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In numerous discussions, commentators persist in tolling the death bells for Microsoft's gaming division. Microsoft's console just got outsold by a lesser-known competitor. Dedicated Xbox communities have started writing about PlayStation for the first time. The past year represented an era of significant turmoil for the tech giant's gaming arm. But if we're going solely off the upcoming Game Pass lineup in 2026, it's evident that Xbox continues to plan to engage players with strong games on its flagship service.

The Available Now Titles

A pair of titles that are immediately available today, Brews & Bastards and Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition, aren't the showstoppers. The true anticipation is for the upcoming titles to Game Pass in the coming weeks that's truly noteworthy.

Major Titles on the Horizon

On Jan. 13, the subscription service will add the underrated Star Wars Outlaws, a sprawling adventure that refreshes the standard Ubisoft formula with a cosmic robbery tale. An additional significant inclusion is Resident Evil Village featuring the towering Lady Dimitrescu, previously described as "an ideal blend of horror and action."

Intriguing Niche Additions

However, the more modest titles set to join the catalog are quite compelling. Lost In Random: The Eternal Die, an unjustly ignored roguelite that's a blast to play, drops on Jan. 7th — and it's worth experiencing whether or not you experienced the first Lost in Random game.

The British post-apocalyptic game from last year may draw you in within just a quarter of an hour.

Atomfall, a survival title with stealth elements by Rebellion Developments, is another one to watch. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers also have Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition to anticipate.

A Solid, Curated Lineup

All in all, these aren't the most groundbreaking additions to Game Pass, and they don't represent tentpole Microsoft studios games that justify the service by themselves. Yet, this selection are exceptionally strong. There's a good mixture of past releases that passed you by and relatively recent releases that failed to receive the spotlight they were due initially — which makes them ideal prospects to find a new audience on Game Pass.

Be prepared to part ways with The Grinch Christmas Adventures, however.