The Xbox Game Pass library is preparing for an extraordinary – and slightly chaotic – infusion of new titles this week in a big old megaton drop of new games for us to play.
Subscribers can look forward to a mix of challenging action games, unique roguelites, a vast new MMO, and even an early dose of holiday mischief. It’s a week that highlights the diverse offerings across the new Ultimate and Premium tiers that Game Pass offers up.
This surge of content arrives just as a few beloved titles make their final departure. Let’s dive into all the movers and shakers hitting the service this week.
New Adventures Arriving on Game Pass
So what new adventures are arriving on Game Pass this week? Well, there are a good old few, most of which are well worth playing.
The Casting of Frank Stone (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 14th
The Casting of Frank Stone is a cinematic horror experience that explores the sinister secrets of a small Oregon town. This narrative-driven game places your choices at the heart of the terrifying events, leading to branching storylines and multiple outcomes.
While the jump scares may be lacking, the story is compelling. Our 3.5/5 review noted, “The story of The Casting of Frank Stone is engaging, if a little half-baked during a first playthrough, but with the ability to replay certain sections you can fill in those gaps. Just don’t bother to turn off the lights with this one – scares are lacking.“
Ball x Pit (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 15th
Prepare for a physics-based frenzy!
Ball x Pit is a unique roguelite that combines classic brick-breaking arcade action with dungeon-crawling strategy. Players descend into a seemingly bottomless pit, using their character’s skills and upgradeable balls to smash through enemies and gather resources. Every run offers new strategic decisions as you balance risk and reward to delve deeper.
If you enjoy chaotic physics, intense action, and infinite replayability, this is one to keep an eye on, as we highlighted in our recent ‘Best of October’ feature.
The Grinch: Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 15th
Get into the holiday spirit (or lack thereof) early with The Grinch: Christmas Adventures.
Based on the classic Dr. Seuss tale, this 3D platformer lets you play as the Grinch, joined by his loyal dog Max, on a mission to steal all the presents from Whoville. While the premise is charming, the gameplay can be repetitive.
Our 2.5/5 review was sadly true to the source material: “By the midway point, we felt a bit ‘bah humbug’ about having to play more. Perhaps The Grinch: Christmas Adventures was true to the source material, after all: we had become the Grinch.“
Eternal Strands (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 15th
Eternal Strands is a huge, physics-driven action RPG and a remarkable debut from Yellow Brick Games. Embark on an adventure where you wield immense powers to fight colossal enemies and traverse a stunning open world. The game actively uses physics – from manipulating the environment with magic to using enemies’ attacks against them.
Our 4/5 review was hugely positive: “As a debut game from a new studio, Eternal Strands is one you should not miss.” We particularly praised how the game’s traversal mechanics and physics play “blow your augments clear off.“
He Is Coming (Game Preview) (PC) – October 15th
A new roguelite RPG is here to hunt you down.
He Is Coming throws you into a grim medieval world where the Demon King is rising, and you must prepare to be hunted by one of over 30 powerful, unique bosses. Every three days, a new minion begins its pursuit, forcing you to adapt your build, scour the realm for powerful weapons, and make tactical trade-offs.
Will you prioritise armor against one foe, or sacrifice defense for speed and health? Your path to defeating the Demon King depends entirely on how wisely you use your limited time and resources.
Just remember, this one is PC only AND in Game Preview / Early Access form for now.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 15th
The ultimate ninja is back!
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (the highly praised re-release) is joining Game Pass. Prepare for a visceral, gore-soaked action game known for its relentless difficulty and satisfyingly fluid combat. You play as Ryu Hayabusa, slicing and dicing through armies of demons with a deep arsenal of weapons.
Our 4.5/5 review confessed, “I don’t know why I have spent so many years afraid of NINJA GAIDEN… before you know it, you’re slicing and dicing like you’ve been doing it forever. The action certainly ramps up… but you will love every gore-soaked minute of your time in NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black.“
Pax Dei (PC) – October 16th
Welcome to a truly vast, social sandbox MMO set in a world where medieval legends and myths are real, and magic is unquestioned.
Pax Dei is a collaborative experience where thousands of players join forces to explore the land, claim territory, build intricate homes and entire villages, and forge their own reputations. It’s an open world where player interaction drives the narrative. Will you become a renowned blacksmith, a powerful warrior, or a feared diplomat?
The world you make is entirely up to you, your PC and your community.
Keeper (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – October 17th
From the unique mind of Lee Petty and Double Fine Productions comes Keeper, a beautiful and surreal otherworldly adventure.
Set on a mysterious island, you control a long-forgotten lighthouse that suddenly awakens. Joined by a spirited seabird, you embark on a poignant, wordless odyssey of transformation, exploring a world filled with stunning vistas and realms beyond understanding.
We’re super excited for this one, so expect a narrative-driven experience focused on atmosphere, environmental puzzles, and the growth of an unlikely companionship.
Final Call: Games Leaving Game Pass on October 15th
The arrival of these exciting games means a few gems must depart. Be sure to get your final playthroughs in before they leave the service on October 15th:
- Cocoon (Cloud, Console, and PC): A staggeringly brilliant puzzle adventure. Our 5/5 review stated, “At every turn, I was left almost breathless by the beauty and ingenuity in COCOON. It’s a staggeringly brilliant game with which words cannot really do justice.“
- Core Keeper (Cloud, Console, and PC): A highly addictive mining, crafting, and sandbox adventure.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutants Unleashed (Cloud, Console, and PC): A fun 3D action beat-’em-up starring the Turtles.
This week’s Game Pass update is arguably one of the most explosive of the year, bringing together challenging action titles, vast online worlds, and highly anticipated indie debuts.
Whether you’re mastering the blade with Ryu Hayabusa or solving cosmic puzzles before they vanish, your subscription is about to get a serious workout.
