At the time of writing, only two new games are confirmed Xbox Game Pass in January 2026. 2025 was one of the biggest years in Xbox Game Pass history, but it likely left many subscribers with mixed feelings. On the one hand, Xbox Game Pass received some of its best games ever in 2025, but on the other hand, Microsoft also raised the price of the Ultimate tier from $19.99 per month to $29.99 per month.
Whether or not Xbox Game Pass is worth it after the price increase will depend on what exactly you want out of it. If you're someone who would otherwise buy new games added to Xbox Game Pass, then despite the price increase, the service is still likely to be worth it. If you're someone who only plays Game Pass once in a while, then you might want to be more selective with the months you sign up for it. Regardless, there's no denying that Microsoft is working hard to ensure a steady stream of high-quality games for Game Pass, with even more Day 1 titles on the way to help justify the price hike.
The 4 biggest Xbox Game Pass games of 2026 are just the tip of the iceberg
Four huge Xbox Game Pass games are already on board for 2026, and many more games are expected to join the service next year as well.
When it comes to the January 2026 Xbox Game Pass lineup, a lot of it still remains a mystery. Microsoft will likely reveal more about its Xbox Game Pass plans for January 2026 over the next few weeks, but in the meantime, we know of at least two titles that are on the way. Mio: Memories in Orbit will join Xbox Game Pass on January 20 Nova Roma will enter service on January 22.
List of new Xbox Game Pass games available in January 2026
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Mio: Memories in Orbit – January 20th
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Nova Roma (PC) – January 22
For those who don't know the games, Mio: Memories in Orbit is one of the first notable new games of 2026. The sci-fi Metroidvania, Mio players explore a “huge technological ark” full of deadly machines. In typical Metroidvania fashion, players will need to acquire new power-ups to enhance their combat and exploration abilities as they make their way through the game's visually stunning world. Metroidvania fans should definitely mark their calendars Mio: Memories in Orbitand those with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription will be able to play the entire game without paying anything beyond the regular fee.
Nova Romameanwhile, it offers something completely different. Nova Roma is a city builder where players build a Roman city. Managing the city is one part of the equation, but players also have to deal with the Roman gods. Offending the gods can have major consequences, which adds an interesting wrinkle to the city builder formula. Nova Roma is only confirmed for PC, so Game Pass subscribers on Xbox consoles will need to keep that in mind.
More Xbox Game Pass games coming in 2026
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MENACE (PC) – February 5
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High on Life 2 – February 13
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Death Howl (Xbox Series X) – February 19
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Replaced – March 12
Besides Mio: Memories in Orbit and Nova Romaso far, there are only four other Xbox Game Pass games with specific release dates confirmed for 2026. Here's THREATS February 5th High on Life 2 on February 13 Death howls on February 19 and Exchanged on March 12.
THREATS is a sci-fi turn-based tactical game from the developers Battle brothersand will launch in Early Access on February 5th on PC. PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play it on PC that day, but those on consoles will have to wait until a later point.
original High on life was a great day for the first Xbox Game Pass game, so it's only fitting that the sequel also debuts as the first release on the service. High on Life 2 will offer more of the same kind of crazy sci-fi first-person shooter that the first game did, and it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. It's one of my most anticipated Game Pass games of 2026 and I can't wait to play it.
Death howls is a challenging deck-building card game currently available to PC Game Pass subscribers. Xbox Series X/S console players will see for themselves what's going on on February 19th.
Finally, Exchanged coming to Xbox Game Pass on March 12th. The action platformer that Game Pass subscribers have been waiting for ages, a long way Exchanged is almost out, and if it lives up to the hype, it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest new Game Pass releases of the year.
There are plenty of other Game Pass games listed with a TBA 2026 release date, including four massive titles from Microsoft itself. Forza Horizon 6, Fable reboot, Gears of War: E-Dayand Hello 1 the remakes are all planned for release in 2026 as a way to help celebrate the Xbox's 25th anniversary. More details on these games and other titles could very well come at the Xbox Developer Direct in January, so stay tuned for more information on that front.
