If you're one of those people who check the calendar every few days to see What new games are coming to Xbox?This month, you're going to have your work cut out for you. Between Xbox Series X|S releases, new additions to Xbox Game Pass, and titles coming in and out of the service, Microsoft's catalog keeps growing at a pace that's hard to keep up with… but here you'll find it all neatly organized so you don't miss a thing.
They will mix in the coming weeks Discreet releases, highly original proposals, and big, highly anticipated namesOn consoles, PCs, and cloud gaming, there's something for everyone. From quiet, emotional adventures to brutal combat, space strategy, relaxed survival, and meta-platformers, there's a little bit of everything to kick off the year with your console on fire.
New games for Xbox Series X|S: releases and featured titles
Beyond Game Pass, the Xbox ecosystem continues to expand its catalog with Xbox Series-specific releases that target different audiences. One of the names is Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, a double experience designed for those who enjoy powerful, action-packed stories.
On one hand you have the remake of Yakuza 3, the adventure in which Kazuma Kiryu is forced to fight once again to to protect the people you care aboutwith a visual facelift and improvements that adapt it to current consoles. On the other hand, it includes Dark TiesA new game centered on Yoshitaka Mine, also from Yakuza 3, which is presented as a independent and action-packed experience, ideal for those who already know the saga and want to delve deeper into its characters.
Microsoft accompanies these releases with a Xbox Series X|S release schedule which is updated daily. This way you can see which titles have recently arrived, which are just around the corner, and which games have been confirmed for the coming months. Simply click on the name of the game you're interested in to see its details, check the release date, launch price, and gameplay detailsOr filter by month and year to get a quick overview of everything coming in the near future.
Next week's Xbox releases: variety above all
In the short term, next week brings a shipment of New games for Xbox While they aren't extravagant blockbusters, they do focus on clear and well-defined ideas. They're perfect if you want something a little out of the ordinary or if you're in the mood for... Play calmly and try new experiences without going crazy with the difficulty (or just the opposite).
On one hand, there are titles with a calmer tone, focused on the relaxed survival, exploration, and emotional storiesOn the other hand, there are games that demand quick reflexes, constant decisions, and challenging combat. All of this reinforces the feeling that the Xbox catalog is designed so that there's always something new to match your current mood.
I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival – January 8
The first on the list is I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival, which arrives on Xbox on January 8It's a solo survival experience focused on calm and resource management, a far cry from the typical stress of the genre. You control a character who must build and expand a shelter on the rooftop of a building, within a post-apocalyptic city flooded by water.
Your day-to-day life will consist of combining agriculture, fishing, toolmaking and automation with robots to build a self-sufficient base. The rhythm is relaxed, the tone accessible, and everything invites you to play at your own pace, without rushing, perfect for those who want something cozy but with an end-of-the-world backdrop.
Hero Seekers – January 9
El January 9 Arrives Hero Seekers, a fantasy RPG with turn-based combat that focuses on a classic role-playing game structureHere you can form a team of up to five heroes, each with unique skills, stats, and traits, forcing you to carefully consider synergies if you want to maximize the group's potential.
In addition to strategic battles, the game includes dungeon exploration and progression based on constant optimization of your squad. If you like classic JRPGs or tactical combat where every turn counts, this is one of those releases worth checking out.
Owlen and the Spirits of the Past – January 9
That same January 9 debuts Owlen and the Spirits of the Past, a narrative adventure starring a little owl that moves between mystical worlds guided by ancestral spiritsThe core of the experience lies in the flight and exploration, while you restore the balance of nature.
Each area you visit allows you to to bring life back to plants, creatures, and entire ecosystemsWhile uncovering secrets and fragments of history, the game aims for an emotional and contemplative tone, ideal for those who enjoy games that blend art, music, and a gentle narrative with ecological and spiritual messages.
Spear – January 9
Closing out the January 9th batch is Speara fast-paced action platformer with a strong meta-playable loadHere you play as an NPC who, tired of being in the background, wields an improvised spear to confront the game's errors and bugs from within.
A system is combined with Agile combat, puzzle solving, and fourth-wall breaking situationsWith a design that encourages you to "fix" the video game as you play, this release could be a hidden gem if you enjoy quirky games with plenty of personality.
