These are the six Xbox Game Pass games confirmed for early 2026 so far
With prices rising for Ultimate subscribers, Microsoft is kicking off 2026 with a mix of first-party promises and six dated releases that show how the year is starting to take shape.
With Xbox Game Pass getting a major overhaul recently, all eyes are on Microsoft to deliver a stacked lineup in 2026, especially for Ultimate subscribers, who now pay $30 a month for the premium experience.
On the first-party side, there’s plenty to look forward to. Big releases like Fable, Forza Horizon 6, Gears of War: E-Day, and Halo: Campaign Evolved are all planned for next year, adding significant value for Game Pass Ultimate members. Exact launch windows haven’t been confirmed yet, but being Microsoft in-house titles, they’ll all arrive on the service.
Third-party games are also lined up, including Don’t Nod’s Aphelion, Persona 4 Revival, and Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, though none of these have concrete release dates just yet. For now, only six games have firm dates, giving players a glimpse of how Game Pass is starting 2026.
Emmanuel Umahi
/1. MIO: Memories In Orbit – January 22 (Console, PC, TBD)
Step into the shoes of android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania aboard the Vessel, a massive technological ark overrun by rogue machines. Explore the ship, enhance MIO’s abilities, and uncover secrets to save its residents from destruction. A mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling makes this one to watch for early 2026.
/2. Nova Roma – January 22 (PC, TBD)
Experience the glory of Rome in this intricate city-building game. Players manage resources, appease the gods, enact laws, and develop complex supply chains to keep citizens satisfied. It’s a deep strategy experience for fans of historical simulation and meticulous city management.
/3. MENACE – February 5 (PC)
From the developers of Battle Brothers, this turn-based tactical RPG lets players command a strike force against a looming alien threat. Train and equip infantry, deploy tanks and mechs, and plan missions across multiple worlds. Detailed turn-based battles and strategic choices make MENACE a must-play for tactical RPG enthusiasts.
/4. High on Life 2 – February 13 (Series X|S, PC, Cloud)
An intergalactic conspiracy threatens humanity, and only you can stop it. Armed with talking alien guns, players shoot, stab, and skate through exotic locales to save their favorite species. High on Life 2 combines outrageous humor with chaotic action, making it perfect for fans of over-the-top adventure.
/5. Death Howl – February 19 (Series X|S)
Enter a grim Spirit Realm in this open-world deck builder. Craft lethal decks from over 160 cards, wield powerful Totems, and battle through tactical grid combat as Ro, a desperate hunter seeking to bring her son back from beyond the veil. With strategy, exploration, and high stakes, Death Howl promises a dark, compelling journey.
/6. Replaced – March 12 (Console, PC, TBD
Set in an alternate 1980s America scarred by nuclear catastrophe, Replaced casts players as R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped in a human body. Navigate a dark cyberpunk thriller with 2.5D platforming, cinematic exploration, and fluid free-flow action. It’s a story-driven adventure blending mystery, style, and high-tech intrigue.
Why 2026 is already looking exciting for Xbox Game Pass users
Even with only six confirmed dates, Xbox Game Pass is shaping up to start the year strong. From deep strategy and narrative adventures to chaotic shooters and deck-building thrills, there’s a title for nearly every type of player.
With first-party blockbusters like Fable and Forza Horizon 6 still to be scheduled, 2026 is already showing that Game Pass isn’t just about quantity, it’s about delivering diverse, high-quality experiences from day one.
Conclusion
While the full 2026 lineup is still coming together, the early slate of confirmed games proves that Xbox Game Pass continues to offer incredible value and variety. Between strategy, narrative, action, and chaotic fun, there’s something to keep every gamer engaged from January onward.
As Microsoft reveals more dates, 2026 could easily become one of the most exciting years for Game Pass yet, making it well worth keeping an eye on for both new subscribers and longtime fans.
Emmanuel Umahi
