There’s something so deliciously satisfying about having a curated backlog of games.Xbox Game Passmakes that dangerously easy. It’s not just the convenience of downloading an AAA title on a whim, it’s the variety that makes Game Pass a worthwhile investment. With it, players can jump from a sprawling dungeon crawler to an emotional sci-fi narrative and end the night with a classic RPG that shaped the genre, all without spending more than the cost of lunch. And in a year where so manynew game releasesare demanding a player’s full attention (and wallet), there’s real comfort in low-stakes discovery.
Xbox Game Passis not just a great way to catch up on trending titles, but it’s also the perfect vessel with which to revisit the games that a player might’ve misjudged or missed entirely. The following four standouts on Game Pass have held players’ attention for very different reasons. So, whether a player is in the mood for atmospheric storytelling, old-school party dynamics, or grimdark chaos with a loot loop, these are more than worth the time investment this week.
Diablo 4
After early controversy,Diablo 4has found its rhythm. With regular seasonal updates and the quality-of-life improvements players were begging for, Sanctuary feels alive and brutal in the best way possible. Whether a player is diving in solo or rampaging with friends,Diablo 4is perfect for players who want loot-heavy combat, atmospheric worldbuilding, and a grind that actually respects the player’s time. It’s more accessible than ever thanks to Game Pass, and there’s no better moment to return or start fresh.
Diablo 4throws players back into the demon-haunted world of Sanctuary, whereLilith, the Queen of the Succubi, is sowing chaos across the land. Players choose their class, carve out their path through the campaign, and navigate a dark fantasy epic filled with corruption and eerie religious undertones. The tone is grim, the bosses are grotesque, and the loot loop is addictive in that dangerous, “just one more dungeon” kind of way. If a gamer is looking for an action RPG with seriously satisfying combat, this one’s worth the download.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Set in the land of Shu during the final years of the Ming Dynasty, a plague ravages the region, giving rise to monstrous creatures. Players control Wuchang, a skilled warrior with amnesia, as she navigates this dark curse afflicting the land. While confronting the devastating illness and uncovering its secrets, she also seeks to uncover the truth about her mysterious past. This action-packed journey is ideal for fans ofchallenging Soulslike games.
Citizen Sleeper
The beauty of Game Pass lies in its ability to introduce certain games to a broader audience.Citizen Sleeperis one of those standout indie titles that gain visibility through the platform. Influenced heavily byclassic TTRPGs,Citizen Sleeperinvites players into a futuristic capitalist hellscape where even basic bodily autonomy is threatened. The game incorporates dice mechanics and branching storylines, making it an engaging 10-hour experience for players who enjoy in-depth narratives.
Players assume the role of a Sleeper, an android reliant on scarce resources for survival. Having escaped from their controlling corporation, the Sleeper now struggles to earn a living and remain alive on an abandoned space station. The Sleeper can survive by taking on various tasks, interacting with other inhabitants on The Eye, and managing dwindling supplies. In thisRPG set in space, players can guide the Sleeper toward escaping their past and building a new future.
Dragon Age: Origins
Set during a period of intense civil unrest in Ferelden, the player assumes the role of a Gray Warden. As a member of a vigilant order, they are tasked with assembling a team of fighters to prevent the resurgence of humanity’s greatest danger: the Darkspawn. If left unchecked, this ancient menace will throw the world into an everlasting Blight. It is the player’s responsibility to unify fractured territories and defeat the archdemon responsible for this peril. With a memorable cast,D&D-inspired combat mechanics, and excellent worldbuilding,Dragon Age: Originsis a must-play in 2025for any gamer seeking an epic adventure.
