As of this writing, only two new games are confirmed to be coming Xbox Game Pass in January 2026. 2025 was one of the biggest years in Xbox Game Pass history, but it likely left many subscribers with mixed feelings. On one hand, Xbox Game Pass got some of its best games ever in 2025, but on the other hand, Microsoft also raised the price of the Ultimate tier from $19.99 per month to $29.99 per month.
Whether or not Xbox Game Pass is still worth it after the price hike depends on exactly what you want out of it. If you're someone who would otherwise buy the new games added to Xbox Game Pass, then the service will likely pay for itself even with the price increase. If you're someone who only plays a Game Pass game once in a while, you might want to be more selective with the months you're signed up for it. Regardless, there's no denying that Microsoft is making a big effort to ensure there's a steady pipeline of high-quality games for Game Pass, with even more day one titles on the way to justify the price hike.
The four biggest Xbox Game Pass games of 2026 are just the tip of the iceberg
Four massive Xbox Game Pass games are already on deck for 2026, with many more games expected to join the service next year as well.
When it comes to the Xbox Game Pass January 2026 lineup, much of it is still a mystery. Microsoft will likely reveal more about its Xbox Game Pass January 2026 plans sometime in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, we know of at least two titles that are on the way. Mio: Memories in Orbit will join Xbox Game Pass on January 20, while Nova Roma will join the service on January 22.
List of new Xbox Game Pass games coming in January 2026
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Mio: Memories in Orbit – January 20
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Nova Roma (PC) – January 22
For those unfamiliar with the games, Mio: Memories in Orbit is one of the first notable new game releases of 2026. A sci-fi Metroidvania, Mio has players exploring “a vast technological ark” filled with deadly machines. In typical Metroidvania fashion, players must acquire new upgrades to expand their combat and exploration capabilities as they make their way through the game's visually stunning world. Metroidvania fans should definitely mark their calendars for Mio: Memories in Orbitand those with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription will be able to play through the game in its entirety without paying anything beyond their normal fee.
Nova Romaat the same time, offers something completely different. Nova Roma is a city builder where players build a Roman city. Managing the city is part of the equation, but players must also manage Roman gods. Offending the gods can have major consequences, which adds an interesting wrinkle to the city builder formula. Nova Roma is only confirmed for PC, so Game Pass subscribers on Xbox consoles need to keep that in mind.
Other Xbox Game Pass games are coming in 2026
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MENACE (PC) – February 5
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High on Life 2 – 13 February
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Death Howl (Xbox Series X) – February 19
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Exchange – March 12
In addition Mio: Memories in Orbit and Nova Romathere are only four other Xbox Game Pass games with specific release dates confirmed for 2026 so far. There is THREAT on February 5, High on Life 2 on February 13, Death Howl on February 19 and Replaced on March 12.
THREAT is a turn-based sci-fi tactics game from the developers of Battle Brothersand it will launch in Early Access on February 5th on PC. PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to play it on PC that day, but those on consoles will have to wait until sometime later.
The original High on life was a great first-time Xbox Game Pass game, so it's only fitting that the sequel also debuts as a first release on the service. High on Life 2 will deliver more of the same kind of wacky sci-fi first-person shooter gameplay that the first game did, and it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. It's one of my most anticipated Game Pass games of 2026, and I can't wait to play it.
Death Howl is a tough card game currently available to PC Game Pass subscribers. Console gamers on Xbox Series X/S will get to see what all the fuss is about for themselves on February 19th.
Finally, Replaced coming to Xbox Game Pass on March 12th. An action platformer that Game Pass subscribers have been waiting for ages, the long way to go Replaced is almost over and if it lives up to the hype it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest new Game Pass releases of the year.
There are plenty of other Game Pass games with TBA 2026 release dates written in, including four massive titles from Microsoft itself. Forza Horizon 6the Fable restart, Gears of War: E-Dayand Halo 1 remake are all slated for release in 2026 as a way to help celebrate the Xbox's 25th anniversary. More information on these games and other titles may well come at the Xbox Developer Direct in January, so stay tuned for more information on that front.
