First games for Xbox Game Pass in 2026

Xbox Game Pass is already revving its engines for 2026.

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Xbox Game Pass is already shaping up to be an exciting start to 2026, with two new additions that may seem worlds apart, but share a common thread: they’re both launching on day one and cater to different audiences. On one hand, we have action-packed fun, and on the other, a more laid-back exploration experience. Both titles reinforce Xbox’s strategy of offering a diverse range of games to kick off the new year.

• You might be interested in: Upcoming Xbox Game Studios titles coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one

The start of 2026 on Game Pass won’t be a single, massive launch. Instead, Microsoft has opted to stagger the releases, spreading out its big bets between January and February to maintain a steady stream of excitement throughout the first few months of the year.

Confirmed games for Xbox Game Pass in early 2026

• MIO: Memories in Orbit — January 20, 2026 — Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

This metroidvania offers a deeply immersive experience, focusing on exploration and atmosphere. Players control MIO, an agile robot who awakens on the Buque, a massive, abandoned technological ark overrun with vegetation and malfunctioning systems. As we progress, we’ll recover lost memories, unlock new abilities, and unravel the mystery surrounding the artificial intelligence that once kept everything in balance. Its artistic approach and level design make it one of the most intriguing indie titles in the Game Pass catalog.

• High On Life 2 – February 13, 2026 — Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

The sequel to the irreverent shooter returns with even more humor, talking guns, and absurd situations. After defeating an intergalactic cartel and saving humanity, the protagonist’s life seemed settled… until a figure from the past puts a price on their sister’s head. The story promises to maintain the same acidic tone as the original, combining first-person action, exploration, and a narrative loaded with sarcasm.

With these two titles, Xbox Game Pass is kicking off 2026 with complementary offerings, demonstrating that the service will continue to bet on both high-profile productions and more niche, authorial experiences from day one.