Honestly, I remember when I first subscribed to Xbox Game Pass. I was staring at that massive library thinking "Where do I even start?" It's overwhelming. That's why I decided to sit down and compile this complete, no-fluff list of Xbox Game Pass games. After wasting hours scrolling through menus myself, I figured you shouldn't have to.
Game Pass keeps changing - games come and go monthly. Just last week I went to play an indie title only to find it vanished. Frustrating? Absolutely. That's why I'm refreshing this list constantly. Whether you're deciding if Game Pass is worth it or just hunting for your next favorite game, this is your one-stop resource.
Where to Find the Official Xbox Game Pass List
Microsoft gives you a few ways to check available games, but let me tell you - none are perfect. The Xbox dashboard feels clunky when browsing hundreds of titles. I usually end up using the mobile app when I'm away from my console. The official Xbox website has a full catalogue, but honestly, their filtering isn't great when you're looking for something specific.
Here's what works for me: Bookmark the Game Pass section directly on Microsoft's site. It updates fastest when new games drop. If you're like me and hate endless scrolling, third-party sites like TrueAchievements have cleaner interfaces with better filtering.
Straight up, the official list of Xbox Game Pass games is essential before subscribing. Why pay for something blind? Last month my buddy subscribed without checking and was bummed his favorite racing game wasn't included. Don't be that guy.
Current Game Pass Offerings at a Glance
| Game Title | Category | Metacritic | Special Features | Install Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halo Infinite | FPS | 87 | Xbox Play Anywhere, Cloud | 65.8 GB |
| Forza Horizon 5 | Racing | 92 | Xbox Play Anywhere | 116 GB |
| Starfield | RPG | 86 | Console Exclusive | 125 GB |
| Palworld | Survival | - | Day One Release, Cloud | 6 GB |
| Sea of Stars | Indie RPG | 91 | Day One Release | 2.5 GB |
| Lies of P | Souls-like | 83 | Day One Release | 35 GB |
| Cocoon | Puzzle | 89 | Xbox Exclusive | 1.8 GB |
| Persona 3 Reload | JRPG | 87 | Day One Release | 30 GB |
Notice how install sizes vary wildly? Learned that the hard way when Forza Horizon 5 ate half my SSD. Cloud streaming solves that for some titles - no download needed. Wish I'd known that earlier.
Newly Added Games (This Month)
Microsoft drops new games twice monthly - around the 1st and 15th. These fresh arrivals are prime candidates for weekend binges. Here's what just landed:
| Game | Release Date | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hauntii | May 30 | Adventure | Day One release |
| Humanity | May 30 | Puzzle | PS5 console exclusive now on Xbox |
| Senua's Saga: Hellblade II | May 21 | Action-Adventure | Xbox exclusive, stunning visuals |
| Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons | May 14 | Adventure | Remastered classic |
Hellblade II is visually stunning but honestly? The gameplay feels repetitive after a few hours. Still, zero reason not to try it since it's "free" with Game Pass. These Day One releases are why I stay subscribed - saves me $70 on new titles.
Games Leaving Soon
This is where checking the list of Xbox Game Pass games regularly pays off. Games typically stick around for 12-18 months, but some vanish quicker. When something's leaving, I prioritize it immediately. Nothing worse than getting halfway through a game and it disappears.
| Game | Leaving Date | Category | Discount if Purchasing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chivalry 2 | June 15 | Multiplayer | 20% off for members |
| Far: Changing Tides | June 15 | Adventure | 15% off |
| Spacelines from the Far Out | June 15 | Simulation | 20% off |
Pro tip: Game Pass gives you 20% off purchases of leaving games. I grabbed Maneater that way last month. Smart move by Microsoft - turns FOMO into sales.
Top Games by Category
Sifting through 400+ titles is insane. Based on my playtime and community buzz, here are standouts:
Must-Play AAA Titles
- Starfield: Bethesda's space RPG - janky but ambitious
- Forza Horizon 5: Best racing game available, period
- Halo Infinite: Campaign's decent, multiplayer's addictive
- Microsoft Flight Simulator: Mind-blowing if you've got hardware to run it
Hidden Indie Gems
- Cocoon: Brilliant puzzle design from Limbo's lead designer
- Vampire Survivors: Simple yet absurdly addictive
- Tunic: Zelda-like with brutal difficulty spikes
- Hi-Fi Rush: Rhythm-action that oozes style
Best Multiplayer Experiences
- Sea of Thieves: Best with friends, frustrating solo
- Grounded: Honey I Shrunk the Kids meets survival
- Hell Let Loose: Brutally realistic WWII shooter
- Overwatch 2: Controversial but still fun
Real talk: I avoided indie games for years. Game Pass changed that. Tried Tunic on a whim and it became my 2022 GOTY. That discovery aspect? That's Game Pass's real magic.
