince is a shining example: a roguelike puzzle game that’s part mansion exploration, part mystery, and completely unlike anything else. Its brilliance lies in its unpredictability — and in how quickly it becomes addictive.

Similarly, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, Capcom’s surprise 2024 hit, blends tower defense, Shinto dance rituals, and hack-and-slash combat into a spellbinding folklore-inspired experience. It’s another game that likely wouldn’t have made waves without Game Pass — and now has a devoted following.

Game Pass also continues to spotlight indie hits from years past. Titles like Inscryption, Citizen Sleeper, and Cocoon remain essential plays, proving that great storytelling and original mechanics can shine just as brightly as big-budget spectacles.

AAA Classics and Evergreen Hits Keep Players Coming Back

Beyond new releases and indie hits, Game Pass maintains an incredible catalog of legendary franchises and timeless games. Whether you’re revisiting Halo: The Master Chief Collection, jumping into Grand Theft Auto V, or losing hours to Stardew Valley, the back catalog keeps Game Pass feeling full even between big drops.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has also paid off in 2025. Games like Diablo 4 (especially in its revitalized “Loot Reborn” season), StarCraft, and Fallout: New Vegas are available and performing strongly, bringing in players old and new.

The same goes for Forza Horizon 5, Control, and Octopath Traveler 2 — all premium-tier titles that now live comfortably within the subscription service, no extra cost required.

Why 2025 Feels Like the Peak of Game Pass

This year, Game Pass isn’t just adding games — it’s curating experiences. Each month brings diversity: action-packed shooters (DOOM: The Dark Ages), cozy simulation titles (Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders), deep RPGs (Metaphor: ReFantazio), and even nostalgic fun (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge).

As Microsoft leans further into subscription-first publishing, players are enjoying a buffet of high-quality content with unmatched variety. Whether you’ve got 15 minutes or 15 hours, there’s a Game Pass title for that moment.

In short, 2025 has made Game Pass essential — not just for Xbox users, but for anyone who plays on PC. If this momentum continues, the second half of the year could be even better than the first.

What to Play Next on Game Pass: