It’s one of those weeks where Xbox Game Pass doesn’t just add a couple of titles – it reshuffles the deck in a big way. On the downside, we lose Grand Theft Auto V from the subscription service.
While Hades II, Replaced and more arrive fresh across cloud, console and PC, heavyweights like Football Manager 26 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered expand into new tiers, opening the door for even more players.
And yes, there’s even a certain Call of Duty: Modern Warfare waiting in the wings.
At A Glance
- Football Manager 26 – April 13th – Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass – PC
- Football Manager 26 Console – April 13th – Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass – Cloud, Console, PC
- Hades II – April 14th – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass – Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Handheld
- Replaced – April 14th – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass – Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- The Thaumaturge – April 14th – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass – Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – April 16th – Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass – Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- EA Sports NHL 26 – April 16th – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass – Cloud, Xbox Series X|S
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – April 17th – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass – Cloud, Console, PC
Football Manager 26 Expands Its Reach
The week begins with Football Manager 26 becoming available to even more subscribers on April 13th. Already part of the Game Pass ecosystem, it now joins Game Pass Premium while remaining accessible through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on PC.
Meanwhile, Football Manager 26 Console broadens access further, playable across cloud, console and PC.
Built on the Unity engine, this latest entry leans heavily into immersion. Match days feel more alive thanks to improved animations and presentation, while deeper tactical systems allow for more precise control both in and out of possession. The fully licensed Premier League adds another layer of authenticity, and the introduction of women’s football opens up an entirely new side of the sport.
At least that was the promise. In reality, the console version is much less encouraging. As noted in our review at launch, “Football Manager 26 Console is incredibly disappointing right now. I have a strong feeling that in six months’ time, after a load of patches and optimisation updates, this might be a different beast altogether… but the sad reality is that Football Manager 26 Console, at times, borders on the unplayable.”
Those six months are up, and so it may be time to revisit.
April 14th Delivers Variety In Bulk
If the 13th sets things in motion, April 14th is where Game Pass really hits its stride – delivering three very different experiences in one go.
Arriving fresh across cloud, Xbox Series X|S, PC and handheld devices, Hades II builds on one of the most beloved roguelikes of recent years. This time, you’ll play as the Princess of the Underworld, wielding witchcraft and divine powers in a deeper, more expansive mythological journey.
With its endlessly replayable structure, evolving narrative and signature Supergiant polish, this is easily one of the standout additions of the week.
Our review of Hades II is on the way, but if it’s anything like the original Hades, this is going to be spectacular. Which is why we included it in our Best Games of April article.
Alongside that, Replaced is finally here, offering a cinematic 2.5D action platformer wrapped in a moody cyberpunk world. Set in an alternate 1980s America, it blends fluid combat, exploration and storytelling as you uncover the secrets of Phoenix-City through the eyes of an AI trapped in a human body.
Then there’s The Thaumaturge, a slower, more methodical RPG experience set in early 20th-century Warsaw. Mixing detective work with supernatural elements, it puts you in control of a character capable of reading emotions and summoning mystical entities.
It’s also been well received, with our review noting: “The Thaumaturge is quite refreshing, fairly unique as it blends detective work, RPG elements, and supernatural themes in a richly realised historical setting. The gameplay is engaging, the story is compelling, and the world is a joy to explore.”
Oblivion Remastered Reaches More Players
April 16th sees The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered extend its reach within Game Pass. Already available, it now joins Game Pass Premium while continuing its presence across Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, playable via cloud, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
This remastered take on the 2006 classic modernises the experience with enhanced visuals and refined gameplay systems. From the sprawling landscapes of Cyrodiil to the chaos of the Oblivion gates, it remains one of Bethesda’s most celebrated RPGs – now more accessible than ever.
And it absolutely delivers. As our review puts it: “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a phenomenal achievement… an overall fantastic and unforgettable experience… I’d honestly go so far as saying it is now THE best title in the Elder Scrolls franchise.”
Sports Fans Are Covered Too
Alongside it, EA Sports NHL 26 arrives for cloud and Xbox Series X|S, bringing updated gameplay systems, smarter AI and deeper career modes. It’s the kind of sports title that can easily become a year-long staple.
Our verdict reflects that longevity too: “NHL 26 is one of those games that will easily last you the year… whether you are a hockey fan or not, you’ll get thrills from the on-ice action.”
Modern Warfare Closes Out The Week
Capping things off on April 17th, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare joins Game Pass across cloud, console and PC.
It remains a standout in the series for its campaign in particular, with our review highlighting that “the single player is a stand out… exceptionally bleak but thought-provoking… and proves the franchise still has life in its bones.”
Games Leaving Game Pass
As new titles arrive, others make their exit. A number of games are scheduled to leave the Game Pass library on April 15th, so if you’ve been meaning to wrap things up, now’s the time. You’ll be saying goodbye to…
- Ashen (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Grand Theft Auto VÂ (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Terra Invicta (Game Preview)Â (PC)
Yes, you’re reading that right – GTA V is leaving Game Pass. Thankfully, subscribers can also take advantage of the usual discount to purchase and keep these games before they’re gone.
A Week That Feels Like A Statement
This isn’t just a routine Game Pass refresh – it feels like a statement. With major RPGs, brand-new arrivals, expanding access to existing hits and even sports simulations all landing within a few days, there’s a genuine sense of momentum building around the service again.
And if this is just mid-April, it raises a big question: what’s next? Well, how does Kiln, Vampire Crawlers and more sound? We’ll be sure to remind you once those arrive too.Â