Game Pass Subscription Breakdown
Game Pass isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's what you actually get at each tier:
| Subscription Tier | Price (Monthly) | Game Library Access | Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Core | $9.99 | 25+ curated games | Online multiplayer | Casual players on budget |
| Game Pass Console | $10.99 | 400+ console games | EA Play included | Xbox-only players |
| Game Pass Ultimate | $16.99 | All console + PC + cloud games | EA Play, perks, cloud gaming | PC+Xbox players, mobile gamers |
Upgraded to Ultimate last year mainly for cloud gaming. Game changing during travel. Played Hades on my phone during a flight - worth the upgrade alone. Console-only players can save cash though.
Essential Game Pass Features You Should Use
Most subscribers miss half the benefits. Don't be like them:
Cloud Gaming: Instantly stream 100+ titles. Skip downloads. Quality depends on your internet, but works surprisingly well.
Play Anywhere Titles: Buy once, play on Xbox and PC. Save files sync automatically. Forza Horizon 5 looks incredible on both platforms.
EA Play Integration: Entire EA catalogue included with Ultimate/PC tiers. Mass Effect Legendary Edition alone justifies this.
Member Discounts: Up to 20% off game purchases and 10% off DLC. Saved $15 on Starfield's expansion.
Cloud gaming shocked me. Tried it skeptically with Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Besides occasional hiccups when my kids were streaming Netflix, it was totally playable. Game changer for quick sessions.
Game Pass FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How often does the list of Xbox Game Pass games change?
Microsoft adds new titles twice monthly (around the 1st and 15th). Typically 5-10 additions each drop. Removals happen simultaneously - usually 4-6 games leave.
Can I play games after they leave Game Pass?
Only if you purchase them. Your save files remain though. Happened to me with Control - bought it after removal and continued right where I stopped.
Are all Microsoft exclusives on Game Pass?
Every first-party Xbox Game Studios title launches day one on Game Pass. Starfield, Forza, Halo - all included at launch. This is the subscription's biggest advantage over competitors.
Does Game Pass include online multiplayer?
Only with Game Pass Core or Ultimate tiers. The standard console tier requires separate Xbox Live Gold for online play. Got burned by this once - double-check your subscription details.
How much money can I actually save?
Based on current catalog value: Approximately $8,000+ worth of games. Realistically? I save $40-$60 monthly by not buying new releases. Paid for itself three times over last year.
The Not-So-Great Parts (Let's Be Honest)
Game Pass isn't perfect. Here's what frustrates me:
Library anxiety: Too many games, too little time. I've downloaded 12 games I've never launched. Feels wasteful.
Performance issues: Some games run worse than purchased versions. Had constant crashes with Atomic Heart before patches.
First-party emphasis: Microsoft prioritizes their studios. Great for Halo fans, less so if you prefer JRPGs or niche genres.
Rotation frustration: When a game you're halfway through leaves? The worst. Set calendar reminders for removal dates.
Still, despite these quirks, Game Pass transformed how I game. The value outweighs the headaches. Especially with kids - they jump between games constantly without bankrupting me.
Finding Your Perfect Game Pass Strategy
After two years of subscription, here's what works:
Prioritize leaving soon titles: Check removal dates weekly. I now tackle these first.
Use cloud for demos: Stream before downloading huge files. Saved me from installing 80GB Redfall that I hated.
Track via app: Xbox app lets you install remotely. Coming home to updated games? Chef's kiss.
Embrace variety: Game Pass shines for experimentation. Tried 11 genres I'd never buy outright. Found new favorites.
Buy DLC strategically: Only purchase expansions for games staying long-term. Learned this after losing DLC access when base game left.
The complete list of Xbox Game Pass games keeps evolving. While third-party sites track additions/removals, Microsoft's official channels remain most reliable. I refresh their page every Tuesday morning with coffee.
Ultimate tip? Combine Game Pass with Microsoft Rewards. Earn points for achievements and quizzes. I haven't paid for Ultimate in 8 months - rewards points cover it entirely.
Honestly, no other subscription offers this much gaming for the price. Despite its flaws, Game Pass remains my most-used gaming service. That constantly updated list of Xbox Game Pass games contains endless adventures - you just need to dive in.
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