Xbox Game Pass is gearing up for another exciting wave of additions this October, bringing even more adventures to subscribers across its growing library. Whether you’ve been battling through Gears of War: E-Day or exploring the dangerous dungeons of Minecraft Dungeons II, there’s plenty more on the horizon. This latest selection features a mixture of highly anticipated releases and familiar titles, including several games previously showcased during this summer’s Xbox Games Showcase. With something for almost every type of player, let’s take a closer look at what’s coming to Xbox Game Pass.
Coming soon
Valor Mortis (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – October 13
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Prepare to rise from the dead and face a terrifying new nightmare in Valor Mortis, a first-person action soulslike from the creators of Ghostrunner. Set against the dark backdrop of the Napoleonic era, players take on the role of a former soldier who mysteriously returns from death, only to discover a world consumed by horrifying creatures and sinister secrets. Armed with supernatural abilities and deadly combat skills, you’ll need to overcome monstrous enemies, survive brutal encounters and uncover a dangerous conspiracy threatening the very existence of humanity. Combining intense first-person combat, atmospheric environments and challenging soulslike mechanics, Valor Mortis promises a gripping adventure where every battle could be your last.
Available day one with Xbox Game Pass
Echo Weaver (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 8
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Prepare to challenge the very fabric of time in Echo Weaver, a mysterious Metroidvania adventure where knowledge is your greatest weapon and every second counts. Players step into the role of the last remaining Weaver, trapped within an ever-changing time loop that holds the secrets to a forgotten world. Rather than relying on traditional upgrades, progression comes from exploration, experimentation and uncovering valuable information that could help you escape the endless cycle. By manipulating strange temporal anomalies, discovering hidden pathways and learning from previous attempts, players must gradually piece together the mysteries surrounding their existence. With its intriguing time-bending mechanics, atmospheric exploration and emphasis on discovery, Echo Weaver offers a refreshing twist on the Metroidvania genre.
Available day one with Xbox Game Pass
Forever Ago (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 8
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Embark on an emotional journey of self-discovery in Forever Ago, a heartfelt single-player adventure that explores themes of loss, regret and finding hope in unexpected places. Following a life-changing tragedy, players step into the shoes of Alfred, a man searching for redemption as he travels north on a deeply personal road trip. Along the way, you’ll explore breathtaking landscapes, meet fascinating characters and uncover meaningful stories that gradually reveal more about Alfred’s past. Armed with his trusty instant camera, players can capture memorable moments, solve environmental puzzles and discover the beauty hidden within everyday experiences. Developed by Third Shift and published by Annapurna Interactive, Forever Ago offers a touching narrative about friendship, love and learning to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn.
Available day one with Xbox Game Pass
Neon Abyss 2 (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 8
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Dive headfirst into a neon-soaked world of chaos, revenge and relentless action in Neon Abyss 2, the explosive sequel to the popular roguelike platformer. Set within a vibrant cyberpunk universe where ancient mythology clashes with modern technology, players must fight their way through the dangerous depths of The Abyss after suffering a devastating defeat in New Athens. Armed with an ever-changing arsenal of weapons and abilities, you’ll face deadly enemies, powerful bosses and unpredictable challenges as you seek vengeance against the gods. With fast-paced combat, colourful pixel-art visuals and the addictive nature of roguelike progression, every attempt offers fresh opportunities to experiment with different strategies and combinations. Death is inevitable, but each failure brings another chance to return stronger, push further and uncover the secrets lurking within The Abyss. After all, what’s one more run when revenge is on the line?
Battlefield 6 (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 13
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Prepare to enter the battlefield and experience the chaos of modern warfare in Battlefield 6, delivering explosive action, intense firefights and large-scale battles where destruction plays a crucial role in every encounter. Whether you’re engaging enemies in frantic close-quarters combat, coordinating tactical assaults with your squad or turning the surrounding environment into rubble, every battle promises an unpredictable experience. EA Play members can enhance their experience with the EA Play Deployment Pack, the Season 5 EA Play Pack and additional seasonal rewards. Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can take advantage of their included EA Play membership, unlocking these exclusive benefits alongside a 10% discount on eligible EA digital purchases. With plenty of rewards up for grabs, there’s even more reason to gear up, assemble your squad and head into the action.
Deep Dish Dungeon (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 13
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Venture into the mysterious depths of Deep Dish Dungeon, a charming survival exploration adventure that combines dungeon crawling, crafting and Metroidvania-inspired gameplay. Players must navigate a carefully handcrafted labyrinth filled with challenging puzzles, hidden secrets and unexpected dangers lurking around every corner. As you explore deeper into the unknown, you’ll need to gather valuable resources, craft essential equipment and use your surroundings to overcome the obstacles standing in your way. Whether you prefer tackling the dungeon alone or teaming up with friends through online co-operative multiplayer, every expedition offers new opportunities to uncover mysteries and discover what lies beneath the surface. With its intriguing blend of exploration, survival mechanics and puzzle-solving, Deep Dish Dungeon promises an adventure that rewards curiosity, creativity and a little bit of courage.
