The first full Xbox Game Pass update of the year wastes no time making an impact.
Across the week beginning January 5th (that’s THIS WEEK if you’re still unaware what day it is!), subscribers on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud, and Handheld are being treated to a varied lineup that blends cult horror, British sci-fi mystery, roguelite brilliance, and even a splash of boozy chaos. And yes, we know many of these are only rocking up onto Game Pass Premium, but we’ll take what we can get.
From the return of a Warhammer classic to brand-new arrivals like Brews & Bastards, this week’s Game Pass additions feel perfectly tuned for short bursts, deep dives, and everything in between.
This Week On Xbox Game Pass At A Glance
- Brews & Bastards – January 6th
- Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition – January 6th
- Atomfall – January 7th
- Lost in Random: The Eternal Die – January 7th
- Rematch – January 7th
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition – January 7th
- Final Fantasy (Pixel Remaster) – January 8th
Brews & Bastards Brings Boozy Chaos To Game Pass
Arriving today, Brews & Bastards launches across Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S for Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.
This intoxicating twin-stick shooter dungeon crawler sees players descending beneath the Muneshine Tavern in search of the stolen Brew Stone. Armed with magical booze, outlandish weapons, and plenty of attitude, you’ll blast through procedurally generated cellars, distilleries, and pub-themed arenas alone or in couch co-op for up to four players.
With its mix of roguelike structure, chaotic combat rooms, and absurd boss fights – including possessed pool tables and giant beer pong arenas – Brews & Bastards feels tailor-made for quick-fire Game Pass sessions.
Little Nightmares Returns In Enhanced Form
Also launching today on Game Pass, Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition creeps onto Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.
This upgraded version of Tarsier Studios’ haunting platformer runs at up to 4K and 60 FPS, adding RTX reflections, volumetric lighting, improved particle effects, and optional Quality or Performance modes. Players once again step into the tiny shoes of Six, navigating the grotesque horrors of The Maw using stealth, observation, and timing.
We awarded it a 4 out of 5, calling it “an absolute indie masterpiece”, particularly praising the visual upgrades that breathe new life into one of gaming’s most unsettling worlds.
Atomfall Invites You Into Britain’s Darkest Secret
Come January 7th across Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC, Atomfall becomes available with Game Pass Premium.
Developed by Rebellion, Atomfall drops players into a fictional quarantine zone inspired by the real-world Windscale nuclear disaster. Set in a beautifully unsettling version of the British countryside, it blends survival-action gameplay with a player-driven mystery where exploration, conversation, and combat all shape the outcome.
We scored Atomfall 3.5 out of 5, noting that while combat can feel clunky, the surrounding mystery and narrative freedom make it “perfect Xbox Game Pass material” – a game designed to be explored, discussed, and ultimately left lingering in the mind.
Lost In Random: The Eternal Die Rolls Onto Game Pass
One of the standout additions this week is Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, landing on Game Pass Premium come January 7th on Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC.
This standalone roguelite spin on the Lost in Random universe blends fast-paced action with tactical dice mechanics, card-based abilities, and elemental relics. Playing as Queen Aleksandra, you’ll roll the dice both literally and figuratively as you battle through gothic biomes filled with unpredictable challenges.
We were hugely impressed, awarding it a 4.5 out of 5, describing it as “a sleek, smart and simply brilliant roguelite which hits upon the coveted formula to keep you coming back for more.”
Rematch Delivers High-Speed Football With A Twist
Also landing on January 7th, Rematch hits Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass Premium.
Developed by Sloclap, this third-person football experience strips away traditional rules in favour of relentless action. No fouls. No offsides. No pauses. Every match is a skill-based battle built around positioning, teamwork, and fast reactions.
With competitive online modes and seasonal content, Rematch is designed to be played obsessively – and we scored it 4.5 out of 5, stating “once you pick the controller up you won’t be able to put it down.”
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Gets Master Crafted
Another that is charging in on January 7th, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition becomes available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass Premium.
This enhanced version of the cult classic brings upgraded textures, modernised controls, remastered audio, and all previously released DLC. Step back into the armour of Captain Titus and carve through Ork hordes using bolters, chainswords, and pure Ultramarine fury.
We awarded it a 4 out of 5, praising its fast, brutal combat and well-supported online modes that still hold up impressively today.
Final Fantasy Returns To Where It All Began
Closing out the week on January 8th, Final Fantasy (Pixel Remaster) arrives on Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC for Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.
This lovingly restored 2D version of the original 1987 JRPG features updated pixel art, a rearranged soundtrack overseen by Nobuo Uematsu, modernised UI options, and quality-of-life improvements. While undeniably basic by modern standards, it remains a fascinating look at the foundations of one of gaming’s most influential franchises.
We scored it 3 out of 5, noting that while it has been outclassed by its successors, “the real prize here is that a near 40-year-old game is still relevant.”
A Quick Look Ahead To Next Week
Before we wrap things up, it’s worth briefly noting that week commencing January 12th will bring another major shake-up to Game Pass, including Star Wars Outlaws, Resident Evil Village, and more – alongside a handful of departures such as The Ascent, Neon White, and Road 96.
We’ll be covering those changes in full next week, so keep an eye out for the deep dive.
For now, though, this week’s Game Pass update delivers a strong mix of fresh arrivals, enhanced classics, and perfect pick-up-and-play experiences – an ideal way to kick off January on Xbox. The Xbox Store awaits if you wish to pick up any of the games listed.
