The First Game Pass Additions of 2026 Demonstrate Xbox Is Still Fighting.
In numerous discussions, fans keep sounding the funeral bells for Microsoft's gaming division. Microsoft's console just got outsold by a relatively obscure console. Dedicated Xbox communities have started writing on PS5 topics for the first time. Last year proved to be an era of significant turmoil for Xbox and Microsoft. Yet, based exclusively on the titles headed to the service in 2026, it's evident that the green gaming company continues to plan to attract subscribers with quality releases on its key platform.
The Current Inclusions
The duo of games currently accessible at this moment, Brews & Bastards and Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition, aren't the showstoppers. Rather, it's what is coming to Game Pass over the next few weeks that's worth getting excited about.
Upcoming Headline Games
Starting January 13th, the platform will add the underrated Star Wars Outlaws, a sprawling adventure that deviates from the standard Ubisoft formula with a space-faring criminal escapade. Another big get is Resident Evil Village featuring the towering Lady Dimitrescu, which our 2021 review called "the perfect cocktail of terror and combat."
Compelling Indie Titles
Yet, the less-hyped additions coming to Game Pass soon deserve recognition. Lost In Random: The Eternal Die, an unjustly ignored roguelite that is incredibly fun, arrives January 7th — and you should try it even if you missed out on the first Lost in Random game.
The British post-apocalyptic game from last year could captivate you remarkably quickly.
Atomfall, a survival title with stealth elements by the developers behind Sniper Elite, also warrants your attention. Ultimate tier members also have Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition to look forward to.
A Solid, Curated Lineup
All in all, these titles aren't industry-shaking releases to Game Pass, and they are also not massive exclusive blockbusters that justify the service alone. But Microsoft's additions here are rock solid. It offers a healthy blend of past releases that passed you by and fairly new titles that lacked the recognition they warranted upon launch — which makes them perfect candidates to get a second chance on Game Pass.
Be prepared to say goodbye to The Grinch Christmas Adventures, though.