Bluey’s Happy Snaps (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – October 15
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Get ready for a colourful adventure with everyone’s favourite Australian Blue Heeler in Bluey’s Happy Snaps, a charming photography-focused experience that brings the beloved animated series to life. Players can join Bluey and her younger sister Bingo as they explore familiar locations from the show, capture special memories and discover the wonderful wildlife of Australia. Armed with a camera and plenty of imagination, you’ll be encouraged to explore your surroundings, uncover delightful surprises and photograph memorable moments along the way. Whether you’re enjoying the adventure alone or teaming up with a friend or family member in two-player co-operative gameplay, Bluey’s Happy Snaps offers a relaxing and playful experience suitable for all ages. With its colourful environments, familiar characters and activities designed to inspire creativity beyond the screen, this family-friendly adventure promises plenty of fun for younger players and fans of the popular television series.
Available day one with Xbox Game Pass
Chained Beasts (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 15
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Prepare for absolute mayhem in Chained Beasts, a chaotic gladiator roguelike where teamwork is essential, especially when you’re physically chained to your friends. Supporting up to four players in co-operative multiplayer, this brutal arena-based adventure throws you into relentless battles against dangerous enemies and formidable bosses, all while entertaining a bloodthirsty crowd. However, your chains aren’t just there to hold you back, as they can become powerful weapons when used creatively alongside the environment to outsmart and overpower your opponents. As the battles intensify, players must deal with physical injuries, mental strain and unpredictable challenges that could bring their journey to a painful end. Combining strategic teamwork, inventive combat and the unpredictable nature of roguelike gameplay, Chained Beasts promises an entertaining experience where surviving the arena is difficult enough without your teammates dragging you into even more trouble.
Beyond These Stars (PC) – October 16
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Take city-building to extraordinary new heights in Beyond These Stars, a charming management adventure that challenges players to establish a thriving civilisation on the back of a gigantic Space Whale. Developed by Balancing Monkey Games, players must transform their unusual travelling home into a bustling settlement while ensuring the happiness and survival of its inhabitants. However, building a city in the middle of space comes with its own challenges, as you’ll need to manage resources, establish efficient supply chains and maintain a healthy relationship with Kewa, the enormous creature carrying your civilisation across the galaxy. As your journey continues, you’ll encounter mysterious alien species, establish outposts on distant worlds and uncover fascinating secrets hidden throughout the universe. Combining strategic city management, exploration and a wonderfully imaginative setting, Beyond These Stars offers a unique experience where the possibilities are almost as endless as the stars themselves.
Available day one with Xbox Game Pass
Minecraft Dungeons II (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – Available Now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Prepare to embark on another blocky adventure filled with dangerous enemies, mysterious locations and plenty of treasure in Minecraft Dungeons II, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular dungeon-crawling action RPG. Players can venture into an entirely new dimension known as the Sift, where unexplored lands, unfamiliar creatures and deadly challenges await around every corner. Whether you’re braving the unknown alone or teaming up with friends, you’ll need to sharpen your combat skills, discover powerful equipment and experiment with new customisation options to prepare for the battles ahead. With fresh environments to explore, formidable enemies to overcome and mysterious rifts hiding untold dangers, Minecraft Dungeons II promises another action-packed journey through the ever-expanding Minecraft universe. The question is, are you brave enough to discover what lies beyond the rifts?
Gears of War: E-Day (XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, PC, and Cloud) – Available Now
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Return to the beginning of one of Xbox’s most iconic franchises in Gears of War: E-Day, a brutal third-person action adventure that explores the devastating events that changed the world of Sera forever. Set 14 years before the original Gears of War, players reunite with Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago as they face the terrifying arrival of the Locust Horde during the catastrophic events of Emergence Day. What begins as an ordinary day quickly descends into chaos as monstrous creatures erupt from beneath the surface, leaving humanity fighting desperately for survival. Featuring intense firefights, gruesome encounters and the signature cover-based combat the series is known for, Gears of War: E-Day takes players back to the horrifying origins of the Locust War. With a greater emphasis on horror, emotional storytelling and the friendship between Marcus and Dom, this prequel promises a gripping experience that showcases how one devastating day changed everything.
leaving on the 15th october
- A Plague Tale: Requiem (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Crime Scene Cleaner (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Donut County (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Evil West (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Nova Roma (Game Preview) (PC)
- Pacific Drive (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- Superball (Cloud, Console, and PC)
- The Casting of Frank Stone (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Owner of Indie Critical. I’m passionate about highlighting independent voices in film, games, and culture. I focus on honest, thoughtful reviews and love helping great indie projects get the recognition they deserve. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m probably diving into the latest hidden gem or discovering the next big thing in the indie scene.
Written by
Lewis Langton