Overall, it's a short week in terms of the number of titles, but with very different proposals that further expand the variety of the Xbox catalog at the start of 2026, offering alternatives for both relaxed sessions and intense challenges.
Xbox Game Pass: what it offers and how the catalog is expanding
Besides the games you can buy separately, the main driver of new content in the Xbox ecosystem is Xbox Game PassMicrosoft's subscription service that works like a "Netflix for video games." For a monthly fee, you get access to over a hundred games for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PCwith titles that you can download or enjoy via cloud gaming depending on your subscription level.
Within the catalog there are top-tier games, both current and retroincluding Xbox Series X|S and One titles, as well as a selection of Xbox 360 games. Among the biggest names are Avowed, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, the entire Gears of War saga, several Rare classics and many other renowned productions that are being added throughout the year.
A key point is that Microsoft is permanently adding all exclusive games published under its label to the service.This means that Xbox Game Studios titles are integrated into the Game Pass catalog and remain there, although in some cases lower-tier subscribers will have to wait a little longer to be able to play them from day one.
Games being added to Xbox Game Pass in January 2026
January is especially packed for Game Pass subscribers, with a List of staggered additions throughout the monthMany overlap with general releases on Xbox, others arrive directly on the service, and it's easy to lose track, so you have them organized by day and subscription type.
December 1
Although it is listed within the recent releases section, Marvel Cosmic Invasion entered service on December 1But it remains a clear reference point for what Game Pass has been offering lately.
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
In this game you enter the Marvel universe to face the Annihilation Wave, a cosmic threat that puts the entire galaxy at riskYou can choose from 15 iconic superheroes, such as Spider-Man, Wolverine, Iron Man, or Silver Surfer, combining abilities and fighting styles to stand up to the invaders. It's perfect if you're looking for fast-paced action with well-known characters.
December 2
- Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (PC and Xbox Series X/S) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Developed by the creators of Life Is Strange, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage It opts for a narrative focused on personal relationships. You follow the story of three friends and the protagonist, SwannTwo friends reunite after 27 years to confront a secret from the past that marked their lives. The game focuses on the bonds between characters, emotional choices, and a mystery that gradually unfolds.
December 3
- medieval dynasty (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Essential
- Monster Train 2 (PC and Xbox Series X/S) – Game Pass Premium
- Spray Paint Simulator (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Premium
- Stellaris (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Essential
- World WarZ: Aftermath (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Essential
medieval dynasty
En medieval dynasty You immerse yourself in the Middle Ages in a game of survival and management in an open worldYou start as an ordinary villager and, over time, build your own village, manage resources, forge relationships with other characters, and expand your lineage. It's ideal if you enjoy combining crafting, simulation, and long-term progression.
Monster Train 2
Monster Train 2 It returns to the formula of the first installment, offering a Roguelike strategy game with turn-based battles on a train that travels through levels of hellYou lead different clans, play cards, deploy units, and cast spells, all with a tactical focus where every decision matters. If you enjoy deck-building games with a touch of madness, you'll find hours of gameplay here.
Spray Paint Simulator
With Spray Paint Simulator The tone changes completely: you are faced with a more relaxed proposal in which you build little by little. a commissioned painting businessYou complete jobs for clients, customize surfaces, and also have a free mode where you can paint without limits, ideal for letting creativity flow without pressure.
Stellaris
Stellaris It's a classic of large-scale space strategy. You manage a galactic empire, explore star systems, make political, military, and economic decisions, and deal with emergent events that make each game uniqueIf you enjoy complex management games and want to lose yourself in a dynamic galaxy, this is an essential addition to the service.
World WarZ: Aftermath
Lastly, World WarZ: Aftermath It's a cooperative shooter focused on facing massive hordes of zombies in locations around the world. It adds new weapons, scenarios, and modes designed for team play, with a fast pace and situations where coordination is key to avoid being buried under a tide of the undead.
December 4
- 33 Immortals (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Premium
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (PC and Xbox Series X/S) – Game Pass Premium
- Routine (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
33 Immortals, still in Game Preview, is a cooperative roguelike for 33 simultaneous playersEach player controls a damned soul rebelling against final judgment, leading to chaotic, action-packed battles with a fun sense of chaos, especially if you play with friends or enjoy massive multiplayer.
