Xbox Game Pass is cooking up something big for 2024, and we’re talking about 30 upcoming games that are set to keep you busy throughout the whole year. From RPG adventures to brain-teasing puzzles and action that’ll have you on the edge of your seat – it’s an absolute feast for Xbox lovers!
So, get ready to clear your calendar because these games are gearing up to be the next big thing on Xbox Game Pass.
1. Persona 3 Reload – (Feb 2, 2024)
Starting off this list, we have Persona 3 Reload, an upcoming remake of the fan-favorite Persona 3 title from 2006. This game is all about giving both new and old players a revamped experience of this classic JRPG title with enhanced visuals and quality-of-life gameplay improvements. In this game, you play as a high school student who joins the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (S.E.E.S.) to combat the army of Shadows and uncover the mysteries of the Dark Hour.
Persona 3 Reload sticks to its traditional role-playing and social simulation gameplay with overhauled graphics to keep the essence of the original while giving it some much-needed modern enhancements, including a more detailed map, user-friendly HUD, and a ton of additional activities that players can do in the Iwatodai dorm. It’s a must-play title if you are looking for an unforgettable RPG experience and it’s coming to Game Pass on February 2.
2. Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes – (Apr 23, 2024)
While we are still on the topic of JRPGs, we also have Eiyuden Chronicles Hundred Heroes. It’s a modern take on the classic JRPG experience that takes you to a fantastical world called Allraan, where you’ve got humans, beastmen, elves, and desert folks just doing their thing before a war suddenly erupts. And now, it’s up to you to save this realm from absolute chaos.
As the name already indicates, the game lets you choose from a hundred unique heroes, each with their own skills and abilities. In terms of gameplay, you’ve got the classic JRPG vibes with turn-based battles, a vast and gorgeous world to explore and magical runes to collect for supernatural powers. Eiyuden Chronicles Hundred Heroes is all set for release on Game Pass on April 23, 2024.
3. Manor Lords – (Apr 26, 2024)
Coming up next, we have Manor Lords, an upcoming medieval strategy game that lets you take control of a powerful lord tasked to oversee the growth of a new settlement. Manor Lords promises a historically accurate gameplay with tons of awesome features including gridless city-building, emphasis on resource management, and a realistic portrayal of historical warfare that adds to the game’s immersion.
It’s an engaging strategy game for those who enjoy large-scale tactical battles with complex economic and social simulation elements. You will have complete freedom to rule your kingdom but you better keep an eye out on dynamic changes in seasons, weather and even what your neighboring kingdoms are up to to better prepare yourself for whatever this medieval world has to throw at you.
4. Towerborne (first half 2024)
Then we have Towerborne, an action RPG from the creators of Banner Saga trilogy. It’s an exhilarating brawler that puts you in the shoes of Ace, a warrior sworn to protect humanity from the monsters lurking right outside the walls of Belfry. The game looks absolutely stunning with vibrant stylistic visuals and an intense combat system that has you fighting hordes of enemies with all sorts of crazy weapons.
Luckily, you are not alone – Towerborne also lets you play cooperatively with up to 3 other players for added support. But that’s far from it, you’ve got fully customizable character creation, diverse weapon styles, and even spirit companions that add depth to the overall brawler gameplay. With no fixed release date, Towerborne is expected to come out during the first half of 2024.
5. Dead Static Drive – (Q3 2024)
Now, if you are in for some real adventure, you better be ready to face the apocalypse in Dead Static Drive. It’s an upcoming “driving meets horror-survival” game that drops you into a world full of mutated monsters and strange creatures. You play as a young boy trying to find his estranged friends and family members, going from town to town, doing quests in hopes of learning their whereabouts.
Dead Static Drive reminds me of a toned-down version of Project Zomboid that puts a heavy emphasis on interpersonal dynamics, as friendships become a crucial part of surviving a society on the verge of collapse. Of course, you will still be able to do all the fun survival stuff from resource-gathering to finding a safe haven and whatnot. It’s got all the potential to become a hit zombie survival game when it drops for Xbox Game Pass.
