Let’s be honest: your “New Year, New Me” resolution probably involved saving money, right? Well, you’re in luck. Xbox Game Pass is arguably the best deal in gaming history, costing less than that gym membership you’re definitely not using.
It is January 2026. The dust has settled from the holiday releases, and your backlog is staring at you. But forget the guilt we are here to talk about the absolute bangers you need to download right now. From the heavy hitters that broke the internet late last year to the indie gems you might have missed, this is your definitive, no-nonsense guide to the Game Pass library this month.
We have curated this list based on current popularity, critical acclaim, and that undeniable “fun factor.” No fluff, no filler just 20 reasons to keep your controller charged.
The Heavy Hitters (AAA Blockbusters)
These are the games that justify the subscription price all on their own. If you haven’t played these yet, what have you been doing?
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
The juggernaut is here. After dropping in November 2025, Black Ops 7 has completely dominated the multiplayer scene. Whether you are grinding weapon camos or diving into the surprisingly deep campaign, this is the definitive shooter experience right now. The movement feels snappier than ever, and let’s face it jumping into a lobby with the squad is a Friday night ritual.
- Why play it: It’s the biggest shooter on the planet, included with your sub.
2. DOOM: The Dark Ages
id Software did it again. They took the “push forward combat” loop and threw it into a medieval blender. You get a shield-saw, a dragon to ride, and the most metal soundtrack of the decade. It is violent, it is fast, and it runs like a dream on the Series X. This isn’t just a game; it’s therapy.
3. Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment finally dropped this RPG masterpiece, and it was worth the wait. Think Skyrim meets Pillars of Eternity but with way better combat. You can freeze enemies, shatter them with a hammer, and talk your way out of political crises—often in the same quest. If you love fantasy worlds that actually react to your choices, hit download immediately.
4. The Outer Worlds 2
Speaking of Obsidian, they somehow managed to release two bangers back-to-back. The Outer Worlds 2 takes the satire of corporate capitalism to new stars. The writing is sharper, the companions are more lovable (and broken), and the gunplay feels significantly tighter than the first game. Plus, it’s genuinely funny—a rarity in RPGs.
5. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Whip-cracking action in first-person? It sounded risky, but MachineGames nailed it. Solving ancient puzzles and punching Nazis has never felt this satisfying. The production value here is through the roof—it feels like playing through a lost movie from the original trilogy.
Role-Playing Epics & Adventures
Immerse yourself in worlds so good you’ll forget to check your phone.
6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This was the surprise Game of the Year contender for 2025. It’s a turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics (think Mario RPG meets Dark Souls graphics). The art style is inspired by French Belle Époque, making it one of the most visually distinct games on the platform. The story will break your heart, but the combat is so addictive you won’t mind.
7. South of Midnight
Compulsion Games delivered a southern gothic atmosphere that drips with style. You play as Hazel, hunting mythical creatures in a magical version of the American South. The stop-motion animation style gives it a unique flair, and the soundtrack is an absolute bop. It’s short, sweet, and incredibly unique.
8. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Yes, it is real. Yes, it is on Game Pass. After years of memes and waiting, Silksong is finally here, and it is glorious. It’s faster and more acrobatic than the original, with a massive world to explore. If you like Metroidvanias, this is the new gold standard. Just be prepared to die. A lot.
9. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
If you needed something to scratch that Sekiro itch, this is it. Set in late Ming Dynasty China, this action RPG features grueling combat and grotesque enemies. The parry mechanics are tight, and the boss fights are spectacular spectacles that will test your reflexes.
10. Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
The Zone is calling. This game is brutal, atmospheric, and terrifying. It’s not a run-and-gun shooter; it’s a survival experience. You will count every bullet and fear every shadow. The graphics on Series X are mind-blowing, especially the lighting effects in the radioactive anomalies.
Indie Gems You Might Have Missed
Big budgets are cool, but these smaller games often have the biggest hearts (and best ideas).
11. Blue Prince
This puzzle-mystery game was a sleeper hit last year. You explore a mansion where the rooms change every day. It’s a roguelike architectural puzzler sounds weird, right? But it is impossible to put down once you start unraveling the family secrets.
12. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
The sequel to one of the best text-based RPGs ever made. You are an escaped android trying to survive on the edge of space. The writing is phenomenal, and the dice-roll mechanics add just enough tension to make every decision feel critical. It’s a perfect “chill out before bed” game.
13. Ball x Pit
Okay, hear me out: it’s Vampire Survivors meets Breakout. You bounce balls to destroy waves of enemies. It sounds simple, but the dopamine rush is real. It’s the perfect “podcast game” something to play while you listen to something else, yet suddenly three hours have passed.
14. Atomfall
Imagine a British version of Fallout set in the countryside. It’s quirky, weird, and surprisingly deep. You explore a quarantine zone in Northern England, scavenging for supplies and whacking robots with cricket bats. It’s got charm for days.
Shooters, Strategy & Co-op Fun
Grab a friend or use your brain these games offer a different kind of thrill.
15. Sniper Elite: Resistance
Released late in 2025, this entry takes the X-Ray kill cam to occupied France. The stealth mechanics are refined, and the maps are massive. There is something oddly satisfying about planning the perfect shot from 300 meters away while a loud plane flies overhead to mask the sound.
16. Gears of War: Reloaded
The collection we all wanted. Revisit the classic Marcus Fenix saga with fully remastered visuals and 120fps multiplayer. It’s a nostalgia trip that proves the cover-shooter mechanics from 2006 still hold up today. The Chainsaw Lancer has never looked this good.
17. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
If you want to show off what your console can do, this is the benchmark. The 2024 edition added career modes, so you’re not just flying aimlessly you’re rescuing hikers, fighting fires, and transporting VIPs. It’s relaxing, beautiful, and incredibly technical if you want it to be.
18. Age of Mythology: Retold
Strategy fans, rejoice. This remake of the classic RTS lets you summon gods and monsters to smash enemy armies. It plays surprisingly well on a controller, thanks to a smart UI overhaul. Pro tip: Just spam cheat codes in single-player for old times’ sake (we won’t judge).
19. Mortal Kombat 1
It’s bloody, it’s over-the-top, and it’s on Game Pass. The rebooted timeline offers a great story mode (rare for fighting games), and the “Kameo” fighter system adds a fun layer of strategy to the combos. Perfect for when you have friends over and want to button-mash.
20. Starfield: Shattered Space
If you fell off Starfield at launch, now is the time to jump back in. The Shattered Space expansion and recent updates have fixed many of the initial complaints. The new story content is darker, more focused, and actually makes the universe feel dangerous.
Final Thoughts: Why Trust Us?
We don’t just read the back of the box; we play these games. We look at frame rates, check the community feedback, and verify that the “fun” isn’t locked behind a paywall. January 2026 is a stacked month for Xbox owners. Whether you are slaying demons in DOOM or managing a space station, your subscription is paying for itself ten times over.
So, what’s your first download of 2026? Don’t overthink it. Pick a title from the list, clear your weekend schedule, and happy gaming!
Note: Game availability on Game Pass can vary by region. All titles listed were available on the service as of mid-January 2026.