Microsoft has unveiled the first wave of games coming to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service in 2026, setting a high bar for the year with a collection of major AAA titles, beloved remasters, and a notable day-one launch. This announcement, made on January 6, 2026, details a staggered rollout of 11 games throughout the month, headlined by Ubisoft's open-world Star Wars Outlaws and Capcom's critically acclaimed survival horror title Resident Evil Village. The lineup offers a diverse mix of genres, ensuring there's something for every type of gamer, from action-adventure fans to those seeking indie metroidvanias.
Xbox Game Pass January 2026 Additions (Wave 1):
| Game Title | Release Date (Jan 2026) | Available On (Platforms) | Game Pass Tier(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brews & Bastards | 6th | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X | S |
| Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition | 6th | Cloud, Handheld, PC, Xbox Series X | S |
| Atomfall | 7th | Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC | Premium |
| Lost in Random: The Eternal Die | 7th | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, Handheld, PC |
| Rematch | 7th | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X | S |
| Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition | 7th | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X | S |
| Final Fantasy (2D Remake) | 8th | Cloud, Xbox Series X | S, PC |
| Star Wars Outlaws | 13th | Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X | S |
| My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery | 15th | Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| Resident Evil Village | 20th | Cloud, Console, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC |
| MIO: Memories in Orbit (Day-One Launch) | 20th | Cloud, Handheld, PC, Xbox Series X | S |
A Staggered Rollout of Major Titles
The January additions are not arriving all at once but are being released in batches from January 6 through January 20. The service kicks off immediately with the twin-stick shooter Brews & Bastards and the enhanced edition of the atmospheric puzzle-platformer Little Nightmares. The following days see a significant influx of games, including Rebellion's post-apocalyptic adventure Atomfall and the definitive Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition. This phased approach helps maintain engagement throughout the month and gives subscribers new content to anticipate regularly.
The Headline Acts: Star Wars and Resident Evil
The most significant draws for many subscribers will be the two major AAA releases. Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft's ambitious open-world game set in the galaxy far, far away, joins the service on January 13, available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Shortly after, on January 20, Resident Evil Village brings its chilling first-person horror to the catalog. The timing is particularly strategic, as it builds anticipation for the upcoming release of Resident Evil Requiem the following month, potentially using Game Pass as a funnel to the sequel.
Tiered Access and Day-One Launches
This month's announcement also highlights the continued evolution of Game Pass's tiered structure. Several titles, including Atomfall and Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, are noted as being newly available for the second-tier Game Pass Premium subscribers, expanding access beyond the top Ultimate tier. Furthermore, the month features a day-one launch with MIO: Memories in Orbit, a new metroidvania from Focus Entertainment. Including new releases at launch remains a core value proposition for Game Pass, offering subscribers immediate access to fresh content.
Games Departing the Service
As is standard with the service, new arrivals mean some titles must leave. On January 15, 2026, five games will exit the Game Pass library. The departing list includes the stylish action-platformer Neon White, the soulslite Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, the narrative road-trip game Road 96, the cyberpunk action-RPG The Ascent, and the festive The Grinch Christmas Adventures. Subscribers are reminded that they can purchase these games at a discount before they leave, a standard practice to ease the transition.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass on January 15, 2026:
- Neon White (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC)
- Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn (Cloud, Handheld, PC, Xbox Series X|S)
- Road 96 (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC)
- The Ascent (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC)
- The Grinch Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC)
Setting the Tone for 2026
Microsoft has labeled this announcement as "Wave 1" for January, implying that more games could be confirmed later in the month. By starting the year with such a strong and varied lineup, Microsoft clearly aims to reinforce the value of Game Pass and retain its subscriber base. The inclusion of major third-party franchises like Star Wars and Resident Evil demonstrates the service's pulling power and sets a competitive tone for the subscription wars in 2026. For gamers, it signals another year of high-value, diverse gaming accessible through a single subscription.