6. S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 – (2024)
Next up on this list, we have STALKER 2, one of the most anticipated games of 2024. It’s an upcoming FPS horror game where you embark on this wild adventure through the horrifying Chornobyl Zone to find any valuable items and weapons left behind. With an eerie post-apocalyptic vibe, STALKER 2 lets you explore a world that’s filled to the brim with creepy mutant creatures and an impending sense of dread that keeps you on your toes all along.
But you are not just shooting mutants here – you’re surviving hunger, bleeding, radiation, and who knows what else. Stalker 2 follows a non-linear narrative where your choices create your path and determine the outcome of the story with multiple endings. And while we don’t have an exact release date, Stalker 2 is expected to drop as a day one Game Pass title sometime during the first quarter of 2024.
7. Lightyear: Frontier – (Early 2024)
Now, for all the farming sim enthusiasts out there, I’ve got just the game for you… Lightyear Frontier. It’s an open-world farming adventure game that brilliantly combines the relaxation of exofarming with the thrill of open-world exploration. With a vibrant retro-futuristic setting, the game lets you gather resources, find habitable lands, grow plants, and look after your very own garden in space.
With tons of unique alien plants and crops to cultivate, each with unique growth patterns and conditions, it will take quite a while before you get the hang of exofarming. But it’s not all farming; Lightyear Frontier also has you exploring the massive open world to uncover ancient secrets and alien artifacts with your trusty old tools and tractors. And the best part? You get to tag along with up to 3 friends in this farming venture of yours.
8. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn – (2024)
Then we have Flintlock The Siege of Dawn, a game that’s created a lot of hype on the internet with its impactful combat scenes. It’s an upcoming open-world action RPG title that puts you in the shoes of a brave warrior Nor Vanek, leading the army of mortals against the supreme forces of angered gods. With nothing but gunpowder and a magical creature by your side, you have to fight the undead forces sent by gods to give humanity a second chance.
And while there’s still much to learn about the game – Flintlock promises an engaging storyline with an equally impactful combat system that’s all about wrecking enemies with a combo of weapons and killer abilities. Besides the epic fights, you also get to explore a stunningly gorgeous and vast open world filled with all sorts of different environments. It’s gonna be a good one when it drops on Game Pass in 2024.
9. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – (2024)
Next up, we have Senua’s Saga Hellblade 2, the much-awaited sequel to one of THE BEST action-adventure games to ever exist. Hellblade 2 continues Senua’s journey through the brutal and savage world of Viking Hell, introducing nightmarish challenges, insane puzzles, and an emotionally charged story that builds on its predecessor’s.
For me, it’s not just a game; it’s a journey of survival through a visually stunning world of myth that lets you experience the mental trauma and struggle of a warrior in the name of love, which… you’d totally understand if you have already played the first game. And the best part? You get to dive into this epic adventure on day one with your Xbox Game Pass subscription.
10. ARA: History Untold – (2024)
Now, if you are a fan of strategy games with a knack for history, ARA History Untold might just be the perfect game for you. It’s an upcoming 4X strategy game that puts you in charge of your nation’s fate as you lead them through different eras, and fight against rival civilizations to prove you’re the top dog in the grand scheme of things.
You get to explore, build, and expand your empire through some breathtaking landscapes. But what actually sets ARA History Untold apart from other strategy games is its simultaneous turns feature that adds a layer of suspense and unpredictability to every move. The game even lets you dive into history as iconic figures, like Queen Nefertiti or George Washington, which definitely adds a unique flair to your gameplay.
12. Avowed – (2024)
Then we have Avowed, yet another epic-looking RPG title from the guys at Obsidian. In this upcoming first-person role-playing game, you step into the shoes of a fierce warrior from the Aedyr Empire, sent to investigate the mysterious plague that has taken over the region of Living Lands. Luckily, you have the means and the skills to fight this plague and the enemies that are out for your blood.
Now, it’s not a full-blown open-world game, but don’t worry, you’ve got some pretty expansive zones to explore under your feet. And by the looks of it, Avowed also offers an impactful combat system that lets you take on your rivals with magic, melee weapons, and even a trusty old pistol. Plus, you’re not completely alone in this adventure; you can recruit some NPC buddies to join your party and help you out.
