January 2025 is serving up a second helping of Game Pass goodness, proving that your backlog will never truly be conquered. With a fresh wave of titles hitting the service (on top of the ones from last week, which you probably haven’t even downloaded yet), you can officially kiss your free time goodbye. But hey, at least you’ll be broke and entertained, right?
And if this wasn’t enough to get you hyped, remember that Thursday, January 23rd brings the Xbox Developer Direct, where we’ll get a sneak peek at even more gaming delights coming our way. Consider this your appetizer for the main course.
New Games Galore! (Just What You Needed)
This month sees the usual eclectic mix of genres arriving on Game Pass, guaranteeing that at least one of these games will tempt you away from that RPG you swore you’d finish this year. Here’s a taste of what’s coming to steal your precious hours:
Available Now:
- Lonely Mountain: Snow Riders (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S): Apparently, hurtling down a mountain at breakneck speed is relaxing. Who knew? Embrace the thrill of downhill mountain biking in this snowy sequel, and try not to break any virtual bones (or controllers) in the process. Available with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Coming Soon (aka, “Prepare to Be Overwhelmed”):
- Flock (Console – January 22nd): Tired of the real world? Escape to a whimsical land where you can fly around and collect adorable creatures with your friends. Because who needs therapy when you have fluffy flying companions? Available with Game Pass Standard.
- Gigantic: Rampage Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC – January 22nd): If you’re the type who enjoys organized chaos, this 5v5 MOBA hero shooter is for you. Choose your hero, gather your team, and prepare for a battle that’s as confusing as it is exhilarating. Available with Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard.
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Console – January 22nd): For those seeking a more zen gaming experience (with a side of demon slaying), this Japanese-inspired action strategy game offers a unique blend of purification rituals and nighttime battles against hordes of monstrous creatures. Available with Game Pass Standard.
- Magical Delicacy (Console – January 22nd): Ever wished you could run a magical bakery? Well, now you can (sort of). Cook up fantastical treats and deliver them to quirky townsfolk in this charming pixel art platformer. Just try not to judge them too harshly for their questionable taste in pastries. Available with Game Pass Standard.
- Tchia (Xbox Series X|S – January 22nd): Embark on a tropical adventure as Tchia, a young girl with the power to possess animals (because why not?). Explore a beautiful archipelago, climb, glide, swim, and sail your way to victory. Available with Game Pass Standard.
- The Case of the Golden Idol (Console – January 22nd): If true crime podcasts are your jam, this point-and-click detective game will be right up your alley. Unravel a dark mystery filled with curses, grisly deaths, and enough twists and turns to make your head spin. Available with Game Pass Standard.
- Starbound (Cloud and Console – January 22nd): This sandbox adventure offers the ultimate escape from reality. Explore a vast universe, colonize planets, build your dream home among the stars, and maybe even save the universe (if you’re feeling ambitious). Available with Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass Standard.
- Eternal Strands (Cloud, Console, and PC – January 28th): From the minds of veteran developers comes a new action-adventure RPG where you’ll battle epic creatures and try to prevent the world from falling apart. No pressure, right? Available with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S – January 28th): If you’ve ever fantasized about building elaborate traps to obliterate hordes of orcs, this game is your dream come true. Combine third-person shooting with strategic trap-laying in this chaotic rogue-lite. Available with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
- Shady Part of Me (Cloud, Console, and PC – January 29th): Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster in this dream-like journey where you control both a young girl and her shadow. Navigate surreal landscapes, solve puzzles, and try not to get lost in the metaphorical depths of your own mind. Available with Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard.
- Sniper Elite: Resistance (Cloud, Console, and PC – January 30th): Channel your inner marksman in this tactical shooter set in occupied France. Master the art of the headshot, engage in stealthy takedowns, and experience the thrill of long-range combat. Available with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S – January 31st): The critically acclaimed Citizen Sleeper returns with a new dice-driven RPG adventure. As an escaped android with a malfunctioning body and no memory, you’ll need all the luck you can get to survive in this captivating sci-fi world. Available with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
- Far Cry New Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC – February 4th): Hope County is back, baby! But this time, it’s got a post-apocalyptic makeover. Explore a vibrant, mutated world, fight off highwaymen, and try to restore some semblance of order to this chaotic landscape. Available with Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard.
Don’t Miss These Updates! (Because Who Needs New Games Anyway?)
Apparently, new games aren’t the only things arriving on Game Pass this month. Surprise! There are also updates for games you might have already forgotten about. For those still bravely battling the forces of hell in Diablo IV, the Season of Witchcraft has begun. Because who needs a relaxing vacation when you can hunt down stolen heads and embrace the power of witchcraft? And if demon slaying isn’t your thing, maybe try exploding your friends (in a virtual and non-harmful way, of course) with Valorant’s newest Agent, Tejo. Hailing from the vibrant land of Colombia, Tejo comes equipped with enough explosions and concussive blasts to make you wonder if they accidentally wandered in from a Michael Bay film. So, put those new game downloads on hold for a moment and check out these “thrilling” updates! (We promise, they’re actually pretty cool.)
Game Pass Ultimate Perks (Because Being “Ultimate” Has Its Privileges)
Ultimate members, rejoice! You get even more digital goodies to hoard this month. Here’s the lowdown on the latest perks:
- Throne and Liberty: Lottie and Percy Bundle: Join the resistance in style with an exclusive outfit and a furry companion. Because nothing says “rebellion” like a fashionable wardrobe and a cuddly critter.
- EA Sports UFC 5: Bruce Lee Bundle: Unlock the inner dragon (or at least, Bruce Lee’s alter egos) in EA Sports UFC 5. Channel the legendary martial artist and unleash your fury in the octagon.
- War Thunder: Year of the Snake Bundle: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a tank and a fighter plane. Because nothing says “Happy New Year” like explosive firepower and aerial dominance.
- Enlisted: Ultimate US Starter Pack: Gear up with a premium squad of US Assaulters and show those enemies who’s boss. Because who needs diplomacy when you have superior firepower?
Saying Goodbye (So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu)
As new games arrive, we must bid farewell to some old friends (or games you downloaded and never played, let’s be honest). Be sure to check out these titles before they vanish from the Game Pass library on January 31st:
- Anuchard
- Broforce Forever
- Darkest Dungeon
- Death’s Door
- Maquette
- Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem
Follow us on social media for more gaming news and updates! Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook.