With Xbox Game Pass getting a big overhaul a few months ago, all eyes are on Microsoft to deliver a big lineup in 2026 - particularly for Ultimate subscribers who are now paying $30 a month for the privilege of being subscribed.
When it comes to Xbox first-party, we have some massive games planned for next year. Fable, Forza Horizon 6, Gears of War: E-Day and Halo: Campaign Evolved are all currently scheduled for 2026, which will add big value to the service. Where exactly they'll fall in the calendar remains to be seen, but they will all be on Game Pass Ultimate of course; being Microsoft in-house releases.
There's plenty of third-party games also announced for next year as well, including Don't Nod's Aphelion, Persona 4 Revival and Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, but none of those have exact launch dates just yet. However, six games do currently have solid release dates, so we thought we'd gather those early lock-ins down below to give you an idea of how Xbox Game Pass is kicking off in the early months of 2026.
Without further ado, here's what's dated for Xbox Game Pass in 2026 so far, with much more to be announced in the coming weeks and months:
MIO: Memories In Orbit - January 22 (Console, PC, TBD)
"Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO's abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion."
Nova Roma - January 22 (PC, TBD)
"The glory of Rome is at your fingertips in this city-building game where you must appease the gods, enact laws, and develop complex supply chains to meet the needs of your citizens."
MENACE - February 5 (PC)
"Lead a strike force against an alien threat in this turn-based tactical RPG from the developers of Battle Brothers. Answer distress calls across different worlds, train and equip infantry, deploy tanks and mechs, and plan and execute missions in detailed turn-based battles."
High on Life 2 - February 13 (Series X|S, PC, Cloud)
"An intergalactic conspiracy threatens the fate of humanity! Team up with a wide cast of talking alien guns as you shoot, stab, and skate your way through the exotic locales to take down the bad guys and save your favorite species (humans)!"
Death Howl - February 19 (Series X|S)
"Master the grid, defy death. Enter a grim Spirit Realm in this open-world deck builder. Craft lethal decks from 160+ cards, claim powerful Totems, and defeat foes in tactical grid combat. Fight as the desperate hunter Ro to bring her son back from beyond the veil."
Replaced - March 12 (Console, PC, TBD)
"Expose the sinister secrets of Phoenix Corporation as R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped in a human body. Set in an alternate 1980s America scarred by nuclear catastrophe, navigate a dark cyberpunk thriller in this narrative-driven 2.5D platformer blending cinematic exploration with fluid, free-flow action."