13. Replaced – (2024)
Moving on, we have Replaced, a dark retro-futuristic action platformer that takes you to an alternate 1980s America where the neon-soaked streets of Phoenix City are crawling with outlaws and corruption. The game puts you in the shoes of REACH, an AI trapped inside a human body, trying to survive in a brutal society that’s gone haywire after a nuclear mishap.
Now, it might not look too fancy at first glance, but Replaced has got some super cool cinematic action with free-flow combat that lets you kick some pixelated butts in style. The game also promises a deep and meaningful storyline that revolves around topics of greed, corruption, and the struggles of being human in an AI-dominated society. So, even if you are not super into 2D platformers, I think Replaced is worth a shot.
14. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – (2024)
If you are a fan of Flight Simulator, 2024 is going to be an epic year for you because we have Microsoft’s upcoming Flight Simulator 2024 lined up as a day-one release on Game Pass. Building upon the success of its predecessor, this upcoming installment promises a career mode-style mission system that offers everything from aerial firefighting to air ambulance missions, helicopter cargo hook transport to air racing.
It’s like a dream come true for someone who wants to experience the life of a pilot without any degree. But it’s not just about the missions; Flight Simulator 2024 also introduces a fleet of new aircraft, including gliders, airships, hot air balloons, and airliners. And to make the skies more realistic, the game also introduces more dynamic features like snow, tornadoes, auroras, and even animal migration. It’s a major step up from the 2020 Flight Simulator and it’s definitely going to keep you hooked for hours!
15. Way to the Woods – (2024)
Next up, we have Way to the Woods, an upcoming 3rd person adventure game that was supposed to be released back in March 2023, but unfortunately, got pushed back to 2024. In this game, you journey as a mother deer and her fawn trying to navigate a desolate city to find their way back to the woods. It’s a short yet emotionally charged journey that has you guiding the deer through an evocative environment with challenging obstacles while making sure that you keep the fawn well-fed to strengthen the bond between the two. The game offers a sad and surreal environment that only adds to the level of immersion in this game. Way to the Woods is expected to come out in early 2024 on Game Pass.
16. Dungeons of Hinterberg – (2024)
Then we have Dungeons of Hinterberg, an adventure RPG title that puts you in the shoes of Luisa, a burnt-out law trainee taking a break from her chaotic life in the picturesque Austrian landscapes. It’s a great mix of exploration and action that lets you do everything from snowboarding down the glaciers to ziplining through lush forests and taking on challenging dungeons filled with all types of monsters.
The combat in this game is a fun blend of swordplay with fantastical abilities like conjuring snowboards and freezing enemies in jelly blocks. And when you are not fighting monsters, you are either busy solving head-scratching puzzles or talking to the locals to forge relationships and learn about their adventures. It’s a great choice for someone who loves Zelda-like games and it’s coming out in 2024.
17. Kunitsu Gami: Path of the Goddess – (2024)
Then we have Kunitsu Gami Path of the Goddess, yet another action adventure game that promises a fine combination of fast-paced combat and exhilarating battles. It’s still early to tell what this game is all about – but it’s safe to say that the story revolves around an epic clash between the spirit realm and the mortal world, where the player would play a key role in deciding the fate of two nations.
Path of Goddess is likely to offer an exciting mix of action and strategy with a fusion of combat styles to fight epic battles with fierce enemies. There’s no fixed release date but Path of the Goddess is expected to come out sometime in 2024.
18. Another Crab’s Treasure – (2024)
Now, it’s time to take a deep dive into the Ocean with Another Crab’s Treasure, an upcoming stylized action-adventure game where you take control of a cute Hermit crab on a mission to get back his lost shell. Set in the depths of an open-world Ocean, this game is all about surviving in a place where everyone bigger than you wants to chew you up. But luckily, you are not just another crab, you’ve got the skills to fight back.
