Xbox Game Pass enriches its game library with five new must-play games that cater to all types of players, from amateurs to the most experienced. This selection offers:
- A balance between fast-paced action and contemplative adventures, for intense or relaxing moments.
- Titles from both independent productions and more established franchises.
- Availability spread across multiple platforms such as Cloud, PC, and Xbox consoles.
- A wide range of styles, from futuristic RPGs to philosophical puzzles, including high-octane action.
- Experiences to enjoy thanks to Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or PC Game Pass subscriptions.
This wave of new releases, rolled out between January 20 and 28, offers varied games to effectively enrich your gaming experience throughout the week. Let’s explore these titles and their particularities together, with specific examples and numbers that help fully grasp their potential.
- 1 ANNO: Mutationem, a cyberpunk action-RPG that captivates with its aesthetics and dynamic pace
- 2 The Talos Principle 2: a cerebral and philosophical challenge for fans of deep puzzles on Xbox and PC
- 3 Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, where speed and technique dominate on Xbox and PC
- 4 Death Stranding Director’s Cut: an in-depth cinematic experience in an open world
- 5 MIO: Memories in Orbit, the poetry of video games for a gentle start to the week
ANNO: Mutationem, a cyberpunk action-RPG that captivates with its aesthetics and dynamic pace
Available from January 28 on Cloud, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via the Game Pass plans (Ultimate, Premium, PC), ANNO: Mutationem skillfully combines a strong aesthetic with hybrid gameplay. This game offers a 2D perspective combined with 3D staging, creating an immersive visual universe steeped in a neon futuristic atmosphere typical of cyberpunk.
At the heart of this experience, Ann Flores, the heroine, evolves in Noctis Town, an oppressive setting where political rivalries and intimate secrets intertwine. The narrative relies on this backdrop to intensify suspense and enhance immersion. On the gameplay side, the player chains together fast-paced combats and exploration phases, with a deliberately rhythmic mechanic that maintains a constant adrenaline level.
This blend of styles will appeal to fans of independent RPGs and science fiction who want to experience a demanding yet accessible adventure. For example, the fluidity of the animations makes each confrontation more rewarding, while the variety of environments encourages detailed and rewarded exploration.
To facilitate discovery even for beginners, ANNO: Mutationem lends itself well to regular sessions, with a progression system alternating phases of intensity and recovery time, ideal for juggling with other titles offered by Xbox Game Pass.
The Talos Principle 2: a cerebral and philosophical challenge for fans of deep puzzles on Xbox and PC
Released on January 27 on PC and Xbox Series X|S, this game arrives on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass to extend the vast experience of the first installment. The Talos Principle 2 establishes itself as a refined puzzle game where puzzles are based on a strong narrative philosophy.
The puzzle structure demands more than mere skill: it values reflection on themes such as consciousness, human nature, and artificial intelligence. This creates a game that does not just entertain but invites meditation on the place of humans, particularly relevant in today’s technological context.
The level design stands out for its complexity, oscillating between immediate gratification and long-term reward. Players often need to step back to fully integrate the concepts explored, also benefiting from intelligent storytelling that fits perfectly with the progression. With such an intellectual challenge, this title will particularly delight those looking for an extraordinary experience in their Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Genre enthusiasts also appreciate the high replayability, thanks to numerous side puzzles and alternative paths that encourage returning regularly, thus enriching the game’s lifespan.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, where speed and technique dominate on Xbox and PC
This title, available from January 21 on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, is a must-have for those who love fast action and challenge. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound takes up the classic franchise codes, favoring precision and reflexes in demanding fights.
With a reduced margin for error and a very dynamic artistic direction, this game leaves little room for mistakes, making every fight thrilling. Hardcore players will find a perfect playground to test their mastery and push their limits. The technical mechanics involve complex combos, guaranteeing intense gaming sessions perfectly suited to the competitive spirit.
This title thus confirms Xbox Game Pass’s ability to offer varied options, from high-octane action to thoughtful reflection, with at least one game capable of satisfying fans of ultra-intense challenges. It is also a good way to reconnect with the iconic franchise, which continues to cultivate its aura among enthusiasts.
Death Stranding Director’s Cut: an in-depth cinematic experience in an open world
Available since January 21 on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, this enhanced version of the famous game blends exploration and immersive storytelling. The player embodies Sam Porter Bridges in a post-apocalyptic world grounded in the theme of human connection, a universal and powerful topic.
This Director’s Cut offers extended content, with new missions and refined gameplay mechanics, significantly improving the experience compared to the original version. The formula mixes delivery phases, survival, and exploration, in a world that is both vast and enigmatic.
With its pronounced cinematic style, the game offers a different pace from action or puzzle titles: it focuses on storytelling and contemplation, attracting players seeking deep immersion and a different gaming experience. Its recent installation on Xbox allows fully enjoying its visual and technical qualities, providing a window onto a unique adventure.
MIO: Memories in Orbit, the poetry of video games for a gentle start to the week
Launched on January 20 on Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S, and handhelds, this indie game offers a refreshing mix of action and platforming with a very distinctive visual identity and a melancholic atmosphere. MIO’s universe relies on a contemplative feeling, where the act of playing becomes also an aesthetic experience.
The fluid gameplay guarantees easy access while offering appreciable depth, perfect for introducing less experienced players. Thanks to its accessible mechanics and immersive atmosphere, it establishes itself as an ideal gateway for newcomers to the world of gaming, but also for those who prefer narrative and artistic experiences.
This game well illustrates the richness of the Xbox Game Pass library, which knows how to offer titles for every taste and level, from high-octane action to poetic discovery.
| Game | Release Date | Platforms | Game Pass Plans | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIO: Memories in Orbit | January 20, 2026 | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S, handhelds | Ultimate, PC | Action / Indie Platformer |
| Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound | January 21, 2026 | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S | Ultimate, Premium, PC | Action / Technical Combat |
| Death Stranding Director’s Cut | January 21, 2026 | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S | Ultimate, Premium, PC | Adventure / Open World |
| The Talos Principle 2 | January 27, 2026 | PC, Xbox Series X|S | Ultimate, Premium, PC | Puzzle / Philosophy |
| ANNO: Mutationem | January 28, 2026 | Cloud, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC | Action-RPG / Cyberpunk |
This selection only reinforces the appeal of subscribing to a Xbox Game Pass subscription to enjoy a library filled with new games that suit all styles and preferences. Between independent titles and major franchises, the offer presents a rare diversity in the gaming world on console and PC.
To complement your experience, also consider discovering the benefits related to the different plans offered by Xbox as described in this article on Xbox gift cards which facilitate access to exclusive content and game extensions.