With Indiana Jones and the Great Circle We're going on a pure, unadulterated adventure. It's primarily a first-person experience where you accompany the iconic archaeologist on his journey. search for an ancient mystery with global implicationsIt combines ruin exploration, puzzle solving, and signature action sequences, with a strong classic adventure film feel.
Routine It's a blend of horror and science fiction. The game places you in a apparently abandoned moon baseWhere tension, silence, and a constant sense of danger take center stage. You explore corridors, manage limited resources, and try to survive a threat you barely see coming—perfect for those who enjoy a good dose of adrenaline.
December 9
- A Game About Digging A Hole (PC and Xbox Series X/S) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
- Death Howl (PC) – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
- dome keeper (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
A Game About Digging A Hole It's exactly what its title promises, but with a catch: you move into a new house and start to dig a hole in the gardenGathering resources and unearthing secrets hidden beneath the surface. It's a minimalist, intriguing, and somewhat experimental experience for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
En Death Howl a mixes A demanding soulslike game with deck-building mechanicsAll of this is wrapped in an emotional story about grief and loss, set in a spiritual world full of challenges. Managing your deck and your approach to combat is just as important as learning your enemies' attack patterns.
dome keeper It combines mining, base defense, and roguelike gameplay. Your goal is to protect a dome from successive attacks. enemy waves while you dig underground In search of resources. With them, you improve your equipment, strengthen your defense, and decide whether to prioritize damage, resistance, or exploration. It has high replay value and is addictive with relatively short but intense matches.
December 10 and 11
- Mortal Kombat 1 (PC and Xbox Series X/S) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
- Bratz: Rhythm & Style (PC and consoles) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
El December 10 adds Mortal Kombat 1, the reinvention of the legendary fighting saga. It features a a new timeline, a revamped combat system, and brutal fatalities that define the franchise. It's a must-have for fans of the fight gameswith a wide selection and modes to suit all tastes.
Al dÃa siguiente, el December 11arrives Bratz: Rhythm & StyleIt's geared towards an audience looking for something more casual. It combines fashion, rhythm and travelallowing you to personalize outfits, participate in fashion shows, and compete in dance battles with the Bratz dolls as the stars. A lighthearted offering that adds variety to the catalog.
What's coming: anticipated releases and Game Pass previews
Beyond the dates already confirmed, Microsoft makes it clear that the The list of games for Game Pass and for Xbox in general is not closed.Over the next few months, new titles will be announced that will be added to the service, further expanding the options for subscribers.
Among the already known announcements, it is mentioned that in early 2026, titles such as the following will arrive on Game Pass: Arab: Shadow Legacy, or the very striking Super Meat Boy 3Dwhich promises to take the classic platforming formula to a new dimension. Later on, towards the end of the year, it's on our radar. witchbrook, an independent title with a strong everyday life and magic component that already has many players eager to get their hands on it.
In addition, the calendar of Big Xbox releases in 2026 It looks beyond Game Pass and includes four games that are shaping up to be the most anticipated of the year: Halo: Campaign Evolved, Fable, Gears of War: E-Day and Forza Horizon 6These are names that, on their own, can tip the scales in the battle between Xbox and PlayStation, especially if they are strongly integrated into the subscription strategy.
These heavyweights are joined by highly anticipated sequels such as High On Life 2, Cities: Skylines 2, Echo Generation 2, Moonlighter 2, Subnautica 2, and a good handful of eye-catching indiesREPLACED, Planet of Lana 2, Vampire Crawlers, and Super Meat Boy 3D, among others. Everything points to a pivotal year in which exclusives and strong additions to Game Pass will play a significant role.
Games leaving Xbox Game Pass in January 2026
As always, while some games arrive, others depart. Regarding January 2026, it is known that Some titles will leave Game Pass on January 15th and 31stAlthough only the mid-month deadlines have been detailed so far, it's worth keeping an eye on them if you've started them or want to finish them before they disappear from the service.
January 15: Games leaving the service
- Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
- Neon white
- road 96
- The Ascent
- The Grinch: Christmas Adventures
These games will no longer be available to play with the subscription starting on January 15, 2026The good news is that, as a Game Pass subscriber, you have a Get a 20% discount if you decide to buy them before they're removed from the catalog.So it might be a good time to pick them up at a discounted price if one of them has become your favorite.
