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Ready for some new additions to Xbox Game Pass? Well, July is already looking stacked, but we're expecting Microsoft to update the list imminently (probably on Tuesday), and before then we've got a new day one title for July 6th!
This game is called Winds of Arcana: Ruination, and it's making its debut on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S following a PC release in late 2025. It's a 2.5D action-platformer developed by the Indian indie studio known as Brewed Games (it's actually their first title ever), and has a "Mostly Positive" average rating on Steam.
Here's what some of those Steam reviews have said about the game to date:
Wallen on Steam: "A great Metroidvania that deserves more attention. Winds of Arcana does not hold the player's hand, and the exploration feels rewarding. The combat is fun and responsive, and the different weapon unlocks will just add more variety to it and keep it fresh. The level design feels thoughtful and does give the player a challenge. It does not feel stale because of the enemy and boss variety. Honestly I just feel like a lot more people should know about this game and it definitely feels worth the purchase. Excited to jump back in it."
xxadonisxx on Steam: "Overall, Winds Of Arcana: Ruination stands as a confident and heartfelt entry into the Metroidvania genre. Its blend of customizable combat, meaningful exploration, and voiced narrative creates an experience that feels cohesive and thoughtfully constructed. While it does not radically redefine the genre, it refines familiar ideas with care and ambition, offering a journey that is both mechanically rewarding and emotionally grounded. For players who enjoy action platformers with depth, atmosphere, and room for personal expression, it delivers a rich adventure worth investing time in."
Ignatius on Steam: "My time with Winds of Arcana so far has been a fun one. I like Aryn, the main character and the world and lore so far are pretty intriguing, Combat since the recent update has been more fluid and I've been enjoying it. I'm finding the combat difficulty to be spot on but the platforming a bit on the tougher side, though the quick respawns help. Recommended for Metroidvania fans."
Xankill3r on Steam: "Gave this a fair shake (4 hours-ish) - but the moment you get to a point where you have 2 more movement abilities (double jump and world switch) the game devolves into absolutely absurd platforming segments that want you to switch abilities mid-air with basically 0 leeway. The overall tank controls don't help one bit."
As you can see, it's not all positive impressions here, but the majority of people seem to have enjoyed their time with Winds of Arcana: Ruination so far. Keep in mind these reviews are all based on the PC release from last year, and we don't yet know how the console version will fare (although we're not anticipating any major issues).
If you're interested in checking it out for yourself, Winds of Arcana: Ruination is available with all of the Ultimate, Premium and PC tiers of Xbox Game Pass, and it works across Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC and cloud.
We'll leave you with a few more details and screenshots for the game down below.
Discover the secrets of a sundered world as you help Aryn save his comrades in this story-rich, fully-voiced, 2.5D action-platformer. Fight terrible dangers and explore ancient mysteries as Aryn uncovers the forces that forge his destiny.