Speaking of which, the souls-like combat system is where this game shines the brightest as you take on enemies many times your size. You start off with basic attacks and learn new ones as you go, which makes it easy enough for souls-like beginners to get started while keeping things equally challenging for the veteran players. And of course, there’ll be plenty of make-shift shells you can use before you get hold of the one that belongs to you.
19. ARK 2 – (Late 2024)
Next up, we have ARK 2, one of the most-awaited games on this list, and for very good reasons. Set in the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, this game puts you in the shoes of Santiago, played by none other than Vin Diesel. Ark 2 promises to redefine the whole experience of its predecessor with an array of new and improved features, including advanced character traversal mechanics, instanced rendering, and even fully stackable user-created mods.
With enhanced graphics and realistic lighting, Ark 2 offers a highly immersive game world that is filled with intricate details that make it feel much more alive. But that’s not all, the game also comes packed with an expansive skill tree, customizable weapons, and tools that add more depth to the gameplay. With no fixed release date, ARK 2 is expected to drop by the end of the year 2024.
20. Still Wakes the Deep – (Early 2024)
Next up, we have Still Wakes the Deep, a first-person narrative horror game that puts you in the shoes of an oil rig worker, who has lost all ways of communication after a brutal storm. Now, with the oil rig about to collapse, the player has to find a way to survive and brave the storm while exploring this eerie dark place for supplies with no escape in sight.
The game’s brilliance lies in its simplicity – there’s no combat, no weapons or powers, just the player’s wits and determination to survive this harrowing storm that’s bent on destroying this weakened oil rig. If you are looking for a dreadful horror experience without combat, definitely keep an eye on this one.
21. Fable – (late 2024)
Next up, we have Fable 4, the upcoming addition to the long-running Fable series. Now, I have talked about this game a couple of times before but we still don’t have a fixed release date. However, it’s expected to drop on Game Pass as a day-one release by the end of the year 2024. But unlike previous entries, Fable 4 won’t be a direct sequel to the franchise, but rather a fresh new take on the series that would take players back to the gorgeous land of Albion.
With a new team, fresh new ideas, and Forza’s iconic game engine, Fable 4 is set to take things to a whole new level. And while we still don’t know anything about the storyline or even the gameplay, we can expect a blend of open-world exploration and thrilling action with a heavy focus on character development and a compelling storyline. Guess we will have to wait for more information about the game and hopefully… not too long.
22. Pigeon Simulator – (2024)
Gamers and game developers, both seem to have developed a strange obsession with weird simulation games. And Pigeon Simulator seems to be just another equally strange addition to that long list of games. You play as a time-traveling pigeon on a wild journey to find and stop an evil goose, bent on destroying reality. But you are no saint either – you have got an arsenal of weapons at your disposal to unleash armageddon on unsuspecting civilians.
Much like the popular Goat Simulator game, this one’s all about causing chaos in the most epic ways possible. Whether it’s setting the trucks on fire with your breath or dragging civilians with your beak – you can do all kinds of crazy stuff. And the best part is, you can get your pigeon to bulk and develop more powerful abilities by eating junk. So, if you want a game with no rules and absolute chaos, keep this one in mind.
23. Everwild – (2024)
Next up, we have Everwild, yet another upcoming action-adventure game that’s been in the talks for many years now. Despite that, there’s very little we know about the game, both in terms of storyline and gameplay. However, from the looks of the early trailers, we can expect to see a gorgeous game world with a distinctive art style and a captivating focus on magic, fantastical creatures, and our relationship with them.
One of the trailers also gave us a short glimpse of a predator hunting down these creatures, which suggests we might have to confront some wild beasts as well. The characters also summon a magical being to revive a dying deer, which also points to supernatural abilities in the game. Of course, these are just speculations from my side but it’ll be a good one when it drops on Game Pass in 2024.
24. Routine – (TBD)
Next up, we have Routine, an upcoming horror survival game that was first announced over a decade ago. It has resurfaced with a new trailer and horror fans are absolutely loving it. While the specifics of the storyline still remain a mystery, the latest trailer shows a spooky, atmospheric space station infested with killer robots.