Regarding the titles that will be removed from the service the January 31A specific list hasn't been released yet, so we'll have to keep an eye on the official announcements that will be published as the date approaches. In the meantime, it's a good idea to start freeing up space and organizing the library to make room for everything that's coming.
Prices and features of the different Xbox Game Pass tiers
To cater to different types of players, Microsoft offers multiple Xbox Game Pass subscription levelsEach one has its own specific features and prices. Choosing wisely allows you to optimize your spending based on your intended use, whether you play only on PC, on console, or take full advantage of cloud gaming.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – €26,99 per month
- It includes more than 400 games between PC and console.
- Each year more are added over 75 launch games, including all Xbox Game Studios titles since their release.
- Integrate services like this at no extra cost EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew (starting in November).
- Offer cloud gaming with the shortest possible waiting timeIdeal for playing on mobile phones, tablets, or devices without much power.
- It provides in-game advantages in certain games (items, boosts, cosmetics, etc.).
- It includes online multiplayer on consoles, replacing the need for a separate subscription.
- It allows you to get up to 100.000 points per year in Microsoft Rewards through missions and achievements.
It is the most complete option, designed for those who want take full advantage of the Xbox ecosystemThey play on multiple devices and value the additional benefits and the cloud.
PC Game Pass – €14,99 per month
- Access to hundreds of PC games, including launch titles and a stable catalog.
- Xbox Game Studios games are added since the day of its release on PC, remaining in service.
- It includes EA Play in its PC versionexpanding the catalog with games from Electronic Arts.
- Chance to win up to 50.000 Rewards points per year with challenges and objectives.
- Contribute bonuses within certain games, similar to those of other levels.
It's the ideal subscription for gamers exclusively on PC and do not require console or cloud gaming featuresBut they want a broad and up-to-date catalog.
Xbox Game Pass Premium – €12,99 per month
- Includes more than 200 games between PC and console, with a slightly smaller catalog than Ultimate.
- Xbox Game Studios games are being added before its first anniversary., although not always from day one.
- Offer Cloud gaming with reduced waiting timebut without reaching the highest level of Ultimate.
- It includes in-game advantages in selected titles.
- Allows online multiplayer on consoles without needing another subscription.
- It gives access to up to 50.000 Rewards points per year.
It's an intermediate option for those who want play on console and PC, take advantage of the cloud and have online accessBut they don't need all the content and extras of Ultimate.
Xbox Game Pass Essential – €8,99 per month
- Access to more than 50 games between PC and consolewith a more limited selection.
- It includes cloud game, although with fewer advantages than the higher levels.
- Offer bonuses within some gamesas additional rewards.
- Integrates the online multiplayer on consoles, covering the basic function for online gaming.
- It allows you to accumulate up to 25.000 Rewards points per year.
It's the most economical option, designed for players who want always having something to play, online access and the cloudbut without paying for a massive catalog or extras they might not use.
Game Pass additions coming in January 2026 (by platform)
In addition to the list dated December, Microsoft has highlighted three specific games as Key additions to Game Pass during January 2026with a special focus on PC and early access:
El January 5 adds undefeated land to the Game Pass version for PC, a grand strategy game where different human factions react in different ways to a first contact with extraterrestrial lifegiving rise to political and military conflicts on a global and spatial scale.
For January 20 is expected MIO: Memories in OrbitA title focused on exploration and narrative that transports you to a futuristic setting where memories and identity play a central roleAlthough information is more limited, it is expected to blend platforming, light action, and a powerful storyline.
El January 22 It's coming to PC, in early access. new rome, a game of management and construction With a futuristic Roman setting, you must develop a city, manage resources, and keep the population happy while adapting to the colony's unique characteristics.
All these premieres, added to the constant rotation of games on Xbox Game PassThese factors make the start of the year especially busy for the community. Between new releases for Xbox Series X|S, the variety of subscription tiers, and the mix of AAA titles with original indies, those who play in the Xbox ecosystem have many months of a full catalog ahead of them and decisions to make about what to try first. Share the information and more users will learn about these new releases on Xbox Game Pass.