Xbox Game Pass 2025: Four Must-Watch Early Gems
I get that excited-kid feeling each time Microsoft unveils a new Xbox Game Pass lineup. Since day one, I’ve dived into razor-sharp turn-based tactics, squad-based shooters, grim survival worlds and sublime metroidvanias. With 2025 just around the corner, it’s time to spotlight the first four Game Pass drops you won’t want to miss. And yes, there are 11 more big announcements coming in our full dossier—stay tuned!
1. Metaphor: ReFantazio (Atlus) – Spring 2025
Atlus brings a gothic spin to its signature Persona formula with Metaphor: ReFantazio. Expect an ultra-deep social link system where every friendship or rivalry directly tweaks your units’ stats in tactical, turn-based clashes. Vitrail-style art and sweeping snowy vistas set a haunting scene, while hidden side-quests and a shape-shifting bestiary add layers of challenge.
« We wanted to push strategy fans to the limit—every choice matters, on and off the battlefield, » says Atlus producer Kazuhisa Wada. The potential pitfall? Newcomers may feel overwhelmed by ReFantazio’s complexity, so plan to spend hours in its menus before your first victory.
2. The Division 2 (Ubisoft) – May 2025
Ubisoft’s post-apocalyptic shooter rejoins Game Pass with its iconic Dark Zone PvEvP area, weekly raids and seasonal live events. Washington D.C.’s ruined streets are primed for intense loot runs and coordinated firefights. Gear builds, class specializations and realistic cover mechanics keep every firefight fresh—provided you’ve got a good mic and matching teammates.
« Bringing The Division 2 back to Game Pass lets us connect with a wider co-op community, » notes Ubisoft’s game director David Polfeldt. Be aware: server stability and balancing older content alongside new seasonal drops remain challenges heading into 2025.
3. The Alters (11 bit studios) – Summer 2025
The Alters by 11 bit studios blends survival and psychological drama. Stranded on a hostile world, you command “alters” embodying different psyche-driven roles: builder, guardian, healer and scout. Resource scarcities test both your supply lines and sanity, with moral choices altering your group dynamic and unlock paths.
« We’re exploring how mental health ties into survival mechanics, » explains lead designer Grzegorz Miechowski. Gamers should note The Alters can be punishingly opaque—prepare for trial-and-error and uneven difficulty spikes.
4. Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry) – Autumn 2025
Team Cherry’s follow-up to Hollow Knight stars Hornet in a sprawling, hand-crafted metroidvania. Expect surgical level design, razor-sharp combat tweaks and secrets galore. Biomes range from sunlit estates to abyssal depths, each brimming with colossal bosses and hidden lore.
« Silksong is our love letter to precision platforming, » says co-founder William Pellen. While early previews look stellar, some fans worry the late-year launch could slip into 2026—worth keeping an eye on.
These four launches underline Microsoft’s Game Pass push: premium exclusives and beloved franchises, all under one subscription. Whether you’re a tactics strategist, co-op shooter aficionado, survival thinker or metroidvania purist, 2025 kicks off on a high note. Don’t miss our full rundown on the other 11 Game Pass additions—coming soon!