The player, potentially stuck in the Lunar Base, can be seen confronting these evil robots with his sci-fi radiation gun, which suggests there will be action to witness in the game with stealth being a crucial part of the gameplay. Anyway, the visuals look great with classic ’80s aesthetics that bump up the level of immersion and horror in the game.
25. Clockwork Revolution – (2024)
Then we have Clockwork Revolution, one of the most innovative games on this list. It’s like steampunk meets time travel in a Victorian-era city called Avalon. You’re this mysterious character messing with time and every move you make in the past messes with the present lives of the people living in the city.
Again, we don’t know what the story is all about and how it unfolds exactly, but man, the game looks awesome! The bustling city, the Victorian vibes, and the whole time manipulation thing – it’s got that unique charm that makes me want to give it a try as soon as it comes out on Game Pass next year.
26. Citizen Sleeper 2 – (TBD)
Citizen Sleeper was like a fresh breeze in the gaming world, and now, the creators are gearing up for round two with Citizen Sleeper 2 Starward Vector. This next installment in the series puts you in the shoes of another rebel Android, trying to escape the system with a wonky body, a bounty on his head, and a mind full of blanks about his past.
Your mission is to find a crew, get your ship up and running, and escape through this system-wide crisis. Citizen Sleeper 2 offers unique tabletop RPG mechanics where your fate lies on the roll of a dice set. The higher the die, the greater the chance of success in your quests. And if the first game is anything to go by, we can definitely expect yet another intense RPG experience that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end.
27. South of Midnight – (TBD)
Then we have South of Midnight, a creepy-looking adventure game that takes us on a wild ride into the mystical and mysterious American Deep South. You play Hazel, a young woman with a supernatural ability to weave magic, who embarks on this epic journey to uncover the mysteries that surround her family name.
While there’s still much to learn about the game, the Xbox Showcase trailer revealed quite a bit about the game’s eerie and dark world filled with intimidating monsters. Again, we don’t have a fixed release date but when it does release, it will be available on Game Pass day one.
28. The Outer Worlds 2 – (TBD)
I am sure you guys remember The Outer Worlds – it took the whole RPG community by storm when it first hit the market back in 2020. Guess what? We are in for yet another epic round with The Outer Worlds 2 on the horizon. The sequel promises a whole new star system, a fresh new crew, and a much more expansive open world to explore with the signature Outer Worlds vibe.
The developers are keeping everything under wraps but looking at the first game, we can definitely expect the game to build up on its choice-driven narrative with a much deeper customization and character development, kinda mirroring the classic Fallout experience. There will be new planets to explore, new people to meet and interact with, new companions to join on your thrilling ventures, and so much more. The Outer Worlds 2 will be an Xbox exclusive coming to Game Pass as a day-one release.
29. Magical Delicacy – (2024)
If you love cooking and Metroidvania, Magical Delicacy might just be the perfect game for you. It’s an exciting blend of Metroidvania exploration and wholesome cooking that puts players in the shoes of the young witch Flora. As you set up shop in the bustling harbor town of Grat, you’ll embark on a charming adventure, cooking magical dishes using carefully selected ingredients and exploring the town through casual platforming.
With tons of different ingredients and recipes, the cooking mechanics in this game offer a sense of freedom to cook up a wide variety of dishes. But it’s not just casual cooking, you also get to engage with various characters, each with unique orders and stories, adding depth to the whole experience. A perfect game for someone who wants cooking, exploration, and storytelling in one game.
30. State of Decay 3 – (Late 2024-5)
Last but not least, we have State of Decay 3, the game I’ve had my eyes on for a very long time now. And before we dive into the game itself, let me clear something up for you. The 2027 release date rumors are FAKE! Sure, there’s no official release date for the game just yet or anything, for that matter, except for a pretty short reveal trailer that was released back in 2020.
But according to what I’ve gathered about this game, Undead Labs is heavily expanding on the multiplayer side of things with a dedicated team working on it besides the one working on the single-player sandbox experience that the game has always known for. So, we can definitely expect much deeper survival gameplay elements with AAA quality and never-seen-before features that we will learn more about in the next 15-16 months.
